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Hello, I don't post much, but I thought I would post about some recent maintenance items I completed, as project items ( not routine ), and share that experience. I have a 1994 Base Coupe. So, I had car up on jacks with front end 1 notch higher ( for burping coolant ), I dumped all coolant, including engine block and flushed out. Replaced ALL coolant radiator and heater core hoses, eliminated throttle body coolant hoses and plugged off. Ordered a complete one piece hose for the heater core, so there is no tee straight connection fitting there, for a better clean look. Since I had the hoses off, I took advantage of that and flushed out complete power steering fluid with suction tank until all red fluid came out. Was going to install an in-line filter there, but decided not to. Reconnected PS hose to reservoir and topped off, then ops checked after. Installed new knock sensors, 180 deg. thermostat, new housing, new SS clamps, new coolant recovery bottle, new 15 psi cap and refilled system, then bled. All went well, no leaks on anything, PS was good, although not much operational change there, IMO. Took her out on long ride, she did well, temps were slightly cooler than before, and heater & A/C worked awesome. Was a happy camper. This was done in March, just got around to posting, sorry. Next project is SS brake hoses upgrade, and rear speaker amps rebuild, and also antenna mast replacing. Should be interesting. Thanks for reading, and maybe I can help someone, so if I can I certainly will.
Since reading about this issue, I basically decided to do this just to eliminate coolant passing through the TB, and experiencing any future leaks that could occur over time. This was basically put in by Chevy for up North states, to prevent freezing up of TB during winter use, and runs hot coolant through it to prevent freeze up. However, I live in Fla., and don't have that issue. I also did not like the Tee's involved with it, and have seen the Inlet Tee crack, in other Vettes, and leak out coolant. So I decided to eliminate the Tee's and have no coolant to TB, no leaks can occur there, and has a cleaner look with direct hoses to Inlet and Heater Core/Water Pump. Chevy also says by doing this, it also gives you an additional approximate 5 hp. Although you'll never know that difference while driving it. Hope that answers your question.
Well, the only thing I can say on Con is doing the extra work and hunting down the new hoses. The hoses are from a ‘95. The 95-96 models did not have the TB bypass. So I just ordered the two hoses for a 95. The rest of the hoses are for the 94. More Pro’s than Con’s, IMO. Oh, and I found the TB plugs at local Auto parts store…package labeled exactly as that, for TB bypass.
new to me 89 carvette. i partook in some maintenance stuff last weekend, myself. i noticed that the #2 spark plug hadn't been changed in what appeared to be a very long time. the other 7 only looked to be about 10 years old...
Hi, well car running great still is a good thing! Maybe that one could just be worn out, or just defective with age, especially if your car still idles good, easy to start, etc. I’m guessing you are replacing all 8 ? I would also replace the plug wires if you can, while you’re there, as well. 10 years is long time.
The plugs on mine, are original, as are the wires. I have 34k original miles. So Im sure they’ve never been replaced…yet the engine starts immediately, idles smoothly and is a strong runner on highway, and quick off the start. I still need to make that an item to do for another project, but will wait until either Optispark or water pump need replacing…or both. Those are another project. 🤪😆
yes, i replaced all 8 spark plugs. i have a set of wires here for the car but honestly the ones on it are still in great shape. the car has been inside most, if not all of its life minus the past year, they were still crisp to snap on and pliable with no damage.
i've been chasing a code 33 (maf). after great lengths of diagnosis & the help of a friend i think we narrowed it down to the maf itself. the car came with a heavily oiled k&n air filter and a very dirty/descreened maf. surprisingly it starts, idles and drives great. wide open throttle is the only hiccup.
Hi, yes, I agree with the spark plug wires. Mine are the same, great condition still, original. My car also was kept inside, probably 98% of its time, I’m guessing, as I do here also. As for the MAF, I also believe thats the problem too. A new unit would fix that code, and would still need replacing anyway, in its condition. I would also clean and redo that filter. Thats too much oil on it. I have one on mine, installed out of box, I checked my MAF, when I removed for the maintenance work, it was fine. I still cleaned it using MAF cleaner spray I bought at store.
i agree on the maf. i ordered another one. i also put an oem paper filter in the air box. maf should be here wednesday, i'm anxious to see if it clears the code and otherwise fixes the car.
Yes, I think that should fix the problem, but don’t know if it will clear the code. You may need to clear that yourself. You Tube has many vids on how to do that. Maybe you’ll get lucky and it will clear itself. So are you getting a Cat Back exhaust?
i will clear the code via battery disconnect before replacing the maf. i plan on replacing everything from the manifolds back with factory replacement parts.
Since reading about this issue, I basically decided to do this just to eliminate coolant passing through the TB, and experiencing any future leaks that could occur over time. This was basically put in by Chevy for up North states, to prevent freezing up of TB during winter use, and runs hot coolant through it to prevent freeze up. However, I live in Fla., and don't have that issue. I also did not like the Tee's involved with it, and have seen the Inlet Tee crack, in other Vettes, and leak out coolant. So I decided to eliminate the Tee's and have no coolant to TB, no leaks can occur there, and has a cleaner look with direct hoses to Inlet and Heater Core/Water Pump. Chevy also says by doing this, it also gives you an additional approximate 5 hp. Although you'll never know that difference while driving it. Hope that answers your question.
Hey C4L,
Mind posting a pic of the TB bypass. I just placed a bolt into the T portion of the hose and it's been there for years. Just doesn't look as clean as I'm sure your setup looks.
Completed some project maintenance items.
