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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 01:14 PM
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Default hard or no start

While driving my 1989 Corvette today it seamed like the car was cutting out. This happened 3 times. After I parked it and let sit for 1/ 2 hr it wouldn't start. I sprayed starter fluid in the PVC and it started. When I put it in gear it stalled. But started back up. Any ideas where I should start looking for a problem?
Thanks in Advance
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 02:44 PM
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I'd start by checking fuel pressure first--should be 40-47 psi with key on engine off---engine idling 36-40 psi usually 38ish and steady not fluctuating.
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 04:37 PM
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The fuel pressure is at 40 psi key on and 37 psi running. Anything else I could check. It started up no problem last 4 times.
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 04:39 PM
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Now check plugs, wires, and other ignition stuff. Also make sure you have no vacuum leaks or codes stored in ECM.
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 05:30 PM
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I’ve had problems with the ignition module before. I get them at advance auto for about 10 bucks. Could this cheap parts be causing some no start.
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 05:52 PM
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Un plug MAF and see if it runs better.
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Old Jun 4, 2011 | 08:30 PM
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You can take your ignition module to auto zone and they'll test it. Un plug MAF and see if the car runs better. I've also heard of tapping it with a screwdriver while car is running to see if there's a difference.
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 02:59 PM
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I Unpluged MAF to see if it would run better. There was no change. IT Didn't run bad in the 1st place. Any other ideas?
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 03:26 PM
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Get that ignition module tested.
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by revival1
I Unpluged MAF to see if it would run better. There was no change. IT Didn't run bad in the 1st place. Any other ideas?
At this point you'll need to check fuel and spark when it won't start. Otherwise it's all a guess. If you have a fuel pressure gauge with a long enough hose, you can tape it to the windshield and watch the pressure when it's cutting out and maybe eliminate fuel as the issue.

Yes the the ignition modules do give trouble fairly often--so do ign. coils. Have you removed the distributor cap and rotor on the chance you might see something obvious ? Further I think I'd question the quality and longevity of a $10.00 ign. module.-- JMO
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 07:28 PM
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I've never changed the Ignition Coil. That means it's 22 years old. I don't think people should install parts at a problem but changing the coil might not be a bad move.
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Old Jun 5, 2011 | 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by revival1
I've never changed the Ignition Coil. That means it's 22 years old. I don't think people should install parts at a problem but changing the coil might not be a bad move.
Don't go throwing parts at it. You can test the coil too.
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