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Hello all. I just purchased a 1996 C4 coupe LT1 engine. The pre purchase inspection revealed a couple of problems and I'm trying to gauge how serious they are. I'm planning on getting them fixed over winter but I'm wondering how driveable it is in the meantime. Here's the issues identified:
Upper/Lower ball joints leaking grease
Valve cover gaskets leaking oil
Oil pan gasket leaking
Front crankshaft seal leaking
Transmission pan gasket leaking
Evap system has incorrect purge flow
Any insight to the severity of these issues would be greatly appreciated.
All the ball joints will leak grease if someone pumps the crap out of them. All the gaskets are straightforward. It is probably not the front crank seal that is leaking but the waterpump drive seal or opti seal above it. Dan
How many miles are on it. With all the possible issues you state it leads me to think previous owner(s) may not of been performing general maintenance in a timely manner.. Knowing current miles may help in this discussion.
I have a '96 Collector's Edition LT1 with 60K miles on it. I'm a big proponent of preventative maintenance and I've had my car up on jackstands for several weeks going through every system. You didn't indicate how much fluid is leaking, but IMO any leak on a vehicle is no bueno as it almost always has downstream consequences. Gaskets are cheap, and in most cases (e.g. valve covers, transmission pan) fairly easy to fix, assuming that you wrench your own vehicle. If you do not, you'll have to factor cost in there too, because not all shops will work on these cars. So, my suggestions would be to get the transmission fluid, filter and gasket changed immediately with fresh ATF, as well as the oil pan gasket and grease the ball joints. Find out if you actually have a leaking front crank seal or if it's something else. I'd just pick up a new Purge Flow valve...they're only about $40.
One part you didn't list but one I'd strongly suggest replacing is the Ignition Control Module. If it goes out (and they do) you are totally stuck wherever you are. They are anywhere from $35-$90 and it screws into the front of the engine block with a little heat sink paste...a very simple fix. I don't know what the mileage is, but after 60K the combination of mileage and age start to wear on these cars and you'll want to consider replacing items to keep it in good running order.
To give you an idea of what I've gone through: I've changed injectors, serpentine belt, plugs, oil/filter, transmission oil/filter, fuel filter, fuel pump, thermostat, coolant with full flush, Temp Control Sensor (front engine), brake hoses changed to braided steel and full system flush, Rearend Gear Lube, Idle Air Control Valve, Ignition Control Module, Throttle Body Bypass, and probably one or two other things I've forgot. It's been a lot of work and I'm no spring chicken anymore (really more of a roaster), but I want to have as much confidence as possible when I drive and have the car working as it should.
I have a '96 Collector's Edition LT1 with 60K miles on it. I'm a big proponent of preventative maintenance and I've had my car up on jackstands for several weeks going through every system. You didn't indicate how much fluid is leaking, but IMO any leak on a vehicle is no bueno as it almost always has downstream consequences. Gaskets are cheap, and in most cases (e.g. valve covers, transmission pan) fairly easy to fix, assuming that you wrench your own vehicle. If you do not, you'll have to factor cost in there too, because not all shops will work on these cars. So, my suggestions would be to get the transmission fluid, filter and gasket changed immediately with fresh ATF, as well as the oil pan gasket and grease the ball joints. Find out if you actually have a leaking front crank seal or if it's something else. I'd just pick up a new Purge Flow valve...they're only about $40.
One part you didn't list but one I'd strongly suggest replacing is the Ignition Control Module. If it goes out (and they do) you are totally stuck wherever you are. They are anywhere from $35-$90 and it screws into the front of the engine block with a little heat sink paste...a very simple fix. I don't know what the mileage is, but after 60K the combination of mileage and age start to wear on these cars and you'll want to consider replacing items to keep it in good running order.
To give you an idea of what I've gone through: I've changed injectors, serpentine belt, plugs, oil/filter, transmission oil/filter, fuel filter, fuel pump, thermostat, coolant with full flush, Temp Control Sensor (front engine), brake hoses changed to braided steel and full system flush, Rearend Gear Lube, Idle Air Control Valve, Ignition Control Module, Throttle Body Bypass, and probably one or two other things I've forgot. It's been a lot of work and I'm no spring chicken anymore (really more of a roaster), but I want to have as much confidence as possible when I drive and have the car working as it should.
Don't replace a good working ICM. Do buy a spare and keep it in the car. It's a si.ple enough part to swap on the side of the road, unhook the connector and plug the new one in and you're back on the road.
Don't replace a good working ICM. Do buy a spare and keep it in the car. It's a si.ple enough part to swap on the side of the road, unhook the connector and plug the new one in and you're back on the road.
The problem is, these are 30 year old parts with 60k miles on them. You don't know when it'll fail but quite honestly the side of the road is not where I'd like to find out (or work on a hot engine part). What if it's late at night? Or in the.middle of a downpour? Or you're in Arizona and it's 110° outside? These are extreme examples but you get my drift. In my opinion, spending a few extra dollars on preventative maintenance on these cars just makes good sense and can save one unnevessary headaches.
Due to advice I got here I carry an extra ICM. I also carry tools to install. If beside the road you can just unplug the old and plug in the new. No reason to fully install if the conditions are bad. Dan
First Corvette - Maintinence Advice
