C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Surging

Old Aug 13, 2006 | 07:37 PM
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Default Surging

I have a 1989 vette, rebuilt L98. The problem is that the car surges at idle, and it also surges at city speeds. Once at Hwy speeds(65-75 MPH), it drives ok! I checked for vaccuum leaks, and none was found. Checked the fuel pressure, ok (38 psi). Replaced PCV. Replaced air filter. Fuel pump and filter, less that a year old. Replaced all relays. Checked spark plug wires, ok. Pulled codes, with the following results: 12, 13, and 33. Changed oxgen sensor, code went away for a day. I unplugged the MAF Sensor, and the RPM went up slightly, but were much smoother. Repluged MAF Sensor, disconnected battery to clear codes. The car ran fine, for awhile. Now, I am back to square 1, but no code 33. I am thinking about replacing the MAF sensor. I replaced this MAF sensor approx. 6 years ago, with a rebuilt one, prior to storing the car for 3 year. Can anyone help me out?

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Old Aug 13, 2006 | 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Sirwilliam1229
I have a 1989 vette, rebuilt L98. The problem is that the car surges at idle, and it also surges at city speeds. Once at Hwy speeds(65-75 MPH), it drives ok! I checked for vaccuum leaks, and none was found. Checked the fuel pressure, ok (38 psi). Replaced PCV. Replaced air filter. Fuel pump and filter, less that a year old. Replaced all relays. Checked spark plug wires, ok. Pulled codes, with the following results: 12, 13, and 33. Changed oxgen sensor, code went away for a day. I unplugged the MAF Sensor, and the RPM went up slightly, but were much smoother. Repluged MAF Sensor, disconnected battery to clear codes. The car ran fine, for awhile. Now, I am back to square 1, but no code 33. I am thinking about replacing the MAF sensor. I replaced this MAF sensor approx. 6 years ago, with a rebuilt one, prior to storing the car for 3 year. Can anyone help me out?
Maybe I should sell my left kidney, right eye, and lung! That should be enough for a C6!!
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 12:21 AM
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If it surges I would think there is a vacuum leak somewhere.....
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 03:24 AM
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I've followed the list of things I should do, as printed in the service manual. The manual tell you to unplug the MAF, and if the engine stabilizes, replace the sensor. I am searching for additional advice, due to the fact that we are not talking about a $3.00 part. I don't want to throw cash at the problem.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 10:48 AM
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Plug up the 2 vacuum ports where the EVAP vacuum lines run and eliminate that mess completely. It beautifully solved my 16 month surgy idle problem. No more stupid vacuum lines and canister to ever worry about. If you still wanna keep the EGR system, you can just run a little vacuum line to it and it should be fine and functional.
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 11:09 AM
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Well, it does sound like it could be a vac. leak, but disconnecting the MAF and having it improve really points toward it. Did you also replace the FP relay? it plays a part with MAF functions. And before throwing that kinda money at it, besides the above have you checked the TPS voltage?
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Old Aug 14, 2006 | 06:22 PM
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I have not checked the TPS Voltage. But, I have replaced the fuel pump, along with it's relay. I really appreciate everyone who took out time to respond. Because, I am so lost on this issue.
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Old Aug 24, 2006 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by kopbet89c4
Plug up the 2 vacuum ports where the EVAP vacuum lines run and eliminate that mess completely. It beautifully solved my 16 month surgy idle problem. No more stupid vacuum lines and canister to ever worry about. If you still wanna keep the EGR system, you can just run a little vacuum line to it and it should be fine and functional.
Has anyone else done this? Are there any performance/driving problems with doing this?
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Old Aug 24, 2006 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by shilly
Has anyone else done this? Are there any performance/driving problems with doing this?
If you have emissions testing/inspection in you area, I suggest you leave it on. It doesn't and shouldn't affect drivability at all. You'd just need a vented gas cap. That is all! Way less vacuum lines to worry about. The only lines I'd be dealing with is the one to the AFPR, the HVAC, the PCV system, and the brake booster. If you have a MAP controlled car, you'd need a splitter so the MAP sensor could have access to vacuum as well.
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