First time poster, so go easy on me! I'm getting the classic "engine shuts off white driving" in my 82. I've read countless threads for what I was hoping could be an easy fix but nothing has worked so far. In my case, the car will start up fine but after driving a while and the engine warm, it will shut off randomly. I've noticed its usually at low speeds or in parking lots after a blip of the throttle just cruising around. Usually, it fires back up but in some cases, I have to wait about 20 minutes. I figured this could be a combination of whatever issue I'm facing and also the starter heat soak problem, although the last time it didn't start back up, I had only driven the car about 20 minutes so I don't think the starter had overheated at that point.

Based on all the threads I read, I started replacing parts without actually doing any troubleshooting (I know, terrible approach). So far -
Adjusted TPS
Replaced ECM with an 84 auto
Replaced fuel pump
Replaced ICM and reapplied thermal paste
Distributor cap (original broke)

I did have a code 42 at one point, I'm not sure if it was related or not but the 84 ECM seems to have cleared it. At this point its not throwing any codes. I also have not physically tested the fuel pressure yet or replaced the fuel filter, although I'm not totally sure its fuel related, since when it drives, it drives great. May try to test fuel pressure this weekend and see what I get. After reading this thread, I was CONVINCED my issue was the aftermarket ICM, but even with the AC Delco module, had the same issue.

I should mention I'm not a mechanic or tech, just doing some at home troubleshooting. Any help offered is greatly appreciated here!

 

Since you didn't mention it, I would stop wasting time reading all the 82 threads/posts on How To Fix your 82 and purchase the GM 82 corvette service manual. It has a lot to offer, it's not 100%, but a lot better and more accurate than reading posts. Just a suggestion, find them on fleeBay. GL

 

great point, ordering one now.

 

Factory service manual is good to have on hand. But in this case intermittent cutting out by the time you go through the flow charts and probable causes the problem goes away and everything checks out good. Generally the pickup coil in the distributor is usually the culprit in intermittent cutting out follow by the ignition coil.

 

The coil would be my first suggestion also. Had it happen just like this a few times on engines over the years. Old outboard motors especially.

 

question, does the timing need to be redone if replacing an ignition or pickup coil? I have only laying around, thinking I can pop it in there and test pretty easily if not.

 

All of my experience and limited knowledge is based on older engines. I think you have HEI, which I don’t know a lot about, but if you have a spare coil or cap with coil it should be an easy swap run.

Just be careful to keep track of the plug wires. Pull them from the old cap, plug them into the same position on the new cap, one by one.

 

What brand did you replace the ICM with? Is the distributor stock or aftermarket?

I ask because I had the same issue you did. I could drive for 20-30 minutes and it would die. Could fire it back up and after 5 minutes it would die again.

I tried swapping out the ICM with Standard Motors ICM and the same thing happened. Swapped it out with the Duralast from AutoZone and the same thing happened. I hunted down a AC Delco ICM and it's been running like a champ since. I also used Noctua thermal paste. I don't trust the thermal paste that comes with the ICMs. Just a personal preference there.

 

I was convinced at one point the ICM was the culprit, so I started with an aftermarket one and eventually got an AC Delco. Same issue.

I'm not sure if the distributor is stock or not but I'm planning to replace that next with a Cardone one I have sitting around and hope that fixes it.

 

I personally wouldn't put a Cardone anything in my C3, but that's just me. If you are planning on replacing the dizzy, go with a DUI dizzy, Davis Unified Ignition. Good product, comes complete, just drop it in, set timing with the EST wire pulled and your done.