I give up.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Bogus is offering to provide you with the ability to scan your car for free, then have other forum members help read the data to find a difinative solution to your problem. At the price of free, you may want to give it a try.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Uh, not many why?
Dale, Im not against you, but you don't understand old cars?
You bought a 1987 car?
You were not willing to get to know the car and it bit you in the azz.
Do people like me? For the most part no.
Do I know a lot about cars and people? Yes.
If you would have taken the time to get to know the car, you'd be fine.
Just like the majority on this forum you bought a Corvette by accident and you'll be moving on shortly.
Best of luck to you.
Dale, Im not against you, but you don't understand old cars?
You bought a 1987 car?
You were not willing to get to know the car and it bit you in the azz.
Do people like me? For the most part no.
Do I know a lot about cars and people? Yes.
If you would have taken the time to get to know the car, you'd be fine.
Just like the majority on this forum you bought a Corvette by accident and you'll be moving on shortly.
Best of luck to you.
I know more about this car than most cars I've owned.
Your comments serve no purpose other than to pump yourself up, and make anyone who isn't in your percieved class feel inadequate. As such, they are less than helpful. A simple "I told you so" would accomplish your task and save keystrokes.
But, when not many people like you, you have to do what you have to do to feel good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 88
From: Springfield PA
Philly 'Burbs Events Coordinator
All I can say is don't give up. I recently chased a miss for 8 months and spent about 1K and about 50 man hours before I found the problem.
Invest a little in your own education and learn how these motors work, then test the components. You will find it. If all checks out OK try a new computer.
In 8 years a pro mechanic has never touched my vettes. I say and stick to the fact that I can F it up as good as any mechanic can
Invest a little in your own education and learn how these motors work, then test the components. You will find it. If all checks out OK try a new computer.
In 8 years a pro mechanic has never touched my vettes. I say and stick to the fact that I can F it up as good as any mechanic can
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
You're right. At this point I don't have a lot to lose. It's quite an offer.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
I am expecting my EASE engine management software/hardware back next week or so. If you want, I can ship it to you and you can run your own scans. All you need is a laptop. You can even return it to my friend Ken, who lives very close to you.
As an aside, when you were shopping, I was concerned about you getting an older one, just judging from your comments. I was surprised you went 87, and not 94... I stand by those observations. these older vettes are a pain in the ***, and you could be dealing with a bunged up wiring harness for all we know.
As an aside, when you were shopping, I was concerned about you getting an older one, just judging from your comments. I was surprised you went 87, and not 94... I stand by those observations. these older vettes are a pain in the ***, and you could be dealing with a bunged up wiring harness for all we know.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,303
Likes: 216
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
I think you're giving up too quick.
I've said it in some of your other posts; this is a 20+ year old car.
You're bound to run into problems you've never seen/experienced before. And unless you bought a museum piece that's hardly been driven, there'll be more. My point would be don't expect this car to operate like a newer (5 y/o or less) vehicle. I'm constantly repairing my '97 Blazer that only has 57k miles on it (Alt just went out last week).
Old cars/trucks, whatnot require maintainance, more so than a 10 y/o or newer item.
I will agree with Bogus that you should do the simple leak test on the injectors. It's not a hard process, you could probably do it in less than an hour. And you reminded ius, you have a lot of $$ in the car, you bought it from a Dealer as I recall, so it'll be hard to recoup that $$, especially is you're honest about your problems with it.
Just my $0.02
BTW, I got a compliment from Redwing76 a few days ago.
I've said it in some of your other posts; this is a 20+ year old car.
You're bound to run into problems you've never seen/experienced before. And unless you bought a museum piece that's hardly been driven, there'll be more. My point would be don't expect this car to operate like a newer (5 y/o or less) vehicle. I'm constantly repairing my '97 Blazer that only has 57k miles on it (Alt just went out last week).
Old cars/trucks, whatnot require maintainance, more so than a 10 y/o or newer item.
I will agree with Bogus that you should do the simple leak test on the injectors. It's not a hard process, you could probably do it in less than an hour. And you reminded ius, you have a lot of $$ in the car, you bought it from a Dealer as I recall, so it'll be hard to recoup that $$, especially is you're honest about your problems with it.
