Anyone have this problem before?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Florida
Anyone have this problem before?
Hey Guys,
I need some help.
I have a 96 LT1 that has had two distributors put on since I bought the car 8 months ago. The first one I had put on "got wet" and the second was installed under warranty.
I recently had a two hour trip. I was doing about 70 mph when I noticed a power drop that lasted about a second. The tach then failed and the service lights for ASR and engine came on. I got home ok but the next morning the lights cleared out and it didn't want to start. I got it going and took it to the dealer. I haven't heard anything from them yet but I would like to know if anyone has had this happen before and if anyone knows what the problem may be.
These are the same symtoms that lead to the two distributors being replaced but it sounds like something may frying them. Or it may be a whole new problem.
Any advice?
Thanks
I need some help.
I have a 96 LT1 that has had two distributors put on since I bought the car 8 months ago. The first one I had put on "got wet" and the second was installed under warranty.
I recently had a two hour trip. I was doing about 70 mph when I noticed a power drop that lasted about a second. The tach then failed and the service lights for ASR and engine came on. I got home ok but the next morning the lights cleared out and it didn't want to start. I got it going and took it to the dealer. I haven't heard anything from them yet but I would like to know if anyone has had this happen before and if anyone knows what the problem may be.
These are the same symtoms that lead to the two distributors being replaced but it sounds like something may frying them. Or it may be a whole new problem.
Any advice?
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
Did you replace the water pump or at least make sure this one doesn't leak?
I have an L98 which doesn't have the optispark, but I know a coolant leak, even on cars with the improved optispark is bad news.
I have an L98 which doesn't have the optispark, but I know a coolant leak, even on cars with the improved optispark is bad news.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Florida
Thanks for the reply 80srule, I did change the waterpump and there is no evidence of leaks that I can see.
It is a pretty tight and clean Vette and normally runs great. It seems this problem comes up every few months.
It is a pretty tight and clean Vette and normally runs great. It seems this problem comes up every few months.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Doesn't really sound like an optispark failure from the symptoms you have described. But to answer the first question; yes a new opti-spark can fail, just like about anything/everything else. I had one last 6 weeks and got warranty on the part, but I had to do the job over myself, which did not please me very much.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Same issue Friday
Skirby : the very same thing happend to me on the road Friday, short power loss (fraction of a second) But continued to function, until next time I started the car. Service engine light with service asr. no speedometer, tack worked, higher rpm. Was on my way home from out of town and after 5 min, a slight klick service engine light, and asr light went off and everything returned to normal operation. Tried to start today and back to service lights on. Let me know what you find out,,,,, very strange
Bill
Bill
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
Wilco
As soon as I get back in town, I'll check that out. Have had the battery drain down several times recently, drops voltage to 11, and need to charge up to get it started. May be a part of the problem ? Bill
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Check the alternator. I had a problem with the post in the alternator of the Ruby working loose, eventually had a diode burn, replaced the alternator, then wrecked the damn thing in the rain. I still miss that car.
Inspect your wiring from the alternator and to the battery.
Inspect your wiring from the alternator and to the battery.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Florida
KJ, My problem does seem to be the Optispark. Apparently there was a vacuum hose not working that allowed moisture to build up.
I'm no mechanic so I'm at the mercy of the dealer. I'll let you know what I find out.
I'm no mechanic so I'm at the mercy of the dealer. I'll let you know what I find out.