1989 corvette shuts down
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Cruising
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1989 corvette shuts down
I have a 1989 corvette. The car will start up fine if the vehicle is cold. After the vehicle starts to get warm, it will start breaking down and missing, then it will shut off. You have to wait until it cools down before it will restart. Replaced pick up coil, tested distributor module repeatedly and it never failed. Any suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Tampa Florida
Checking the car for stored trouble codes is a great place to start. Checking fuel rail pressure would also be a good step.
p.s.
If the fuel injectors are "stock" remove them and then throw them as far as you can....install new ethenol compliant fuel injectors.
p.s.
If the fuel injectors are "stock" remove them and then throw them as far as you can....install new ethenol compliant fuel injectors.
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Runs fine in open loop? bad in closed loop? Check injectors.
Corvette Mike
Corvette Mike
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Cruising
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1989 corvette cuts off
The distributor module was actually taken off of the car and taken to a local Auto Zone. I had them test it over 30 times repeatedly back to back. The module was too hot to touch.
Le Mans Master
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From: Tampa Florida
Check for "open" or "shorted" to ground o2 sensor wire and/or failed o2 sensor.
Last edited by engle1147; Feb 28, 2010 at 01:16 PM. Reason: added text: "open" or ...& /or failed o2
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Last edited by CorvetteMike2024; Mar 2, 2010 at 09:24 PM.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
1989 corvette cuts off
I will try ohming the injectors when i get home. Is it possible that a distributor module would act differently while driving? Meaning....Is it possible that even though it tested fine at Auto Zone, that it could act differently while installed on a vehicle?
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Last edited by CorvetteMike2024; Mar 2, 2010 at 09:24 PM.
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Last edited by CorvetteMike2024; Mar 2, 2010 at 09:25 PM.
Instructor
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From: Tampa, Florida
I had the same problem with mine. Went to autozone to have the module cycled (only did mine 10 times though, it neverfailed), it heated up but didn't get really hot like it would being on the car.
Everything on the car seemed to check out fine, but after i drove the car for about 20 minutes, no spark. It did this repeatedly.
So I rolled the dice and changed the module. Cleaned the old compound off, applied new compound, and the car hasn't shut off since. Been about 5 months now.
If everything checks out, "might" be worth a try.
Everything on the car seemed to check out fine, but after i drove the car for about 20 minutes, no spark. It did this repeatedly.
So I rolled the dice and changed the module. Cleaned the old compound off, applied new compound, and the car hasn't shut off since. Been about 5 months now.
If everything checks out, "might" be worth a try.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: backwoods upstate ny
try a 'known good' module (junkyard low $ or brandy-new big $) and if problem remains carry the 'old' one as a spare, module failure is common...'heat transfer grease' is MANDATORY for module longevity, in an emergency even vaseline or 'chassis grease' will probly get you home, but the 'real' goo is best (get 'goo' from any auto parts store or raddyshack)...if you hunt a j-y module, late '80's caddys use the same module as vettes, grab the caddy tin shield over the module and add it to your vette for EMI shielding upgrade.my second best GUESS is a sick o2 sensor...if your existing o2 sensor is more than a couple of years old, a new sensor is a good investment for top engine ops anyhow, but ez to watch the o2 sensor voltage while engine runs using a scanner...voltage should continuously vary above/below o.5v, bad ones will most often read 'something' at cold start, then hang at o.2v or less as engine warms...shorted wire or corroded connector typ s near/at 0.0v immediately on startup...if changing an o2 sensor, most unscrew much better when too hot to touch, NEVER use excessive force as the threads in the pipe/manifold may be ripped out...let things cool off and use anti-sieze when installing another o2 sensor (new sensors typically come already coated with anti-sieze)
Last edited by redrose; Feb 28, 2010 at 09:51 PM.
