I recently purchased a 85 corvette, i can get it to start for about 30 seconds. It seems to run fine during this time and then starts smoking out exhust and eventually dies. I have verified that spark is not my problem and that it is fuel related.I am getting plenty of fuel pressure and fuel. I pulled spark plugs and they are washed down with fuel bad.Has anyone every had problems similar to this that can give me some suggestions? The check engine light is also on. Does anyone know if autozone is able to scan codes for this car beings its free?? Any Help is appreacited. I think its a sensor but just wanted some imput first.

 

You don't need autozone. You can pull the codes yourself for free at home with a paper clip. Bent the clip into a "U" shape, and stick place into the A and B terminals of the ALDL plug that is under your steering wheel dash.

Once paper clip is in place, turn the ignition key "On" but don't start the engine and leave it there. The Engine light will now begin to flash and cooling fan will run which is normal. It's supposed to run when you do this.
If the fan does not come on, then you have a seperate problem with your fan circuit. Deal with that at a later time. But for now, resume your code reading.

Jump a wire or paper clip between the A and B terminals of the ALDL connector under dash as follows:



What you are doing here is counting the flashes of the Engine light. The first series of flashes is the FIRST digit of the first code. There will be a short pause, then another set of flashes which is the second digit of the code. You put them together and that is your first code. Code digits are seperated by a short pause, while entire codes are seperated by a longer pause in between each one:

Example:

First series flashes three times = 3

Second series flashes six times = 6

Equals Code 36

Each code repeats itself 3 times before it moves onto the next.

You will always get a code 12 at the beginning and at the end. This code is not a trouble code. It only indicates the beginning and end of the test. Any codes in between the two code 12's are your trouble codes and the ones you should write down.

Sit in the driver's seat and write down the codes you find on a sheet of paper as you observe the flashes. Then report back with the code #'s for more troubleshooting info once we know what circuit/component were are having a problem with here.

Additionally, some Autozone stores carry these convenient "Code" keys, eliminating the need to use a bent paperclip.
I have not found any of my Autozones to carry them. In fact, they had no idea what I am talking about when I asked them for one. They would tell me all you need is a paper clip. And I would say "I know buy I just wanted one...."

A forum member posted this a while back. Maybe I should print it out and take it into the store with me so that they know what the heck I'm talking about. It's got their name right on it, so they can't deny it came from an Autozone.

 

After checking for codes..... is the car dying at 30 seconds because the rpm's have dropped?

1) Check TPS setting
2) Check fuel pressure
3) Check timing
4) How many miles on car? Have you checked the condition of the plugs.

 

Put your fuel pressure gauge on the shrader valve on the end of the right fuel rail. Turn on the ignition to run for longer than 2 seconds and turn it off. This allows the fuel pump to run for 2 seconds and turn off which is how it normally works. You should have 34 to 43 psi and it should stay there long after the ign switch is off. If it falls rapidly, then you likely have leaky injector/s which is causing too rich condition for your engine to keep running. Wet plugs and black exhaust (your symptoms) indicate leaky injectors.
Pull the error codes as described already and follow the diagnostics for that code to fix other problems.

 

Another possibility would be a bad diaphragm in the fuel pressure regulator, pull the vacuum hose off and inspect for fuel in the hose, if it is damp with fuel you need a FPR, good luck.

 

 

It wont let me check the codes. When the car dies the car isin mid idle and just dies it starts alright but after like 20 seconds it acts like it is flooded

 

The Vette has 157,000 miles I just changed the spark plugs a week ago when first relized the problem.

 

It acts like it is flooded because it IS flooded. Read my previous post and find out for sure.

 

get those codes...check the fuel pressure. If those are ok, check the voltage at the tps. I'm betting its your fuel pressure regulator; the 85 injectors rarely fail.

 

I dnt have a fuel presure gauge

 

Go to an auto parts store and buy a fuel pressure gauge. They cost about $15.

 

I got buddy who has 1 but cant get it till tommorrow. Im going to check fuel pressure and The vaccum hose for fuel tommorrow i was told that i have gas in my oil. So im going to change oil tommorrow too

 

Gasoline in your oil is another indicator that you have leaking injector/s.

 

Wat r soultions to leaking injectors?

 

Replace the injectors.

 

Your car does NOT have to be running to check for codes.

Place the paperclip jumper into A & B as first described above and then turn on the key....don't start the car. Any stored codes will flash after the code 12 has flashed three times. Then any stored codes will flash (three times for each code and then it will go to the next code).

If you don't have a listing of codes and their meaning....just write them down and post your results.

-John

 

I tried the paperclip Thing it didnt make the check engine light blink at all.

 

It has to. Are you doing it right? You said the Engine light is on, which proves the light bulb to it works.

As stated, the engine does not have to be running to pull the codes. Just ground A and B, and just turn the key into the "On" position, not the crank position. Just get the dash to light up and leave the key there. If you're putting the paper clip between the A and B termials, the Engine light has to flash. It should. If still not, trace the wiring leading to the ALDL plug under the dash.

 

I will try one more time today to make sure but im sure I was following steps exacty. I have fuel in my oil so i have to change it before i go any further. Would u know if there is a bigger oil filter that will work on my car for more oil capacity?