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Trouble starting back up + Fuel pump

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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 09:56 AM
  #1  
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Default Trouble starting back up + Fuel pump

Hi everyone

The following occured (couple of times):
1. Engine starts fine on the first try.
2. I drive the car about 30 minutes.
3. I park the car outside and turn it off.
4. After 1-2 minutes I try to start the engine.
5. The engine doesn't turn.
6. After 2-3 tries it does turn, but not easy.
7. I floor the throttle pedal and turn the key.
8. The engine starts again, and it runs fine...

What is the problem here? I have no idea.


ALSO:
My work on the front suspension is still not done, so the front of the car is still in the air and I have lots of space.
Should I replace the fuel pump? (It seems original.) Or should I leave it alone?


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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 10:37 AM
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Just to clarify..
#5 / 6 it cranks slowly? Or cranks over ok and just does not start? Timing off?

no i would not just replace fuel pump, especially now. Test it if needed.
year? Ambient temperature when it happened?
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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by interpon
Just to clarify..
#5 / 6 it cranks slowly? Or cranks over ok and just does not start? Timing off?

no i would not just replace fuel pump, especially now. Test it if needed.
year? Ambient temperature when it happened?
- It cranks slowly.
Specs: 1977 - L48 - No emissions (all deleted) - original Qjet - HEI - TH350 - true dual with headers.
Degrees when it happened (several days): 70-80 °F

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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 01:24 PM
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Maybe the bascs first?
cables all clean and tight, battery ok.
not runing too hot? Or maybe timing off?
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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 02:38 PM
  #5  
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Does your '77 have the 'starter extension harness'?
If yes, then check the connection from the starter to the top plug.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/instant...sion%20harness
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Old Mar 18, 2023 | 07:10 PM
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Looks like one of the fuel lines is ready to start a fire.
And one hose clamp is just sleeping there.

I would toss all three clamps and look on European EBay for stainless clamps that do not damage the rubber. Usually found associated with fuel injection parts.
They are a little more money but a much better design.

Your hard cranking issue sounds like starter "heat-soak". More specifically, Solenoid heat soak.
Is a heat shield used on your car? Excessive heat, which C3s have plenty of, like to fry those solenoids. Contacts inside may or may not make the circuit complete.
A fairly simple fix if your starter is still in good condition, is to swap out the solenoid only. But instead of a cheap stock unit look for a brown end cap which signifies its ceramic. That style handles the heat much better, double the money.

A starter blanket or wrap, made of heat resistant material is an excellent replacement for the stock shield.

Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Mar 18, 2023 at 07:18 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2023 | 05:38 AM
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I have a 77. Factory starter. 2 1/2 inch exhaust. Exhaust is maybe 6mm from factory heat shield.
No issues. Is your factory heat shield in place?
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Old Apr 2, 2023 | 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
I have a 77. Factory starter. 2 1/2 inch exhaust. Exhaust is maybe 6mm from factory heat shield.
No issues. Is your factory heat shield in place?
Heat shields are in place.
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