I have a 1987 L-98, bone stock. 100,000 miles. Automatic trans. The problem is extremely hard starting. It will wheel over and over for a long time before the engine starts to catch a little...then a little more...and a little more...till it finally actually starts! After it starts it runs like a bear! If I shut it off, it will start correctly if I re-start it immediately. The more time that goes by after shutdown, the longer it takes to get it started again. Also, in the morning, after it's been shut down all night, it seems to start better upon first starting it. Mind you, it doesn't just kick over and start immediately, but it is a little quicker than when warm. I am getting 2 codes out of the ADL...codes 34 and 42. A mechanic told me a way to check the MAF is to bang on it a little while it's running and if the engine stumbles...the MAF could be bad. I did that and there was no stumble at all. Need help as this keeps running my brand new battery down and I have no confidence in the car. It seems like the computer is not getting good information and isn't giving the engine either the fuel, the spark, or both to allow it to start immediately.

Any ideas folks?

TIA,

Terry Sumner

 

A code 34 is the MAF sensor. When you can get it to run and it is running rough, disconnect the MAF sensor connector. If the idle improves, then you should replace the MAF sensor. If the idle remains rough, shut the engine off and clear codes. Restart engine and run above 2300 rpm for 1 minute. If code 34 sets, then shut off, clear codes, disconnect MAF connector , restart. Repeat 2300 rpm for 1 minute. Code 33 should set, if so , you have a faulty MAF sensor and needs replacing. If it doesn't set 33, then you could have a bad ECM or the dark green wire from the ECM to the MAF sensor connector could be grounded by being pinched or insulation abraded and touching ground. Several other problems can cause your symptoms. Original injectors were leaky and replaced under warranty by GM. Replacement injectors have a green ring on them. Good Luck.

 

I am going through the same thing with my 88 If it is cold starts right up if it has been driven and is restarted within about five minutes or so it will start right up again. But if it sits for twenty minutes or longer but not long enough to cool right down it cranks for awhile before firing up.It sounds like you have the same symptoms and from the response from this forum we both need new injectors.Good luck. Jim

 

Yep, same problem with my '85 and was told it's leaky injectors, but not worth fixing unless you find it too annoying. One thing that works for me is turning the key for just a second, then turning off and turning on again. That usually kicks it in a lot faster than just holding the key on.
Good luck

 

Okay..understand. However, it doesn't run rough at all. Once it starts, it runs great! Good power...no hesitation or anything like that. Weird....

 

OK, another diagnostic tip from Gordon Killebrew talk with us.

If after sitting for a while it is hard starting, press the accelerator to the floor and hold it for say 1/2 minute. Release it and if it starts up easier, look for the leaking fuel injector.

A leaking injector will gradually bleed the fuel rail off, say overnight, and the fuel will evaporate by morning so she starts right up. But when it sits only a short while the excess fuel will produce a flooded condition and cause hard starting.

 

I had this problem with mine for a while on my 88 up until friday when I replaced with svo#24 inject. now it starts up right away anytime .

 

88sk,

Did you install the injectors yourself or did you have it done at a shop? If you don't mind me asking, how much did the repair cost? My '87 needs new injectors, however, the dealer quoted me a price of $1400.00 to replace all injectors. Thanks.

87vette
1987 Stock Dark Red Coupe
San Antonio, Texas

 

87vette, for a stock L98 or up to around 350-360 HP the stock injectors are quite adequate.

For a thorough reconditioning job including flow testing for $80/set, with several days turn-around, check out Rich's service at Cruzinperformance (link on my site). He will blue-print em for like $5/injector additional.

 

65Z01,

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.


87vette
1987 Stock Dark Red Coupe
San Antonio, TX.

 

I had the exact same symptoms that you had on my 88. The EXACT Symptoms. I worked on it searched the web for a couple of weeks and tried numerous repairs. I didn't want to think injectors could be bad on my 88 with 60K miles. So I bought a set of Accel 24# injectors. Installed them myself and now the car runs better than ever and starts perfectly everytime. If you have any mechanical ability you will be able to do this. Just make sure to label where everything goes. One thing I did was to take digital pictures for reference. If I couldn't remember how something went I would refer to the pictures. Let me know if you have any questions?

 

Same problem on my 85. After the engine cools for a while, I pulled the plugs and found that some were coated with fuel - that would point to bad injectors. I've been too lazy to change them because I've seen so many different opinions on the correct #'s 22's vs 24's etc - still don't know which ones to buy.

 

It sounds like a classic example of faulty fuel injectors. They are easy to replace. There are several good places to have the injectors sent to get fixed, at reasonable rates.

 

Well, count me in as another 88 owner with leaky injectors. My car does the EXACT same thing. Hoping to replace them soon.

 

it is unreal how so many 88"s have this problem I am the second owner of mine and the original owner told me about it but the dealer blew him off saying they all do that I have owned it for eight years since it had 14000 on the odo now has 27000 and I have written to corvette fever and their tech notes advised to upgrade the two relays behind the battery on firewall to the 89 units which I did.Did not help.Lately I have been getting sick of it so I got online and came accross this forum ,which by the way I'm addicted to now. and got some help from from alot of great people especially Mike and today I ordered Lucas Injectors through My mechanic at his cost of .53.00 apiece instead of the list of96.00 these are what GM was using as a replacement if the custermer put up a fight about long cranking starts. So I shoult have them in about 10 to 14 days from now and I will let this forum know the rusults. :crazy: