Finally Bought a Vette...
04-21-2017, 01:32 PM
#61
Racer
Their shop mechanic called and said they drove the car 15 miles and it never stalled. I said, well, the "service engine soon" light came on when it stalled on me, so there should be a code stored in the computer of the car to give you an idea of what happened.
They said they don't have the proper tool to read the car due to its age (they need a different type of reader?). Supposedly they are going to see if they can find the tool to diagnose the code. That was a few hours ago. I have a feeling they will keep it overnight again tonight.
I am thinking based on research online problems might be:
- Bad fuel pump or something related to fuel delivery
- Bad catalytic converter (the car would not "go" fast enough on an interstate ramp despite flooring it)
- Alternator....?
- Idle speed....?
The car starts great and was running strong before the stalling. I think battery voltage was normal (11-13 volts was readout while driving). The electric components of the car never failed, the car just stopped idling & engine turned off. And wouldn't respond to "flooring it."
They said they don't have the proper tool to read the car due to its age (they need a different type of reader?). Supposedly they are going to see if they can find the tool to diagnose the code. That was a few hours ago. I have a feeling they will keep it overnight again tonight.
I am thinking based on research online problems might be:
- Bad fuel pump or something related to fuel delivery
- Bad catalytic converter (the car would not "go" fast enough on an interstate ramp despite flooring it)
- Alternator....?
- Idle speed....?
The car starts great and was running strong before the stalling. I think battery voltage was normal (11-13 volts was readout while driving). The electric components of the car never failed, the car just stopped idling & engine turned off. And wouldn't respond to "flooring it."
04-21-2017, 02:28 PM
#62
I have considered low fuel or even old/bad fuel as a problem, but wouldn't the car have run out at this point? It has probably been driven 50 miles since the stalling first started.
04-24-2017, 11:35 PM
#64
I finally got my car back today!
It was well worth the wait. As agonizing as it was, the dealership took care of it and I'm happy about that. The car needed a new fuel pump and filter replaced. This was determined after ~6 hours of testing the car to reproduce the issues I had (I only had the car 6 hours the day I bought it).
Now the car runs like it's supposed to. And it is AWESOME! I've never driven a V8 before so I'm trying to be good until I learn more about how the car behaves. That said.... passing power on the interstate makes me giddy.
This car has a ton of torque from a dead stop. Just so fun.
Tomorrow morning I will have the peeling window tint removed from the glass hatch by Ziebart. I don't think I want to retint at this time. Next up is a thorough hand-washing, weather permitting. I'll update with pics if anybody is interested?
It was well worth the wait. As agonizing as it was, the dealership took care of it and I'm happy about that. The car needed a new fuel pump and filter replaced. This was determined after ~6 hours of testing the car to reproduce the issues I had (I only had the car 6 hours the day I bought it).
Now the car runs like it's supposed to. And it is AWESOME! I've never driven a V8 before so I'm trying to be good until I learn more about how the car behaves. That said.... passing power on the interstate makes me giddy.
This car has a ton of torque from a dead stop. Just so fun.Tomorrow morning I will have the peeling window tint removed from the glass hatch by Ziebart. I don't think I want to retint at this time. Next up is a thorough hand-washing, weather permitting. I'll update with pics if anybody is interested?
04-24-2017, 11:38 PM
#65
Instructor
I finally got my car back today!
It was well worth the wait. As agonizing as it was, the dealership took care of it and I'm happy about that. The car needed a new fuel pump and filter replaced. This was determined after ~6 hours of testing the car to reproduce the issues I had (I only had the car 6 hours the day I bought it).
Now the car runs like it's supposed to. And it is AWESOME! I've never driven a V8 before so I'm trying to be good until I learn more about how the car behaves. That said.... passing power on the interstate makes me giddy. This car has a ton of torque from a dead stop. Just so fun.
Tomorrow morning I will have the peeling window tint removed from the glass hatch by Ziebart. I don't think I want to retint at this time. Next up is a thorough hand-washing, weather permitting. I'll update with pics if anybody is interested?
It was well worth the wait. As agonizing as it was, the dealership took care of it and I'm happy about that. The car needed a new fuel pump and filter replaced. This was determined after ~6 hours of testing the car to reproduce the issues I had (I only had the car 6 hours the day I bought it).
Now the car runs like it's supposed to. And it is AWESOME! I've never driven a V8 before so I'm trying to be good until I learn more about how the car behaves. That said.... passing power on the interstate makes me giddy.
