Hello everyone,

I just bought a 1989 C4 with the 6 speed transmission.

Nice car with 62,000 miles

It has a few problems that I plan to dive into but I thought I'd get a little insight from you guys before I start.

Problem 1

The previous owner just had the clutch kit replaces about one month ago.

When the car is cold there is no noise.....but once the car warms up we have a tinny clatter coming from the clutch area

The clutch works smooth and feels like new.

The noise doesn't change a bit with the clutch pedal in or out.

The tinny clatter definetly isn't the cat converts....it's coming directly from the clutch area (we used a scope)

The clatter goes away once you take the rpm's above 1,000

We took the inspection cover off.....nothing visible from that veiwpoint.

??????

Problem 2

Car won't start when hot or cold. Fuel pressure to fuel rail is good.

Give the intake a quick shot of starting fluid and the car will start everytime and then run all day long.

Once car is running the lower rpm's are a little rough but anything above 1,400 rpm's is smooth and strong

??????

Problem 3

A/C clutch rubber is melted. A/C system is still charged. I took the outer hub off (one nut) and could see the inner hub has a small sliver of bearing sticking out.

If I replace the clutch assembly and bearing do you think my system will be OK......or should I expect a compressor problem that may have caused the clutch to burn out in the first place?




That's it. I appreciate your input and hope to offer advice to some unknowing person someday the same way you guys have offered it to me!!


Johnny Montana

 

I believe that '89 was the first, or maybe the second year of the ZF transmission. You have the "black tag" I believe. From what I understand, the black tag is actually the more durable of the two versions, but it makes more noise. Perhaps, this is the deal on yours. If it were me, I would hold off until I had some clearer symptoms of a problem. Some good reading on the ZF at ZFDoc.com. But the point is that these are noisy transmissions.

As far not starting, does it just crank w/ no spark, or does it sputter or what? But w/ starting fluid it runs w/ rough idle, but drive well?
My first task would be good ol' plugs and wires.
Check your cap and rotor.
Try turning it over, and after a no start, pull a plug or two. Check if they're wet. (from gas)
Take it to an Autozone and have them check for codes.

Does the A/C work? Does it make noise? The rubber melting could be a sign of trouble or the result of a solitary incident. Hard to say at this point. I would replace the rubber that's damaged, and see what happens if it works and doesn't make noise.

I know it's a "Corvette"...but under that dead sexy clamshell...it's really just an old Chevy. Don't fear it my friend, welcome to the madness.

 

Clutch job was just performed by previous owner so I suspect something was left loose or maybe a faulty part????

I've been reading this forum for hours on all of the clutch and flywheel problems that you guys are having.......kinda hope to be able to make the right decision when I get the tranny out.




The car runs fine after a start with a little juice into the intake.

I'll check the resistance on the injectors and I'll pull the spark plugs

Another symtom I just remembered = In California (where I bought it) the car would start and idle when the engine was cold.

When I got home to Montana (snow and 20 degrees) the car wouldn't idle after I got it started......it would bounce around 600 to 800 rpms for 10-15 seconds and then die.....

Maybe a temp sensor is causing all of my starting problems??? Anyone??

The clutch on the inop A/C is fried....gone....but the compressor shaft turns smooth.

I was just trying to brace myself for another problem if the new A/C clutch doesn't cure the issue.

JH

 

I purchased my 89 about a month ago and noticed something like this. When I got the car there was a "span" of warmer NE weather and it started and ran fine. Now when the outside temp goes below about 50 degrees it sometimes will "search" at idle until it warms and the RPM range is about the same as yours (600-800) and sometimes will stall while doing it. After restart it seems to run fine all day, and when the weather is warmer (60 +) it has no starting issues. While I have not looked for anything yet, I'd be interested to see what your cause is and see if mine has the same problem. The one thing I keep thinking of is the coolant temp sensor for the computer in the intake manifold as I've been told they are a common problem.

 

As far as the noise from the clutch area- check the heat shields on the exhaust. I had one a few years ago on my 92 that had a broken attachment tab and it rattled at certain times- drove me fricking nuts until I figured it out.
Good luck with your 89