engine missing bad. please help
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
engine missing bad. please help
Hello all, I have a 1986e Corvette
Like the title says, my engine is missing bad. When the problem started, it only happened when the engine got warmed up. It would idle fine but giving it gas would cause sputters. Now it will barely run at all.
I ordered a tune up kit from ecklers.
I replaced all of the sparkplugs, wires, air filter, rotor and distributor cap.
(Quick question) My new distributor cap only came with the plastic housing. Is this normal? I had to use the same innards that were already on the car. I also noticed that the little pole at the bottom of the distributor is a little shorter than my original.
I have not checked the ignition timing. I am trying to read up on it to learn how. I just bought a timing light today.
Anyway, my problem still exist. I have researched a few things and found out that it could be the maf sensor or fuel injection/fuel filter/fuel blah blah blah in general.
I was hoping one of you experts could help me troubleshoot or guide me to some links on troubleshooting and online how to manuals.
I have the helms manual, but not much help. I am not a mechanic, but when I bought this car, I planned on fixing it myself. (I figured a 21 year old car would have some problems, so I may as well learn how to fix them.)
Thanks for your help in advance.
Like the title says, my engine is missing bad. When the problem started, it only happened when the engine got warmed up. It would idle fine but giving it gas would cause sputters. Now it will barely run at all.
I ordered a tune up kit from ecklers.
I replaced all of the sparkplugs, wires, air filter, rotor and distributor cap.
(Quick question) My new distributor cap only came with the plastic housing. Is this normal? I had to use the same innards that were already on the car. I also noticed that the little pole at the bottom of the distributor is a little shorter than my original.
I have not checked the ignition timing. I am trying to read up on it to learn how. I just bought a timing light today.
Anyway, my problem still exist. I have researched a few things and found out that it could be the maf sensor or fuel injection/fuel filter/fuel blah blah blah in general.
I was hoping one of you experts could help me troubleshoot or guide me to some links on troubleshooting and online how to manuals.
I have the helms manual, but not much help. I am not a mechanic, but when I bought this car, I planned on fixing it myself. (I figured a 21 year old car would have some problems, so I may as well learn how to fix them.)
Thanks for your help in advance.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Somers New York
I had a intermittant problem with my 89 running like crap...I had mechanics tell me they could not figure it out! The last guy I took it to told me it was the injectors, and I replaced them all myself with Accel's. I found out its so easy to check the injectors, I can't understand why anyone that is having problems would not check them first (espcially if they have a lot of miles on 'em) so that they know where the problem isn't!! They should be 16 ohms + or - 4? (?check that number) ohms (anything under 12 would be suspected bad) You need a digital meter..(they're not too expensive at Sears) remove the connector from the top of the injector and connect the meter to the injector. If you don't get a reading change the scale the meter is set to. The whole process should not take you more than 15 minutes to check all of them.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
Hello all, I have a 1986e Corvette
Like the title says, my engine is missing bad. When the problem started, it only happened when the engine got warmed up. It would idle fine but giving it gas would cause sputters. Now it will barely run at all.
I ordered a tune up kit from ecklers.
I replaced all of the sparkplugs, wires, air filter, rotor and distributor cap.
(Quick question) My new distributor cap only came with the plastic housing. Is this normal? I had to use the same innards that were already on the car. I also noticed that the little pole at the bottom of the distributor is a little shorter than my original.
I have not checked the ignition timing. I am trying to read up on it to learn how. I just bought a timing light today.
Anyway, my problem still exist. I have researched a few things and found out that it could be the maf sensor or fuel injection/fuel filter/fuel blah blah blah in general.
I was hoping one of you experts could help me troubleshoot or guide me to some links on troubleshooting and online how to manuals.
I have the helms manual, but not much help. I am not a mechanic, but when I bought this car, I planned on fixing it myself. (I figured a 21 year old car would have some problems, so I may as well learn how to fix them.)
Thanks for your help in advance.
Like the title says, my engine is missing bad. When the problem started, it only happened when the engine got warmed up. It would idle fine but giving it gas would cause sputters. Now it will barely run at all.
I ordered a tune up kit from ecklers.
I replaced all of the sparkplugs, wires, air filter, rotor and distributor cap.
(Quick question) My new distributor cap only came with the plastic housing. Is this normal? I had to use the same innards that were already on the car. I also noticed that the little pole at the bottom of the distributor is a little shorter than my original.
I have not checked the ignition timing. I am trying to read up on it to learn how. I just bought a timing light today.
Anyway, my problem still exist. I have researched a few things and found out that it could be the maf sensor or fuel injection/fuel filter/fuel blah blah blah in general.
I was hoping one of you experts could help me troubleshoot or guide me to some links on troubleshooting and online how to manuals.
I have the helms manual, but not much help. I am not a mechanic, but when I bought this car, I planned on fixing it myself. (I figured a 21 year old car would have some problems, so I may as well learn how to fix them.)
Thanks for your help in advance.
Although I do not believe in swapping parts to solve a problem, Every 10 years I swap out the coil, dist module and pick up. Coils especially degrade over time. If you suspect that your distributor is origional, and never rebuilt, I suggest replacing the items I mentioned as part of the tune up. Also, closely inspect the distributor gear while it is out.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
At the risk of sounding like a smart azz, this is the first time I have heard anyone say the FSM didn't help. Allow me to suggest you go back to the manual to do some reading. A Haynes or Chilton may be a better starting point. Your distributor cap is correct, plastic is all you get. Basic question; have you pulled the trouble codes? I suspect not. That has to be step one. Good luck.
