My brother has a 1992 Corvette 6-speed. It has the Stingray emblem on the vehicle, not sure if it is that style. He has been having alot of issues with this vehicle. He has an electrical drain that, we believe, is coming from the interior lighting that does not shut off. I haven't stood there to see it myself, just taking my brother's word for it. He has replaced the battery 3 times and the alternator is a brand new one. He also has an oil leak but does not know where the leak is as there is no puddle on the ground and the anti-freeze is of normal color. In his infinite wisdom, he let his Navy crew mates (helicopter mechanics) attempt to solve his issues by tearing up the interior. Wires everywhere. Any one that can offer some sound advice as to the issues presented are appreciated. I have some mechanical training, but would rather have someone more qualified work on this vehicle. He is ready to sell the thing, but I would love for him to keep it.

 

He hasn't turned the light switch so the interior lights stay on, has he?
Put it in a dark garage and get a mirror and check out things like the interior lights and hood light to insure they're shutting off.

If it is the interior lights, there's a 'light delay relay' in my 86 that's up under the dash on the passenger side. Mine is burn out so the interior lights only go on if you turn the headlight switch to turn on the interior lights. I'm guessing (notice I said guessing) if it's removed it will disable the interior lights. If that solves it then I'd suspect it's either the headlight switch is on or one of the door switches is stuck on. I have a convertible so I don't know if the rear has a switch or not but that also is worth checking.

If it's the hood lights, you can either unhook them or there are kits to add a switch to them under the hood. Those are controlled by a mercury switch I believe.

Good luck

 

Do a parasitic drain test. This will locate which circuit is remaining 'on'. Google it and you can learn how to perform the test.

The oil leak is very likely at the back of the engine, above the bell housing and behind the intake manifold. Either the silicone on the china wall between the engine block and intake manifold is not sealing or the oil pressure sensor which is located back there is known to leak. It's difficult to see so I suggest an observation mirror and a bright flashlight. Good luck.

Post your findings back here. Take it easy - Ozz

 

on the leaks. Feel the back of the intake. See if you have oil on your finger.

For now, I would disconnect the battery, or pull the interior light fuses. Of course, make sure doors are fully shut, and if the dimmer switch is all the way up.

 

Have the chopper mechanics test the door jamb switches to make sure they are not stuck "on" all the time. There is a relay under the right side of the dash that controls the courtesy light timing also. You can get pre-tested, guaranteed parts to replace them from www.vette2vette.com

 

Check the light on the mirror behind the sun visor isn't on for some reason..

 

OK, lets analyze this -

'my brother has a 92 corvette w/ a 6 speed. it has a stingray emblem - not sure if it's that style." sounds like someone just slapped a stingray emblem on the car. for the most part, no big deal. there were only three styles in 92 - coupe, convertible, and a ZR-1 which would be a coupe.

if the interior lighting does not shut off, that IS an electrical drain. as pointed out, the first thing you need to do is check the small lever-arm on the left side of the light switch ****. if it's rotated in the full up position, the interior lights will stay on. if it's in the normal position, the interior lighting circuit needs to be isolated. relays and door jamb switches are all good suggestions, but at this point, might as well dig out the FSM.

why would your brother replace the battery 3X's - ??? did your brother also replace the alternator or was it new when he purchased the car? if your brother replaced it, then why?

you say he has an oil leak, but there's no puddle on the ground. how do you know there's an oil leak? is there some other visual indication, or is the dipstick reading indicating a loss of oil, or what, and why did you say the antifreeze is normal color - did you suspect oil was leaking into the cooling system - ???

wires everywhere - ??? - did these, so called, "helicopter mechanics" tear up the interior, and just leave it, or what? explain. for the most part, aviation mechanics don't work that way. they are, and should be, very systematic and detailed oriented. were these guys, hardware mechanics, or avionics specialists? I don't know about you, but the phrase "wires everywhere" scares the crap out of me!

no flames, but everything in your post sounds a little "helter-skelter" things are all over the place. sounds like folks are shooting blindly from the hip, and nobody's identified the target.

 

<<< is an X Army Helicopter mechanic ( Hueys). Hint Hint, a 5/16 closed ended wrench fits the battery cable bolt. Disconnect the battery cable (negative)when car is to sit for long periods. Not a fix but keeps you from walking until it is fixed. BTW, what part of the country you guys in? A member of the forum may help if bribed with beer..