How often does your C3 break down?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Twice. First time Pertronix 1 failed. Was in my driveway so I wasn’t stranded, but late for an exam. Second time when the Pertronix 2 failed. I was parked downtown, but wasn’t stuck because I had the breaker points in the glove box. I left the Pertronix module on the road so I could drive over the POS when I left. :smash: :smash: :smash:
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,601
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco CA
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (Turbo-Jet)
How often you ask? Too often for me. Most of the time it's in front of my house so it doesn't matter. Don't expect it to be your daily driver unless you commute less than ten miles, might have to limp home. Don't get me wrong, my vette is as good as any, but there's always a certain amount of upkeep and most of the time is waiting for parts. But, if you have the knowledge (and time) to fix it, it's the greatest thing in the world.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
........how often does your C3 break down (I'm most interested about the kind of breakdown that could strand you somewhere, and need a tow)...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Hey,
Some of you might have seen my thread below about the reliability of the C3's.
To all you C3 owner's out there...just out of curiosity, how often does your C3 break down (I'm most interested about the kind of breakdown that could strand you somewhere, and need a tow)...
Let's hear it!
Mike
Some of you might have seen my thread below about the reliability of the C3's.
To all you C3 owner's out there...just out of curiosity, how often does your C3 break down (I'm most interested about the kind of breakdown that could strand you somewhere, and need a tow)...
Let's hear it!
Mike
I've had dead batteries from my own stupidity....which I didnt count....and a HEI module that died fortunately in my driveway...which doesnt meet your criteria.....
My 78 is (based purely on comparison to the much newer vehicles my co-workers drive) is far more reliable than a 2003 Celica GTS, a 2001 Mitsu Eclipse GT, a 2003 BMW 3 series, and a 2001 Mercedes all of which have been in the shop at least 2-3 times since their purchase. the only time the 78 goes to the shop or is taken off-line is when I desire to have something optional done to it....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
When I first got my 79 about 2 yr ago, it broke down about every time out. Back then, everything on the car was original equipment...belts, hoses, you name it. Now, I've pretty well replaced about everything that should have been replaced 20 years ago and drive with confidence. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
I've had three official breakdowns with my C3:
1. Distributor module failure (replaced twice and finally replaced entire distributor). Roadservice required to tow to local garage for module diagnosis and replacement (costly).
2. Rocker arm loose. I attempted to drive the car on its first 2-hour trip shortly after the 1999 rebuild. Rocker nut backed off and the rocker slipped off the stud. I had no tools and the engine was hot. Roadservice required to tow to my home.
3. Right rear bearing assembly failure. The bearings melted (along with the bearing grease) and fell out on the ground. Roadservice required to tow to my home where I promptly removed both rear bearing assemblies and had them rebuilt by Van Steel (spindle of the failed assembly replaced by good used spindle).
Since that time, I have been able to diagnose and solve most problems; averting real breakdowns. That said, the car has been 'down for repairs' for 2-3 months at a time but thankfully, it's not my primary transport.
1. Distributor module failure (replaced twice and finally replaced entire distributor). Roadservice required to tow to local garage for module diagnosis and replacement (costly).
2. Rocker arm loose. I attempted to drive the car on its first 2-hour trip shortly after the 1999 rebuild. Rocker nut backed off and the rocker slipped off the stud. I had no tools and the engine was hot. Roadservice required to tow to my home.
3. Right rear bearing assembly failure. The bearings melted (along with the bearing grease) and fell out on the ground. Roadservice required to tow to my home where I promptly removed both rear bearing assemblies and had them rebuilt by Van Steel (spindle of the failed assembly replaced by good used spindle).
Since that time, I have been able to diagnose and solve most problems; averting real breakdowns. That said, the car has been 'down for repairs' for 2-3 months at a time but thankfully, it's not my primary transport.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
I've owned my '79 for 7 months now, and it only broke down and left me stranded once. It was while on the Jack78 Memorial Poker run. The ignition coil failed towards the end of the event. Good thing it did too. At that point I'd only had the car two months, and it was the longest trip I'd taken it on thus far. I was not aware of how much oil it would eat while cruising in third at 3500 - 4500 RPM for almost 200 miles. Well, by the time the coil failed I had 2&1/2 quarts of oil remaining in the pan along with metal particles. My mechanic estimated another 15 miles or so and the engine would have seized up. That coil saved my engine from complete ruin, so Zora was riding with me that Saturday afternoon. My car made it to the garage, and I made it home with the assistance of some great A.C.E./ Corvette Forum members. Since then I've tried to be on top of the car's health as much as I can be, but I always carry a cell phone and my roadside assistance. With A 25 year old C3 you never know. http://www.arizonavette.net/ace/even...pages/pr23.htm http://www.arizonavette.net/ace/even...pages/pr24.htm http://www.arizonavette.net/ace/even...pages/pr25.htm
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Holbrook NY
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (Corvette_fetish)
I did a frame up on my vette and finished it in 95. Since then, I have taken it several times on long trips and never had any problems. When they are taken care of, they are very reliable. Of course, it helps when everything is new! :jester
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
Likes: 47
SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Routine maintenance? :yesnod:
Correcting nagging 'issues'? :yesnod:
Broken down on the road: :nonod:
Only once was a temporarily stranded in the past 16k miles of driving. That's when a throttle cable that Bubba had spliced together :rolleyes: came undone. Took all of 5 minutes to re-Bubba that and head home.