Just my $0.02
BTW, I got a compliment from Redwing76 a few days ago.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Like another poster said, he gets one drive day for every 8 fix days. If that's what I'm going to get with this, I did make a mistake. Oddly enough, I expected with this much time, money and effort, I'd have a car that ran more often than it didn't.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: louisville Kentucky
dale im not sure how mechanicly inclined you are but try this.put a fuel pressure gauge with a hose long enough so that you can see the pressure readings while you duplicate the problem.you need to see the pressure while youre driving the car with a load on it.auto zone loans tools sometimes.backyard guys put the gauge on,and say well its not fuel pressure.port injected systems rely on very high pressure.it also needs fuel flow.you could have pressure and not enough flow.ie..fuel filter,the "sock" or strainer,or a crimped line.many people make the mistake of over complicating the problem.they think it has to be some computer or electronic problem.start simple.the single most common problemive seen with with tpi is fuel related.not always but thats where i go first.pull youre plugs and post a pic of them.good luck.junior
im not sure who offered the scanner,but id like to buy him a beer.that was absolutely above and beyond.
im not sure who offered the scanner,but id like to buy him a beer.that was absolutely above and beyond.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,303
Likes: 216
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Ok, this is a reality check. What can I expect with this car? Maybe my expectations are wrong. Is it unreasonable to expect drive time > fix time?
Like another poster said, he gets one drive day for every 8 fix days. If that's what I'm going to get with this, I did make a mistake. Oddly enough, I expected with this much time, money and effort, I'd have a car that ran more often than it didn't.
Like another poster said, he gets one drive day for every 8 fix days. If that's what I'm going to get with this, I did make a mistake. Oddly enough, I expected with this much time, money and effort, I'd have a car that ran more often than it didn't.
I've yet to have a major problem in 5 years. I've not been stranded yet, although my clutch ran out of fluid last week. So, I'll replace the Master and Slave cylinders.
Mine is an occasional driver, and I certainly drive more than repair, but I also maintain it more than my other 3 vehicles. It gets a pretty good going over before I take it on any extended trips (>25 miles)
My last piece of advice will be as I told you before, don't expect a 20 y/o car to be a daily driver. It's not practicle. You may have bought the wrong car for the right reason, but maybe you might want to change your expectations.
You should expect to drive more than repair, but don't be unrealistic. It's an old car.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
Show a C4 to those same 1000 people and I'll bet 950 can identify it as a Corvette.
'Nuff said.
Sorry your Corvette is treating you poorly. I do feel that the problem can be easily solved if you find the right mechanic. I once owned a Trans Am that would let me down more times than it would run. Turned out the Distributor was shot. Not one of the mechanics that looked at the car checked that. Not that your Distributor is bad, but it could be something similar. Don't give up yet. I've been lucky with my '86E, it has never failed me. It was a desert car, garage kept, driven in the summer only. It's been washed more times than it has been rained on.
Last edited by All2kool; Jul 6, 2007 at 10:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Boy I wish I could help you out, my 86 did this very similar thing and it was the temp sensor on the tube that runs from the manifold to the intake, it never set codes but caused issues related to fuel delivery. Take a look. Do not give up.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
I was talking to the kid at the Monro shop today and he suggested the same thing. He has a Regal with a 3.8 in it and he races it. Very nice, very knowledgable kid. He doesn't know TPI, and freely admits that, but suggested the coolant temp sensor. He said there are 2 sensors, one for the dash display, and one for the ecm. The dash display seems to be working well. Since the ecm relies on exhaust temp and coolant temp before it goes into closed loop mode, he suggested the coolant sensor may be screwy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
[QUOTE=DaleD;1560965739]I was under the impression with my research that the L98 was simpler, and more reliable. QUOTE]
[QUOTE=DaleD;1560964604]Besides, I hate feeling dependent.QUOTE]
No shame in it! The tone in this thread (for the most part
) definitely tells me that SOMEONE will find your problem, and gladly help you do it.
Don't give up. If you're offered the scanner, but don't know how to use it or interpret it, ASK. There are a hellova lot of guys here well versed in c4 diagnosis. (Wish I could claim to be, maybe later down the road).
I hope you get at the old girl! By the way, I LOVE my 85 L98. I think once you get your intermittent problem solved, you will love yours too. 
Dale - hang tight.
I am expecting my EASE engine management software/hardware back next week or so. If you want, I can ship it to you and you can run your own scans. All you need is a laptop. You can even return it to my friend Ken, who lives very close to you.
If I was heading that way, I would take a detour and check it out.
As for bogging issues... It is fuel related.
Remove the intake plenum and runners, remove the fuel rails and put a paper cup under each injector. Then turn on the key (disconnect the distributor). Watch what each injector does... if one is drippy, you have found the problem.
As an aside, when you were shopping, I was concerned about you getting an older one, just judging from your comments. I was surprised you went 87, and not 94... I stand by those observations. these older vettes are a pain in the ***, and you could be dealing with a bunged up wiring harness for all we know.
I am expecting my EASE engine management software/hardware back next week or so. If you want, I can ship it to you and you can run your own scans. All you need is a laptop. You can even return it to my friend Ken, who lives very close to you.
If I was heading that way, I would take a detour and check it out.
As for bogging issues... It is fuel related.