This car has a ton of torque from a dead stop. Just so fun.Tomorrow morning I will have the peeling window tint removed from the glass hatch by Ziebart. I don't think I want to retint at this time. Next up is a thorough hand-washing, weather permitting. I'll update with pics if anybody is interested?
Post pic's. I'd like to see your new toy.
04-25-2017, 09:33 AM
#68
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
Posts: 11,327
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I hope you enjoy many miles of smiles...
04-25-2017, 10:02 AM
#69
Le Mans Master
sINCE YUOUR NOT FAMILAR with the cars power, do not nail the throttle if you do, you will be looking at the view you just drove thru. I race my 86 at Lucas Oil Drag Strip on Test and Tune wensdays. Rain forecast for this week tho. Its between Brownsburg and Avon, off US 136, just past Clermont heading west. cost 10 to watch, 25 to race, My 86 is gold colored.
04-25-2017, 11:05 AM
#70
Instructor
Yes, you need to get to know the car first. I almost did that with mine. Went around the corner and thought I'd give it a little gas. Next then I knew, I was looking straight at the people in the lane beside me. Awkward moment lol. Took some time to get use too. 5.0l mustangs can do that, but its nothing like a Corvette.
Last edited by James84vette; 04-25-2017 at 12:40 PM.
04-25-2017, 12:43 PM
#71
Instructor
04-26-2017, 12:46 AM
#72
I've been too busy out enjoying my new ride to post about it. This will be no garage queen (though I did kick my DD out to the driveway so the Vette will be garaged). I intend to drive and enjoy this car until winter kicks in (or until the next repair 
). I want to get alignment checked out, the car can be rattly on interstate speeds. Just kind of jumpy, shaky, etc. Not all the time.
I gave it a wash today and had the peeling rear hatch tint removed by Ziebart. It took them 5 hours to get it off. They said it was really stuck on and only coming off in flakes. I'm glad I didn't bother with it myself. It's going to be pricey to retint the hatch so I will save that for some other time. I lament that the carpet will likely fade as a result of no tint.
The car doesn't seem 100% clean after washing. There are black streaky marks on the paint, I assume from the black band of trim? I was ultra gentle on it so next time I will probably try a little harder to get it cleaner. I think I need something specifically for the wheels. There is some sticky tar-like residue under the passenger door as well that needs attention. My trees kept depositing seeds and pollen all over the car as I washed it. Messy trees..
Regardless, here are some pics.
This will be no garage queen (though I did kick my DD out to the driveway so the Vette will be garaged). I intend to drive and enjoy this car until winter kicks in (or until the next repair ). I want to get alignment checked out, the car can be rattly on interstate speeds. Just kind of jumpy, shaky, etc. Not all the time.I gave it a wash today and had the peeling rear hatch tint removed by Ziebart. It took them 5 hours to get it off. They said it was really stuck on and only coming off in flakes. I'm glad I didn't bother with it myself. It's going to be pricey to retint the hatch so I will save that for some other time. I lament that the carpet will likely fade as a result of no tint.
The car doesn't seem 100% clean after washing. There are black streaky marks on the paint, I assume from the black band of trim? I was ultra gentle on it so next time I will probably try a little harder to get it cleaner. I think I need something specifically for the wheels. There is some sticky tar-like residue under the passenger door as well that needs attention. My trees kept depositing seeds and pollen all over the car as I washed it. Messy trees..
Regardless, here are some pics.
04-27-2017, 10:12 AM
#74
Drifting
As an original owner of an '86 Coupe I can tell you that you are in for some good times. I thought the mechanics and electronics were a bit intimidating at first until I got used to them. Getting a factory service manual helped a lot.
The early C4s are looked down a bit by some Corvette owners, but they are excellent cars even though they are now 30 plus years old. My coupe has close to 90K miles but many are extended interstate miles. You will find your '86 an excellent road car with great seats.
The early C4s are looked down a bit by some Corvette owners, but they are excellent cars even though they are now 30 plus years old. My coupe has close to 90K miles but many are extended interstate miles. You will find your '86 an excellent road car with great seats.
04-27-2017, 11:58 AM
#76
Thanks for your insight, abdo. I have always been drawn to the early C4's. I am glad I wound up with an 86. It has a few more safety features and I imagine some of the kinks were ironed out two years after the C4 redesign. I do wish I had airbags though.
My driver seat is actually messed up (non-power seat). The reclining function isn't working all that well. It wants to "lock" only in an upright position. I've tried fiddling with it to reset the lock mechanism. No luck yet.
