HELP!!! '85 fuel or ignition issue?...
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Joined: May 2005
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HELP!!! '85 fuel or ignition issue?...
OK - Had some trouble with the Vette last night - it's a bone stock '85 with a 4+3. Drove home from work and it was fine. Went out to the store and it felt like it was running out of gas with a heavy load on it and the problem got progressively worse on the way home to the point where it would barely run above idle and did not like being under a load. However, once back in the driveway, it seemed to rev fine in neautral...
Thought about fuel filter or pump, and then also thought about bad distributor module or coil giving a weak spark since it would rev and hold high rpm's just fine in neutral in the driveway...
So then I went back out there to drive it around some more and get another feel for the issue - about 15 minuteslater, and it's TOTALLY FINE!!! But I'm still thinking plugged up fuel filter or dist. module going bad, but I'd love to hear ideas from people with similar issues. Thanks in advance for any help you can give! :-)
Thought about fuel filter or pump, and then also thought about bad distributor module or coil giving a weak spark since it would rev and hold high rpm's just fine in neutral in the driveway...
So then I went back out there to drive it around some more and get another feel for the issue - about 15 minuteslater, and it's TOTALLY FINE!!! But I'm still thinking plugged up fuel filter or dist. module going bad, but I'd love to hear ideas from people with similar issues. Thanks in advance for any help you can give! :-)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: eastern NC
The symptoms you're describing could be a restricted fuel filter. When was the last time you changed it? It's probably worth checking the fuel pressure on the fuel rail and seeing what it is. It shouldn't fluctuate or drop as you advance the throttle. Also remember that the fuel demand of the engine is much greater under load, so revving freely in neutral may not be a good test of the fuel supply.
Another thing to think about based on these symptoms is the condition of the catalytic converter. Since it's an 85, if it is deteriorating inside, it could be releasing debris into the exhaust system that could plug the mufflers. If it does it again, and you're convinced that fuel is not the issue, have someone rev the engine while you hold your hand behind the exhaust pipe. You should feel a strong flow of exhaust that increases as the engine revs increase. Keep in mind that the stock mufflers have only one live outlet. If the exhaust flow feels weak, it might be time to look at replacing the converter.
Good luck... GUSTO
Another thing to think about based on these symptoms is the condition of the catalytic converter. Since it's an 85, if it is deteriorating inside, it could be releasing debris into the exhaust system that could plug the mufflers. If it does it again, and you're convinced that fuel is not the issue, have someone rev the engine while you hold your hand behind the exhaust pipe. You should feel a strong flow of exhaust that increases as the engine revs increase. Keep in mind that the stock mufflers have only one live outlet. If the exhaust flow feels weak, it might be time to look at replacing the converter.
Good luck... GUSTO
Last edited by GUSTO14; Jul 15, 2005 at 05:10 PM.
