C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old May 30, 2003 | 09:09 PM
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Need Help

I am trying to get some advise and troubleshooting tips for my vette.
I have a 1980 corvette that will not start.
My young nephew let the motor extremely over heat, (ran it until in shut down) and now it will not start.
The motor will turn over but it just won't quite kick over, kinda just sputters a little and dies. I am getting gas at the carburetor. I changed the module, rotor, coil, and cap. If it is possible, I think it got worse. It appears to be no fire at all now. There was not much before so I am at a loss for explanations.
Any advice on were to start looking without spending a fortune bunny hopping around would be greatly appreciated.
:confused:
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Old May 30, 2003 | 09:19 PM
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isosceles
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From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

I'm sure some of the pro's will chime in.Test for spark and fuel at the cylinder. Next, I'd check timing and compression.
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Old May 30, 2003 | 09:25 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

How long after overheating did you wait before trying to crank?

I once overheated an engine, and it wouldn't start either. I let it set for about 4-hours and it was ok.

I hope this will be all that's wrong, and nothing serious.
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Old May 30, 2003 | 10:11 PM
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Re: Need Help (shotgun_000)

I waited a couple of days.
Got some advice to change the module, rotor, cap, and coil. I have been try a few weeks now no success. :nonod:
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 12:21 AM
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

OK I bought a new spark tester. It worked fine (no electrocuted Phil).
I have a good spark. What could it be? Can some one tell me how to check the timing when you can't get it started. :confused:
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 12:23 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

Here's a good place to start.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/DistributorInstall.doc

:seeya
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 12:26 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

I'm not going to venture a guess as to what may have been damaged, but I suggest pulling the spark plugs and checking them out.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 12:31 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (Rockn-Roll)

I'm not going to venture a guess as to what may have been damaged, but I suggest pulling the spark plugs and checking them out.
:iagree: Might have blown a head gasket.
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 12:49 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

More info on how it overheated would be helpful.
Did he run it out of oil? Boil the radiator? Seize the engine? Warp a head?

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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 01:10 PM
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isosceles
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From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

Good points just above. Overheating can cause a blown head gasket or worse, warped or cracked heads. Those suggestions are good: pull the plugs and look at them. If they are wet, see if it is fuel or does it smell like coolant. While they are out, run a compression check. This could indicate head gasket, warped or cracked head,ring problems, of valve train problems.

It sounds like you checked for spark, but not timing. I don't know if the timing chain could have jumped from being superheated and/or old, but a timing test would reveal it.

You can check the oil for coolant, but might be hard to see foam or milkshake color if the motor has been sitting. Also check the coolant for oil. If you can get picks of the plugs, and list the compression numbers, someone here might be able to give more advice.
I hate to hear of a Vette not running, but this is definitely the right place to turn. These guys know everything!
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Old Jun 2, 2003 | 01:26 PM
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Default Re: Need Help (isosceles)

While they are out, run a compression check.
:iagree: I came back into this thread to add that to my post, but someone already did. :cool:
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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 12:19 AM
  #12  
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Re: Need Help (Master Ho)

I believe it was only overheated due to a lack of coolant. It had started to get warm around 200d deg. and he tried to put coolant in the overflow tank without the motor running. (didn't work). I have checked to oil for coolant and the coolant for oil both checks were negative(thats good). I have noticed that the exterior of the spark plugs appear to be burned (a little black mark on each plug). I will start with the plugs next. :banghead:
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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 12:21 AM
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

I want to thank everyone for the assistance. It has been great. I am new to the site and have realy appreciated the help. Thanks again and I will let you know how it is going. :thumbs:
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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 01:35 AM
  #14  
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From: Ewa beach Hi
Default Re: Need Help (peparker)

I was able to pull number 1, 5, and seven plug.
Number 1 was dry and a nice bronse color. Numbers 5 and 7 were black and saturated with gas. I have not checked the rest it. It will have to wait until tomorrow. :(
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