The car looks better in my pictures than up-close in person. I wish the paint was a little better. It's been scuffed in a few spots. But, when you're not right up on it, the car does look very nice for its age. Some small and some bigger projects in the future. First things first will probably be the faded hood emblems replaced, front and back.
My driver seat is actually messed up (non-power seat). The reclining function isn't working all that well. It wants to "lock" only in an upright position. I've tried fiddling with it to reset the lock mechanism. No luck yet.
The car looks better in my pictures than up-close in person.
I wish the paint was a little better. It's been scuffed in a few spots. But, when you're not right up on it, the car does look very nice for its age. Some small and some bigger projects in the future. First things first will probably be the faded hood emblems replaced, front and back.
04-27-2017, 12:08 PM
#77
Instructor
Thanks for your insight, abdo. I have always been drawn to the early C4's. I am glad I wound up with an 86. It has a few more safety features and I imagine some of the kinks were ironed out two years after the C4 redesign. I do wish I had airbags though.
My driver seat is actually messed up (non-power seat). The reclining function isn't working all that well. It wants to "lock" only in an upright position. I've tried fiddling with it to reset the lock mechanism. No luck yet.
The car looks better in my pictures than up-close in person. I wish the paint was a little better. It's been scuffed in a few spots. But, when you're not right up on it, the car does look very nice for its age. Some small and some bigger projects in the future. First things first will probably be the faded hood emblems replaced, front and back.
My driver seat is actually messed up (non-power seat). The reclining function isn't working all that well. It wants to "lock" only in an upright position. I've tried fiddling with it to reset the lock mechanism. No luck yet.
The car looks better in my pictures than up-close in person.
I wish the paint was a little better. It's been scuffed in a few spots. But, when you're not right up on it, the car does look very nice for its age. Some small and some bigger projects in the future. First things first will probably be the faded hood emblems replaced, front and back.Any mods in the near future?
04-27-2017, 12:24 PM
#78
I just noticed something on my car: the black "bar" of metal that separates the targa top from the hatch glass. Is that supposed to be black? A quick google search and all I see are cars with body color instead of black on that bar. Interesting..
re: mods? Nothing in sight on that end right now. I want to have my exhaust redone, my mufflers are rusting and ugly. I'm mostly focused on making sure it is mechanically very solid. The car is 99.9% original and that's the way I like it.
BUT, my speakers don't sound so good. I would like to have those upgraded and see if I can live with the cassette stereo that came with the car. I don't know whether sound quality depends on speakers, stereo, both equally? I am also interested in eventually upgrading to an LED dash for better colors & visibility.
re: mods? Nothing in sight on that end right now. I want to have my exhaust redone, my mufflers are rusting and ugly. I'm mostly focused on making sure it is mechanically very solid. The car is 99.9% original and that's the way I like it.
BUT, my speakers don't sound so good. I would like to have those upgraded and see if I can live with the cassette stereo that came with the car. I don't know whether sound quality depends on speakers, stereo, both equally? I am also interested in eventually upgrading to an LED dash for better colors & visibility.
04-27-2017, 12:35 PM
#79
Instructor
I just noticed something on my car: the black "bar" of metal that separates the targa top from the hatch glass. Is that supposed to be black? A quick google search and all I see are cars with body color instead of black on that bar. Interesting..
re: mods? Nothing in sight on that end right now. I want to have my exhaust redone, my mufflers are rusting and ugly. I'm mostly focused on making sure it is mechanically very solid. The car is 99.9% original and that's the way I like it.
BUT, my speakers don't sound so good. I would like to have those upgraded and see if I can live with the cassette stereo that came with the car. I don't know whether sound quality depends on speakers, stereo, both equally? I am also interested in eventually upgrading to an LED dash for better colors & visibility.
re: mods? Nothing in sight on that end right now. I want to have my exhaust redone, my mufflers are rusting and ugly. I'm mostly focused on making sure it is mechanically very solid. The car is 99.9% original and that's the way I like it.
BUT, my speakers don't sound so good. I would like to have those upgraded and see if I can live with the cassette stereo that came with the car. I don't know whether sound quality depends on speakers, stereo, both equally? I am also interested in eventually upgrading to an LED dash for better colors & visibility.
Yes, it's important to have it running mechanically sound.
As for your speakers, I have the original speakers in mine and they sound great with the CD/MP3 players set up I have. I'm sure the stereo would have something to do with sound quality.
04-27-2017, 12:53 PM
#80
Advanced
Mine has an aftermarket 6 CD changer with the CD player itself hidden in the back and a fairly non-descript and stylish control console under the radio...hard to see in this pic (circled for ya), but it works and sounds great
