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

89 vette won't start.

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Old May 23, 2009 | 04:31 PM
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Default 89 vette won't start.

I'm new at working on corvettes and the tpi system so bear with me. Just bought an 89 vette a few days ago. I already knew it had some problems. It was advertised as having a blown head gasket. Well when I looked at it, it had water in the oil. He knew this and told me. He also had a new fuel pump for it which came with the car. I want to see if the engine will start before I tear into it. You know get the small headache problems outta the way. The engine cranks but won't start. I tested the fuel pressure, 0 psi. Put new pump in got fuel pressure, still won't start. Checked for spark got spark. checked timing while engine is being cranked, timing is good. Checked injector plugs with noid lights, flashed on every plug. Does anyone know anything else that could cause it not to start? Or could the engine itself be so screwed from the blown head gasket and water in oil that it just ain't going to go.
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Old May 23, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by kitttransam
I'm new at working on corvettes and the tpi system so bear with me. Just bought an 89 vette a few days ago. I already knew it had some problems. It was advertised as having a blown head gasket. Well when I looked at it, it had water in the oil. He knew this and told me. He also had a new fuel pump for it which came with the car. I want to see if the engine will start before I tear into it. You know get the small headache problems outta the way. The engine cranks but won't start. I tested the fuel pressure, 0 psi. Put new pump in got fuel pressure, still won't start. Checked for spark got spark. checked timing while engine is being cranked, timing is good. Checked injector plugs with noid lights, flashed on every plug. Does anyone know anything else that could cause it not to start? Or could the engine itself be so screwed from the blown head gasket and water in oil that it just ain't going to go.

JMO..............If it has a confirmed blown head gasket I would not start it. Take it apart, and when re assembling you can dial everything in.
Good Luck

Corvette Mike

Oh yea, congrats on the new vette. When you get it running, your going to like it.
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Old May 23, 2009 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
JMO..............If it has a confirmed blown head gasket I would not start it. Take it apart, and when re assembling you can dial everything in.
Good Luck

Corvette Mike

Oh yea, congrats on the new vette. When you get it running, your going to like it.
I agree 100%.. why start an engine with a Blown head gasket.. Take it apart and fix it,,
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Old May 23, 2009 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by FICINJECTORS
I agree 100%.. why start an engine with a Blown head gasket.. Take it apart and fix it,,

This is the guy you want to get injectors from. FICINJECTORS. I think his name is Jon.

89's have have horible injectors. IMO........... When rebuilding, I would put new injectors in. Save the hassle later.

Corvette Mike

Last edited by CorvetteMike2024; May 23, 2009 at 05:59 PM.
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Old May 24, 2009 | 10:59 AM
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I plan on rebuilding the engine. The car has 171,000 miles. Any suggestions on a cam. I'd like to make it a little better than stock. 89 L98
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Old May 24, 2009 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by kitttransam
I plan on rebuilding the engine. The car has 171,000 miles. Any suggestions on a cam. I'd like to make it a little better than stock. 89 L98
I see you live in Kale fornia like me. Home of the smog ****'s. Make sure you buy parts that will be smog compliant. Good luck!

Corvette Mike
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Old May 24, 2009 | 12:03 PM
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Oh yeah I know all about the smog *****. I built a 350 for my 84 trans am with every smog legal part you can think of. It passes every test and has lots of power. Of course if the smog guys knew I had a 350 instead of the stock 305 I'd be in trouble.
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Old May 24, 2009 | 01:41 PM
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whats everyones opinion on the GM Performance Parts Hydraulic Roller Camshafts 10185071 Duration at 050 inch Lift: 208 int./221 exh Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.474 int./0.510 exh. lift
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Old May 24, 2009 | 02:44 PM
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pull all the plugs and inspect. you may not have a blown head gasket, just a bad intake manifold gasket.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 04:37 PM
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started ripping everything apart. definatlley have to go through the motor. When I pulled the valve covers there was rust. I planned on rebuilding the engine no matter what.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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can you say hydrostatic lock?
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Old May 28, 2009 | 07:47 PM
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got the motor apart. unfortunatley both heads are cracked. so i'm in need of some L98 aluminum heads.
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