88 w/starting issues
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
88 w/starting issues
my brother recently bought an 88 4speed vette with about 168K miles on it. it runs pretty well for the most part. When starting he usually has to crank if for several seconds and rarely does it start on the first cranking attempt. the idle was all over the place and usually seemed way too low. we took a look at the idle air control valve and it was covered with crap so we threw a new one in and checked the timing again. i know i've read on here about unplugging something but i have no idea what to unplug. i set the timeing somewhere between 5-8degrees, it would not hold steady. i'm looking for any specific advice, the car is a commuter for him so we're not looking to do anything to gian HP..... yet
. just want to get it running smooth as possible for him. also i'm hearing a very slight exhaust leak but sounds like it's pretty far back on the car, don't think i'd be accecting any of this. any help you can offer would be greatly apreciated! thanks. mark
. just want to get it running smooth as possible for him. also i'm hearing a very slight exhaust leak but sounds like it's pretty far back on the car, don't think i'd be accecting any of this. any help you can offer would be greatly apreciated! thanks. mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
when he first turns the key to the ON position he should hear the fuel pump run for 2 seconds, if not his fuel pump relay is probably shot..$12 item, the reason it still starts is the oil pressure switch is a backup for the fuel pump if the fp relay goes out, just needs to reach 4 pounds of pressure first. When you timed it did you disconnect the EST wire first? got to.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
tell me where the est wire is and what it is and we will disconnect it and re-time it... also what is the best place to set the timing? also on the FP relay, is the relay under the hood? or slightly harder to get to? thanks for the quick responce!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Micaiahfied
also, since you said he should hear the pump run for 2 sec. or so, should he turn it to run and leave it for a second before bumping the starter? kinda like a wait to start light on a diesel?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Micaiahfied
tell me where the est wire is and what it is and we will disconnect it and re-time it... also what is the best place to set the timing? also on the FP relay, is the relay under the hood? or slightly harder to get to? thanks for the quick responce!
The EST wire is between the distrubitor and brake booster. It is a one wire connector that has a tan with black stripe if memory serves. Disconnect it before setting timing so as the ECM has no control.
The fuel pump relay is next to the windshield wiper motor on the firewall. You state it is a four speed..manual or auto? If a manual there will be a relay next to it and they are the same. Swap them out for the time being to see if that helps.
Also this could be a CSV (cold start valve) problem. If it has a hard time starting the first time of the day I would look at that. Do a search for CSV, for all the info on it.
