C4 Flame out
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 43
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From: TX
C4 Flame out
I have a 1993 vette and had the engine quit three time while driving today and restarted in netural all three times> Has not done it again today. Has anyone had this problem? I was wondering could it be the dist ir coil wires getting wet with oil leak?
Le Mans Master
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I had the same thing happen to my 85 and it was the ECM overheating. It would just kill the engine, usually at a stop light. It would re-start after just a few minutes and run just fine until it got hot again, also it never did it when the temps were below 65. I'm not saying this is your problem but if you can somehow keep the ECM cooler maybe the car will stop dying and you will have found the problem without spending any $$. Are there any codes set?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I would get one of those plastic, sealed ice packs, freeze it then wrap it in an old t shirt or something like that. Place it against the ECM and take it for a spin, if it still dies then you'll have to keep looking. I'm not familiar with optisparks so maybe someone else can give you some more ideas. Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Milpitas ca
Probably not the Opti since it will feel like you are driving in an earthquake or not run at all if that was the case. You have a fuel problem? When was last time you replace fuel filter? Is it running fine when it is running? Pulling any codes?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The 93 ECM has an aluminum finned case so it should dissapate heat better than the earlier smooth steel versions. High underhood temps can be an issue with C4's but underhood temps usually kill the alternator. Your coolant temps at 219 is not bad considering the ambient air temps.
A bad Opti as mentioned, typically results in very rough running and sluggish performance. If there was oil in the Opti, I would think you would not be able to immediately re-start the motor.
I would look at a clogged fuel filter or even the possibility of the fuel pump stopping intermittently. Have the the fuel pressue checked; should be 45-48psi.
A bad Opti as mentioned, typically results in very rough running and sluggish performance. If there was oil in the Opti, I would think you would not be able to immediately re-start the motor.
I would look at a clogged fuel filter or even the possibility of the fuel pump stopping intermittently. Have the the fuel pressue checked; should be 45-48psi.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
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From: TX
I think you may be right about the fuel filter since it has not quit again although today it sputtered then ran perfect and went like a bat out of hell. I went to the auto store and purchased a new fuel filter and will put it in first thing tomorrow. Thanks for the assistance.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Originally Posted by Mastercraft
Great advice how do you get all the fuel out?
As to how to get the fuel out of the line, just pull your fuel pump fuse and start the engine, it'll die in a few seconds. Try starting it a couple more times then go ahead and change the filter. You won't get all the gas out of the line but there won't be as much and it won't be under pressure. Don't forget to replace the fuse when you're done.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: TX
Thanks I will do that. By the way where exactly is the fuel filter on a 93 Vette. Is it on the passenger side and if so towards the front or back. I should probably use ramps either on the front wheels or rear.
Last edited by Mastercraft; Apr 2, 2006 at 11:33 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The fuel filter is on the passenger side frame rail next to the catalytic converter. It is a real PITA to do and takes some time. The higher off the ground the better. Get some line wrenches to loosen the fittings. You do not want to round the heads off!!
You should relieve the fuel pressue before starting. It's best to have a near empty fuel tank too. Pull the fuel pump fuse and start the motor. Let it run till it dies and that should relieve the pressure.
Have a catch can ready when you loosen the line as there will some fuel spillage.
I don't know how good the Fram fuel filters are, but their oil filters are cheaply made and not worth using. I would go with a AC Delco filter or a WIX (NAPA) filter.
You should relieve the fuel pressue before starting. It's best to have a near empty fuel tank too. Pull the fuel pump fuse and start the motor. Let it run till it dies and that should relieve the pressure.
Have a catch can ready when you loosen the line as there will some fuel spillage.
I don't know how good the Fram fuel filters are, but their oil filters are cheaply made and not worth using. I would go with a AC Delco filter or a WIX (NAPA) filter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Not to throw you off track but after the filter(which is a PIA) if it happens again look at the coil/ICM as a possible cause.I just had the same conditions but mine went totally south in 1 day
The next time I had Jiffy Lube do it. 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2003
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From: TX
You were right even after running the engine for only a short time with the pump fuse pulled it stilled dripped, thanks to my oil drain pan I saved the floor but did get my hands soaked when I pulled it out. It did in fact correct the problem. It was so clogged I was not able to blow through the old filter.
Thanks for all your assistance.
PROBLEM SOLVED........
Thanks for all your assistance.
PROBLEM SOLVED........
