1990 Convertible
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville VA
Pulled the plugs and tried to fire - nothing. It tries to but it is locked up tighter than Dick's hatband. I am searching for a short block and am gathering prices for machine work to fix this motor. The only problem is 'The boss" (aka; wife). I have been "evasive" at best when she asks me about time and expense to get this thing running. I am going to have to break it to her gently. She is going to flip out. Comparing the cost outlay in relation to the value of the car isn't going to help either. I will have around $5000.00 if I have to rebuild the motor, still below the value of the car. The only problem is I just put a crate L31 in my truck a month ago. She may push me to get rid of it.
I am going to pull the pan this weekend and inspect the bottom end and see what is what. I'll post an update. If there is no update by Monday a.m., call the authorities and tell them to search the river behind my house. Just sayin...
I am going to pull the pan this weekend and inspect the bottom end and see what is what. I'll post an update. If there is no update by Monday a.m., call the authorities and tell them to search the river behind my house. Just sayin...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
When you pulled the plugs, did you try to turn it over by hand or with the starter? As mentioned earlier, remove plugs, take off serp belt, put a breaker bar and socket on harmonic balancer and try to turn it over by hand. You'll have no resistance from compression or accessories, and it should spin over relatively easily.
They don't lock up overnight for no reason. This could be as simple as a hung up starter drive gear. Don't panic yet.
They don't lock up overnight for no reason. This could be as simple as a hung up starter drive gear. Don't panic yet.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 704
Likes: 1
From: Shillington PA
When you pulled the plugs, did you try to turn it over by hand or with the starter? As mentioned earlier, remove plugs, take off serp belt, put a breaker bar and socket on harmonic balancer and try to turn it over by hand. You'll have no resistance from compression or accessories, and it should spin over relatively easily.
They don't lock up overnight for no reason. This could be as simple as a hung up starter drive gear. Don't panic yet.
They don't lock up overnight for no reason. This could be as simple as a hung up starter drive gear. Don't panic yet.
And if its stick.... make sure its in neutral....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville VA
It's an automatic and YES it is in neutral. I tried to turn it with a bar in the flywheel and it won"t turn. I was afraid to strip the threads out of the end of the crank with a socket on the balancer bolt. I did cut the drive belt off because it was rotten anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
OK, with the plugs out, we can rule out being hydrolocked from a leaking injector.
Climb under the car and remove the starter. Try to turn the engine over now by hand. If it's still seized, drop the pan, remove the main and rod bearing caps that you can (mark them) and inspect all the main and rod bearings. Report back.
They don't seize up overnight. My money is on a stuck starter drive gear.
Climb under the car and remove the starter. Try to turn the engine over now by hand. If it's still seized, drop the pan, remove the main and rod bearing caps that you can (mark them) and inspect all the main and rod bearings. Report back.
They don't seize up overnight. My money is on a stuck starter drive gear.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 704
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From: Shillington PA
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Okeechobee FL
I'm not to sure what an "injector issue" is, it could be a lot of things. More likely you have a head gasket issue. Pull all the plugs and see if it will turn over then. Odds are you'll be pumping antifreeze out of #6 or #8 cylinder (or any of them). Make sure it's antifreeze and not rusty water. If he's been having problems and just adding water, you could have other troubles if it gets below freezing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Okeechobee FL
I never had a Starting Issue, just Coolant coming out of the Exhaust pipe, and of course having to add Coolant way too often. It seems that this issue is a curse to the 1990 model. But don't get me wrong, I still love my '90. This issue usually crops up at around 80,000 miles - Mine had 94,500 miles. I had the local Chevy Dealership do the work and it was around $3,200 (heads were sent out to get resurfaced) - but it also included a new ECM, a tune up and a few other little things.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 107
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From: Mechanicsville VA
I may not be the most attractive fella in the world but I'm not a troll. The wife had me hoppin' this weekend with holiday stuff and - the dishwasher broke so I had to get another one and install it. Hopefully this week I can get a better look at it. Holidays with kids is a tough time to get garage time. I am easing the wife into accepting the cost of the repairs (whatever they may be) and she isn't upset at all really. She absolutely LOVES the car. After 20 years of racecars I guess she is happy this one doesn't have a number on the side of it. I am sorry to keep you guys waiting and I really appreciate your interest in my problem So far you guys are awesome. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Best bang for the buck out there if your **** about push & loose.
Just a heads up, they will swap ends in a wet corner if the throttle is picked up quickly.
Have you tried turning the motor backwards? A jammed bendix will release or if something is in a cylinder the motor should make almost a full revolution backwards before it locks again. If it turns backwards & locks again you will need to pull the heads. If it will not turn backwards & remains locked up a rod is probably welded to the crank.
Luck with your project.