I need a second opinion
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Mount Vernon IL
I need a second opinion
My father inlaws 81 vette has been dying at odd times. It will just basically shut off and then will not restart. My father inlaw has assumed this to be a fuel pump. I say ignition module or possibly coil. The oil is gasoline free and the does not stumble and runs fine otherwise but (although it has not done it with me) it just dies and then will not restart until later and then it is hit or miss.
What do you guys think.
What do you guys think.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
my dads 74 did that... we had to bubba a starter switch....has something to do with a coil or something....it gets tooo hot and shuts off then you have to wait till it cools down to start it......
b
b
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
I'm not sure if its the same as the 82 or not, but look where the wires come up from the starter, on the passenger side if there is a 6 wire plug there inspect it real good. GM didn't use weather-pack connectors back then. Mine ran fine, but wouldn't start unless I wiggled the wire harness in that area..
This is what I found on my 82.
This is what I found on my 82.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
From: COVINGTON LA
Originally Posted by onaqwst
my dads 74 did that... we had to bubba a starter switch....has something to do with a coil or something....it gets tooo hot and shuts off then you have to wait till it cools down to start it......
b
b
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by vetteonr
My money is on the ignition module. It's a cheap fix, plus, you know you have a new one. Not to mention you can upgrade it. 
That's what I was going to say. Get a good one from GM or NAPA. Some of the lesser ones can cause odd characteristics at higher rpms.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Dawg makes a very good point, that connector is a problem on a lot of cars, the engine will die and the car will not start (starter won't turn over). GM really messed up there, the connetor is too small for the amount of current going through there, it only takes a little corrosion for that connector to heat up to a point where it fails like that.
So, if it's not the module or coil check that.
So, if it's not the module or coil check that.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: Mooresville NC
Originally Posted by vetteonr
My money is on the ignition module. It's a cheap fix, plus, you know you have a new one. Not to mention you can upgrade it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by biff85ta
My father inlaws 81 vette has been dying at odd times. It will just basically shut off and then will not restart. My father inlaw has assumed this to be a fuel pump. I say ignition module or possibly coil. The oil is gasoline free and the does not stumble and runs fine otherwise but (although it has not done it with me) it just dies and then will not restart until later and then it is hit or miss.
What do you guys think.
What do you guys think.
i think the next time this happens immediately spray starter fluid down the carb and see if the car starts..........if it starts then its fuel related...if it doesn't its electrical/ignition.....my mney is on fuel related.... such as crap in the fuel line blocking flow, bad fuel pump etc...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Originally Posted by vetteonr
My money is on the ignition module. It's a cheap fix, plus, you know you have a new one. Not to mention you can upgrade it.
I had the same problem, after taking the distributor apart it needed other parts as well so I replaced it with a Proform High Performance distributor for $109.99. It has a performance module in it along with a curve kit installed and I added an Accell 45,000 volt coil. No more problems since.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Dawg is correct. About three years ago my '81 once failed to start. Of course I was away from home. Where else do these things happen.
I wasn't aware of the problem with the connector. However, while checking the wires at the starter, I shook the connector and bingo, the car started. I've since cleaned the connector and applied dielectric grease. I haven't had a problem since.
I wasn't aware of the problem with the connector. However, while checking the wires at the starter, I shook the connector and bingo, the car started. I've since cleaned the connector and applied dielectric grease. I haven't had a problem since.