1986 corvette: Won't start
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
1986 corvette: Won't start
Can anyone out there give me a bit of a breakdown on what to check, and the most likely order?
The car sits quite a bit. I had it running just last week, and this week I can't get it started.
Here's what I did:
Dash is intermittent, so never sure what the fuel situation is. Put in 5 gallons. No Start.
Tried to jump my battery. No Start.
Used the starting mode on my charger. No Start.
Right now, it's being charged at 10 amps, and ready to try again in a bit.
Basically, my gut feeling is it is fuel-related. It turns over plenty.....just no ignition.
Thanks!
The car sits quite a bit. I had it running just last week, and this week I can't get it started.
Here's what I did:
Dash is intermittent, so never sure what the fuel situation is. Put in 5 gallons. No Start.
Tried to jump my battery. No Start.
Used the starting mode on my charger. No Start.
Right now, it's being charged at 10 amps, and ready to try again in a bit.
Basically, my gut feeling is it is fuel-related. It turns over plenty.....just no ignition.
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Engines require spark and spark at the right time. They also need fuel and air and in the correct ratio to start and run. First check with your timing light during cranking if you have spark and at the right time. Next, put a fuel pressure gauge on the shrader valve on the end of the fuel rail and turn the ign to run for more than 2 seconds and see if you have about 40 psi fuel pressure and notice how long it holds up when you turn off the ign. Rapid pressure drop indicates a possible leaky injector/s causing a too rich condition to start. Next, unplug an injector and connect a noid light (available at parts stores) or use a low power 12v lamp like a side marker lamp across the injector plug. During cranking the lamp should pulse showing the ECM is pulsing the injectors.
Last edited by jfb; May 27, 2007 at 10:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
So that's what that sound is, ha-ha! Yea, I figured that's what it was.....but don't like to assume anything. I figure if I get directions as if I know very little, it is that much less likely I'll overlook anything.....I'll go give it a try.....is it okay to try it with the charger hooked up?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
I sure will. Hoping some auto parts stores will be open tomorrow. Four cars here.....one needs a water pump, and the other two aren't insured or registered.....and got a recent ticket.....so gonna take a nice bike ride. Will let ya know how I make out. Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,290
Likes: 239
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 13
Was all set to go get the diagnostic tools recommended here, but decided yo give it one more try.
I checked the fuses last night, but they looked fine. I happend to have a few extra laying around so replaced them anyway. Started first try.
Not sure if it was the fuses, or if it was some sort of security/flood type thing. What do you guys think?
Will let ya know if it doesn't start again, but I tried a couple more times, and seems to be okay now.
This seems to be a common problem from all the posts I've seen.
If anyone if the future has this problem, ya might wanna try replacing your fuses, even if they still look good.....before putting in a new fuel pump or something.
Thank again!
NEVER assume a fuse is good because it looks good. Always use a test light or DMV. 
Cruising
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: york pa
Mine's doing that now (cranking and not remotely catching). I 'looked' at the fuses in that right side panel and they 'looked' fine. (no obvious burn throughs), so we will try replacing / testing all. I think its the a/m alarm system that is causing it to not 'catch' and run. It'll crank, although we think rather stressfully. And we think there is a remote starter installed as well as the a/m alarm. All the prev owner gave me was 2 fobs, and wasnt sure about them. Thanks. E.
Last edited by rjs86vette; Jun 4, 2013 at 11:10 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
Might get more attention if you start a new thread fully detailing your problems
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...e-or-what.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...e-or-what.html
