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

87 corvette not running right...

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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:47 PM
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Default 87 corvette not running right...

I just bought a 87 corvette l98 back in october for $3500. Ext/Int really nice but it runs rich (smells of gas), shakes a bit (sometimes really rough).A few times while sitting at red lights it has shaken pretty bad. Has died after starting it right up (like 3 times), but never while warm.I unplugged the MAF while running to see if it get better or worse (i read in a forum on here thats how you test it) and it doesnt seem to change at all, which I thought wasn't good. MPG have dropped to like 12 and 8.?, (from a nice 17 or so average) jumping back and forth. Check engine light comes on, I don't have a code reader...yet. Any help is GREATLY appriciated, Ryan
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 11:52 PM
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There are all kinds of guesses out there, especially considering you can disconnect the MAF and get no change. You really need to get the codes out of it first! You can do this without a reader. Check the thread about something for techs in forum. IT has the alldata log in info for your car. There you can read how to pull the codes and what they mean.

Start there and let us know what you find.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 12:14 AM
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If the car stinks of fuel don't drive it. While your out picking up a code reader you may want to pick up a fuel pressure gauge and see what is going on with the fuel system. The last post I read about crazy rapid fuel consumption and strong gas odors..turned out to be a bad Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR) Diaphram....the guy used 1/2 a tank of gas in just a few short miles. Maybe the same problem here too....pull the small vacuum hose off the FPR and see if gas is shooting out when the fuel pump is running.

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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by BluRay
There are all kinds of guesses out there, especially considering you can disconnect the MAF and get no change. You really need to get the codes out of it first! You can do this without a reader. Check the thread about something for techs in forum. IT has the alldata log in info for your car. There you can read how to pull the codes and what they mean.

Start there and let us know what you find.
Originally Posted by engle1147
If the car stinks of fuel don't drive it. While your out picking up a code reader you may want to pick up a fuel pressure gauge and see what is going on with the fuel system. The last post I read about crazy rapid fuel consumption and strong gas odors..turned out to be a bad Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR) Diaphram....the guy used 1/2 a tank of gas in just a few short miles. Maybe the same problem here too....pull the small vacuum hose off the FPR and see if gas is shooting out when the fuel pump is running.



Congrats on your C4 purchase .

Be very careful working on your car under these conditions. There seems to be alot of unburned fuel going somewhere (in the oil pan / down the exhaust) these vapors are highly flammable. For safety, keep it out of the garage, away from other vehicles and other structures until you determine and fix the problem.

Whats the mileage on your car? If high mileage, a compression check is in order before spending money on repairs.

Have you had this issue since you took delivery of the car?

Like others have said, if you intend on doing any repairs yourself, you must get yourself a FSM. These are the best IMHO.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.a...9408DPFD5QD1V6

If this is over your head, seek out a qualified mechanic or seek out a local member of this forum that may be willing to help you out.

Most of all, don't get discouraged and be patient, you will get it sorted out.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:16 AM
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First thing you might want to check is your oil , make sure gas isn't getting in and mixing with it. This can ruin your engine quick, if no gas is present use the above advice to find your problem....WW
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:33 AM
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Check for stored codes.
A faulty coolant temp sensor will cause similar symptoms. http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Code%2015.pdf

Here's a thread on how to check for stored codes. Use the search tool, there are lots of threads on checking for codes.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ine-codes.html

If you have any codes. post your results.
Good luck
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 10:34 AM
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Be really careful messing with an unburned fuel problem! There's a post in General about a guy whose mechanic almost burned his car to the ground. The pictures aren't pretty!
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:16 PM
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The smell of fuel isnt that bad... and it fluctuates like sometimes you cant really smell it... i dont feel like its a ticking time bomb... I should get the code reader sometime tomorrow... I'll have the codes soon after. Thanks for the help so far.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rzmnco
I should get the code reader sometime tomorrow... I'll have the codes soon after. Thanks for the help so far.
All you need is a paper clip or similar, to jump terminals "A" and "B" on the ALDL connector.
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