Correcting nagging 'issues'? :yesnod:
Broken down on the road: :nonod:
Only once was a temporarily stranded in the past 16k miles of driving. That's when a throttle cable that Bubba had spliced together :rolleyes: came undone. Took all of 5 minutes to re-Bubba that and head home.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Kernersville Nc
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (ddecart)
My corvette never broke down on me but i went to wash the camaro off on sunday, pulled it out of the garage washed it and then went to pull it back in and it wouldn't start. The starter motor gear would try to turn over then get stuck on the flywheel. I didn't have a chance to jack it up but the flywheel looks good from what i can see. I did spray it off underneath to get the salt off from the tow down from pa though. Maybe there is water on a connection somwewhere. I will look at it next trip i make down to Nc.
Eric
Eric
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 467
Likes: 10
From: NE Georgia GA
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Mine has broken down twice now, both times related to the ignition system. The first time, a coil wire went bad. The second time, the points system closed up one side of the points, but this was back when I had the sucky Mallory 2-sets of points distributor. I've since gone and "upgraded" back to an original Delco single point-distributor, have had no problems since (knock on wood).
I'm betting that next time it does break down, it will be rear end related, because I think I'm in desperate need of rear wheel bearings.
I'm betting that next time it does break down, it will be rear end related, because I think I'm in desperate need of rear wheel bearings.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Only left me stranded twice in 10+ years: My "Z" bar broke shortly after I installed my Mcleod Street Twin clutch (I had it reinforced when it was being fixed & it will never break again :yesnod: ).
The other time the alternator stuck on full charge. I will never forget the smell of battery acid fumes as the battery was preparing to explode.
Other than that, nothing. Vettes/Chevy's are solid machines! I drive my cars hard, too (bordering on beating). Preventive maintenance is mucho important.
The key to reliability is always addressing unusual noises, smells, or leaks when they first start.
[Modified by 71coupe, 10:47 AM 2/10/2004]
The other time the alternator stuck on full charge. I will never forget the smell of battery acid fumes as the battery was preparing to explode.
Other than that, nothing. Vettes/Chevy's are solid machines! I drive my cars hard, too (bordering on beating). Preventive maintenance is mucho important.
The key to reliability is always addressing unusual noises, smells, or leaks when they first start.
[Modified by 71coupe, 10:47 AM 2/10/2004]
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (m1ke08)
Once in the nine years that I've own my 78. The distributor crapped out on the way to Carlisle. Put in an Accel blueprinted HEI and it's never let me down since (knock on wood)
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (Scorn)
You mean completely operable? I don't think there has ever been a time that my car has been 100%. It always has something broke. At least I don't ever have to worry about being a "waxer". :D :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (mrvette)
By breakdown do you mean stranded on the road or it won't start?? If you mean other things like a new leak, idle problems, new noises in the back. than its a given for me. I have only been stranded 2 times on the road Once for a water pump that gave out. ( 150,000 miles) and for a coil pick up that lost a wire. ($18.00 fix) otherwise it always seems to hobble home to where I can fix it. And that happens monthly! This month lets see? a new pwr steering hose that developed a crack that was only 2 yrs old, window regulator replaced on the pass side. Now the spring just snapped on the drivers side. Also I need to replace the door bushings due to excessive sag. I hope this is it for quite some time as I am sick wit it I tell ya :rant:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: How often does your C3 break down? (dogboy)
Once so far in 3 years ownership.
I had the drivers rear E-brake fall apart and start making a terrible clicking/metal snapping noise at 30mph. I pulled over and thats where she stopped and seize up the wheel.
I called Hagerty's roadside towing 1-800 number and had a flat bed there in 30 minutes. Had to winch it up on the flat bed with it fighting every step.
I got it home and it rolled off the flat bed and into the garage. I was pretty surprised as the wheel started to turn again. I pulled the rear rotor off and the E-brake hardware just fell to the gound.
Needless to say, the E-brake hardware is removed from both sides now. :nono:
Brent...
I had the drivers rear E-brake fall apart and start making a terrible clicking/metal snapping noise at 30mph. I pulled over and thats where she stopped and seize up the wheel.
I called Hagerty's roadside towing 1-800 number and had a flat bed there in 30 minutes. Had to winch it up on the flat bed with it fighting every step.
I got it home and it rolled off the flat bed and into the garage. I was pretty surprised as the wheel started to turn again. I pulled the rear rotor off and the E-brake hardware just fell to the gound.
Needless to say, the E-brake hardware is removed from both sides now. :nono:
Brent...