Remove the intake plenum and runners, remove the fuel rails and put a paper cup under each injector. Then turn on the key (disconnect the distributor). Watch what each injector does... if one is drippy, you have found the problem.
As an aside, when you were shopping, I was concerned about you getting an older one, just judging from your comments. I was surprised you went 87, and not 94... I stand by those observations. these older vettes are a pain in the ***, and you could be dealing with a bunged up wiring harness for all we know.
No shame in it! The tone in this thread (for the most part
) definitely tells me that SOMEONE will find your problem, and gladly help you do it. Don't give up. If you're offered the scanner, but don't know how to use it or interpret it, ASK. There are a hellova lot of guys here well versed in c4 diagnosis. (Wish I could claim to be, maybe later down the road).
I hope you get at the old girl! By the way, I LOVE my 85 L98. I think once you get your intermittent problem solved, you will love yours too.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dale im not sure how mechanicly inclined you are but try this.put a fuel pressure gauge with a hose long enough so that you can see the pressure readings while you duplicate the problem.you need to see the pressure while youre driving the car with a load on
dale im not sure how mechanicly inclined you are but try this.put a fuel pressure gauge with a hose long enough so that you can see the pressure readings while you duplicate the problem.you need to see the pressure while youre driving the car with a load on
There ya go, man!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OHIO
Dale, you have to fix the car before you sell it, it really is that simple. NOBODY is going to give you what it is worth with an unresolved driveability issue. You bought an old car and once you get it sorted out you will have a nice car. You can't just give up unless you want to give the car away and lose your ***. I don't mean to be rude but you are jumping the gun. Take a deep breath, think it through before you rush out of something you searched for. It's not like it started knocking on the way home.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OHIO
Ok, this is a reality check. What can I expect with this car? Maybe my expectations are wrong. Is it unreasonable to expect drive time > fix time?
You bought a car with issues from a dealer who did nothing to it. The assclown who traded it in probably did nothing to it. The guy who inspected it looked at it and took your money. A series of unfortunate events for certain, but damn man, it's a fuel issue of some sorts. Sounds like a nice enough car, just needs some lovin
If you sell it now the guy who buys it cheap because you're frustrated will fix it and have the Corvette you wanted. Your drivetime will suck until all is corrected, once it's fixed it's fixed. My car starts everytime, runs pretty good too.
Don't sell a car over what is probably a leaking injector or a $40.00 sensor. Step away from the ledge.
You bought a car with issues from a dealer who did nothing to it. The assclown who traded it in probably did nothing to it. The guy who inspected it looked at it and took your money. A series of unfortunate events for certain, but damn man, it's a fuel issue of some sorts. Sounds like a nice enough car, just needs some lovin
If you sell it now the guy who buys it cheap because you're frustrated will fix it and have the Corvette you wanted. Your drivetime will suck until all is corrected, once it's fixed it's fixed. My car starts everytime, runs pretty good too. Don't sell a car over what is probably a leaking injector or a $40.00 sensor. Step away from the ledge.
Last edited by wayne lowry; Jul 6, 2007 at 11:28 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
I am selling the 87. It's over in the for sale section.
I worked hard trying to get this thing right. As some of you noticed I'm kind of fussy.
It has a run issue I can't fix. And the retards at the local shop have proven to be just that, retards. I'm not good enough, and I don't have good enough back up, so, it's time to go.
I took it to a backyard mechanic, he said the car was fine. Took it to a dealership, they replaced an O2 sensor that had been replaced by another dealer! Still has issues. The dealer who I took it to most recently, said he'll look at it again for free. Went for a ride with me so I could prove that it has problems. What a guy.
My latest guess is that it seems to run worse after I get on it. If I drive it around like I stole it, it seems to start to bog and choke. If I drive it normal, no issues, most of the time.
Bah.
I worked hard trying to get this thing right. As some of you noticed I'm kind of fussy.
It has a run issue I can't fix. And the retards at the local shop have proven to be just that, retards. I'm not good enough, and I don't have good enough back up, so, it's time to go.
I took it to a backyard mechanic, he said the car was fine. Took it to a dealership, they replaced an O2 sensor that had been replaced by another dealer! Still has issues. The dealer who I took it to most recently, said he'll look at it again for free. Went for a ride with me so I could prove that it has problems. What a guy.
My latest guess is that it seems to run worse after I get on it. If I drive it around like I stole it, it seems to start to bog and choke. If I drive it normal, no issues, most of the time.
Bah.
Dale
Year & Model:
1987 Coupe
Color:
White/Red
Mods:
Bone stock
Biography:
I've wanted a Corvette since I was 15. I can finally afford a C4, and I got one. Life is good.
You better read your own profile before you throw in the towel.
Last edited by JD'S WHITE 93; Jul 6, 2007 at 11:54 PM.