Hey all, i have a 1989 vert 6 speed it was left to me the car hasent been started in exactly one year. I repalced the battery, i knew it was dead. i go to start the car, but it just wont turn over... its cranking but it just wont start. I put some fresh gas in it, still a no go. I probably should of stored it better, It just wasnt one of my priotities, on the plus side im only 24 and have a daily driver 03 mustang my insurance on the vette is only 800 a yr witch is sweeeet for some one my age living 1/2hr from NYC...

Any suggestions on what i can try or, what u tihnk is wrong w/ it.. As of now its getting towed on monday to my mechanic.. The car only has 34,500 miles on it...

I had my bro try and start it, the belts are turning and the throttle cables are moving.. seems like its just not getting a spark or gas or
thanks....

 

Cracked distributor cap?

You could pull a spark plug wire, insert a paper clip, and check for spark (just be careful).

 

If the car sat for one year without putting in any gas preservative, there is a chance that the gas you had in the tank and engine, etc. gummed up. Run some Seafoam through your car and it might do the trick. If you don't know what it is, go to an auto parts store and ask for some. They should have it and if they don't, they should be able to tell you where to get some.

 

From my 86 manual
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf

 

To check for fuel at the rail, install a gauge onto the Schraeder valve and turn on the key. You should see fuel pressure jump to mid 40psi range.

To check for spark I prefer to clip a timing light onto a spark plug wire and watch for flashes as someone cranks the engine.

I tend to agree that over a year the fuel has likely deteriorated and you may need a major cleaning. In that case pull the injectors and sent them to Rich at Cruzin Performance, link on my site.

 

It's likely bad fuel. But could be a number of things. Start by checking for spark and fuel pressure, that should at least narrow down your search to which system is causing the problem. From there, it shouldn't be too difficult to find the culprit and get it fixed.

 

thaks for all the suggestions, I tihnk I might just leave it to my mechanic i dont wanan start playing w/ this car, screwing w/ my stang is one thing, i dont feel comfortable messingn w/ the vette...

I just hope whatever it is its not to much $$$$ to fix, i had a feeling it was bad fuel.. Sux cuz last yr i didnt drive th ecar rtie before i put it away for the year i replaced the maf and the ecu, that ran me like $700

This wonnt happen again once I get the car fixed up, its gonan be driven once or twice a week all year and if i take it off the road in the winter im going to store it properly...

I was gunan get gears for my stang but i guess its a better idea to dump the $1,000 into fixing up thwe vette and doin what it needs. I love that damn car, xcept reverse is sucha bitch to get into w/ the 6 speed

 

You'll work on your 03 Mustang but you don't want to turn wrenches on your 89 Corvette?? Don't be scared of it, jump right in there. If you get in the habit of going to the local mechanic for all your Vette repairs, your going to go into the poor house quick and likley get discouraged with teh car because of what it's costing you in maintenance.

Before you take it to the mechanic, just try some simple stuff. If you really feel like your getting in over your head, then call the shop. With a little know-how and the help of this forum, I bet you can get it running. There are a great bunch of guys here and a vast amount of knowledge... you just need to tap it.

A couple things... I would pick up at least a Haynes manual on your car. Preferably the factory service manuals (Helms) as they will be indispensable to you. You also may want to post in the C4 Tech section for stuff like this instead of general. You'll likley get a better response.

Do you know how to check for spark? Someone mentioned pulling a plug wire and inserting a paper clip. That will work, although i generally use a screwdriver with an insulated handle. The idea of teh timing light was a very good one. Check for spark first before you check for fuel pressure. If you get a little fuel on your manifold while your testing for pressure and then go to check your spark - you could be getting into a bit of trouble. Don't ask me how I know

If you don't have a fuel gauge, go get one. GM gave you a gift of a schrader valve right on your fuel rail that you can plug right into. Checking pressure doesn't get any easier than that. Try checking it one day on a stock crossfire system and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Ended up some hot/cold sensor was bad..That was a relief only cost me 175 bucks for the repair, inspection and oil change... My mechanic said the car is mint...I got some what I think are watermarks in the paint.. im gunna clay bar it, and hope it works...