'93 6-speed losing acceleration
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
'93 6-speed losing acceleration
Over the last couple of weeks, my engine (144,000 miles) has been losing power such that I can't even lay rubber anymore. It takes a heavy foot on the accelerator to get going, or to get up to speed for entering the freeway or passing. Oddly, I hear the sounds of heavy acceleration but the tachometer stays relatively stable and normal for the speed I'm going without undue winding up (sounds like 4500 rpm but is actually 2500 to 3000). Transmission seems to be working okay with no grinding, synchros are kicking in fine.
I'd sure appreciate your thoughts before I take it to the unreliable and often predatory service resources around here.
Thanks.
I'd sure appreciate your thoughts before I take it to the unreliable and often predatory service resources around here.
Thanks.
Last edited by sjordan; Nov 2, 2007 at 04:42 PM. Reason: additional info
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
clutch test 101:
Start car.
Point it in safe direction.
Car stopped, rev to ~3000 RPM
Put car in 4th gear.
Hold foot brake, hold gas, slowly release clutch.
If engine stalls - all is well.
If engine continues to run - clutch is toast.
At 144k miles, I am SHOCKED it is still OEM...
This is a DIY project, no question... but get ready to unass some serious dough on parts.
Start car.
Point it in safe direction.
Car stopped, rev to ~3000 RPM
Put car in 4th gear.
Hold foot brake, hold gas, slowly release clutch.
If engine stalls - all is well.
If engine continues to run - clutch is toast.
At 144k miles, I am SHOCKED it is still OEM...
This is a DIY project, no question... but get ready to unass some serious dough on parts.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Over the last couple of weeks, my engine (144,000 miles) has been losing power such that I can't even lay rubber anymore. It takes a heavy foot on the accelerator to get going, or to get up to speed for entering the freeway or passing. Oddly, I hear the sounds of heavy acceleration but the tachometer stays relatively stable and normal for the speed I'm going without undue winding up (sounds like 4500 rpm but is actually 2500 to 3000). Transmission seems to be working okay with no grinding, synchros are kicking in fine.
I'd sure appreciate your thoughts before I take it to the unreliable and often predatory service resources around here.
Thanks.
I'd sure appreciate your thoughts before I take it to the unreliable and often predatory service resources around here.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Well, the clutch is certainly the prime suspect. On a possibly related issue, within the past few weeks most gas stations around here have started posting notice that their gas contains up to 10% ethanol. Anyone had problems as a result?
(and thanks to all for your help)
(and thanks to all for your help)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
I would have to say the clutch is THE suspect... After 144k miles, I would be shocked if the clutch had anything left.
E10 is simply an oxygenate. There isn't enough there to cause a problem. The ethanol is being added to replace MBTE, which has shown to be really bad for the environment (MBTE has a tendency to leach out of the underground storage tanks contaminate the ground water and cause birth defects).
E85, on the other hand, is very unhealthy for the rubber bits in the C4s fuel system. I would avoid it.
E10 is simply an oxygenate. There isn't enough there to cause a problem. The ethanol is being added to replace MBTE, which has shown to be really bad for the environment (MBTE has a tendency to leach out of the underground storage tanks contaminate the ground water and cause birth defects).
E85, on the other hand, is very unhealthy for the rubber bits in the C4s fuel system. I would avoid it.
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
clutch test 101:
Start car.
Point it in safe direction.
Car stopped, rev to ~3000 RPM
Put car in 4th gear.
Hold foot brake, hold gas, slowly release clutch.
If engine stalls - all is well.
If engine continues to run - clutch is toast.
At 144k miles, I am SHOCKED it is still OEM...
This is a DIY project, no question... but get ready to unass some serious dough on parts.
Start car.
Point it in safe direction.
Car stopped, rev to ~3000 RPM
Put car in 4th gear.
Hold foot brake, hold gas, slowly release clutch.
If engine stalls - all is well.
If engine continues to run - clutch is toast.
At 144k miles, I am SHOCKED it is still OEM...
This is a DIY project, no question... but get ready to unass some serious dough on parts.
Well, I think you nailed it. I tried that test and it came out the way you described – kept on running. All very disconcerting since I was planning on trading it this past summer (with the vocal urging of my wife), and it was the most reliable car I've owned (4 Alfas and a Porsche 944 made me more tolerant of occasional mechanical failures in the Vette). So I'll take it in to the most knowledgeable Corvette dealer around here, Reeder Chevrolet (though I bought and had the car serviced at Beaty Chevrolet, whom I have come to mistrust), and see what Reeder can do for me. Hopefuly, I can find a good deal on a C5.
Thanks again everyone,
Skip Jordan
Knoxville, Tennessee
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
whoa... I would reconsider... you ain't gonna get jack for trade on a 93 with 144k and no clutch. I bet no more than $4k trade. Tops.
They will low ball the hell outta ya.
A new clutch will be about $1000 for parts and if you can DIY, a weekend in the garage.
I am curious, does the wife hate the Vette or hate the C4?
Strangely enough, a C4 looks like a Honda compared to the likes of Alfa's and Porsches! Porsches are reliable enough, but damn, they are expensive to deal with. I know the mid-80s 944s and waterpump/rad problems and hydraulic tappet issues - serious $$$ to fix!
They will low ball the hell outta ya.
A new clutch will be about $1000 for parts and if you can DIY, a weekend in the garage.
I am curious, does the wife hate the Vette or hate the C4?
Strangely enough, a C4 looks like a Honda compared to the likes of Alfa's and Porsches! Porsches are reliable enough, but damn, they are expensive to deal with. I know the mid-80s 944s and waterpump/rad problems and hydraulic tappet issues - serious $$$ to fix!