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

C3 guy with another TPI question.

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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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Default C3 guy with another TPI question.

Hi guys, here's what's going on with the TPI install on my C3. At this point I have spark, I checked my injectors with a homemade noid tester and with 12 volts direct, to make sure they are firing (clicking). When I pull the fuel lines from the front of the TPI, gas is present in the fuel in line but not in the return line. The spark plugs are also dry. What would cause the fuel to not circulate to the injectors?

Thanks for your help.
Zorro.
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 03:47 PM
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Make sure you have the fuel supply connected to the larger of the 2 fuel rail lines. I switched the supply and return line once on my setup and the motor doesn't get fuel.
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 383vett
Make sure you have the fuel supply connected to the larger of the 2 fuel rail lines. I switched the supply and return line once on my setup and the motor doesn't get fuel.
........ ..... Its either that or the fuel pressure regulator or return line are blocked .............
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 05:03 PM
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Need to check fuel pressure at the fuel rail, 40# + - is required.

What fuel pump are you using? In tank, external?

If correct pump the pressure regulator may be farbared.
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Churchkey
Need to check fuel pressure at the fuel rail, 40# + - is required.

What fuel pump are you using? In tank, external?

If correct pump the pressure regulator may be farbared.
I just opened the pressure test connection and only about two drops of gas came out. I am assuming that the test valve works like a tire valve and all I have to do is press down on the center needle. I was expecting more from it. I have a stock replacement pump from an 86 Vette attached to an 82 sending unit in the tank. I really do not want to pull it out (major pain) so I would like to check the pressure first. Does anyone make a pressure gauge that will hook up to the tester connection, that I could just mount to the TPI permanently?
Is their away to test the regulator?

Thanks.
Zorro
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 07:51 PM
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I think I see some problems....

You must use a late model C4 pump and have it wired thru the ECM with the relay and Oil press switch in the loop..The pump is probably not running.

Those injectors won;t even drip with less than 25 psi.. You need 40 to start & run.
The regulator won;t open up to send fuel if there is low pressure.


Have you got the TPI ECM in place?
BTW..the fuel injectors are HOT always...the "bank fired" circuit is operated thru the ECM by grounding.

Last edited by leesvet; Jul 30, 2012 at 07:56 PM.
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Old Jul 30, 2012 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by leesvet
I think I see some problems....

You must use a late model C4 pump and have it wired thru the ECM with the relay and Oil press switch in the loop..The pump is probably not running.

Those injectors won;t even drip with less than 25 psi.. You need 40 to start & run.
The regulator won;t open up to send fuel if there is low pressure.


Have you got the TPI ECM in place?
BTW..the fuel injectors are HOT always...the "bank fired" circuit is operated thru the ECM by grounding.
I am using a C4 pump from the same year as my TPI. The pump is wired through the ECM. Whether or not the pump will run continuously, I won't know until the car starts. It is running for the two-seconds it is supposed to, for priming the system when the key is turned. I hooked up a test light and can watch the signal go to the pump and it is filling the line. I also made a noid light and checked that ECM was sending the signal to fire each bank. At this point it would seem that either the pump is not sending at the pressure required, or the regulator has a problem. I am now trying to figure out how to best test these.

Zorro.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 12:58 AM
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Sounds like the initial prime power is there, but the ECM can't ground the hot in start and run relay coil for the pump. recheck your fusible links, fuses, and grounds.
By the way, buy a manual for the TPI you stole from the C4 the engine came out of. the wiring diagram is worth it's weight in gold.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 01:47 AM
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Originally Posted by coupeguy2001
Sounds like the initial prime power is there, but the ECM can't ground the hot in start and run relay coil for the pump. recheck your fusible links, fuses, and grounds.
By the way, buy a manual for the TPI you stole from the C4 the engine came out of. the wiring diagram is worth it's weight in gold.
Thanks for the tips, I will check them out. Is their a GM manual dedicated to the TPI? I have the red GM for the 86 my motor came out of but it is a little limited on info for the TPI. Of course they did not write it for someone putting an 86 motor and trans into a 79.

Thanks
Zorro.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 01:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Zorro O
Does anyone make a pressure gauge that will hook up to the tester connection, that I could just mount to the TPI permanently?
Yes:



Accel 74745. The instructions tell you that it's for temporary use only but mine has been on there for at least 10 years.

http://www.amazon.com/ACCEL-74745-Fu.../dp/B000JJNPNQ
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 04:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
Yes:



Accel 74745. The instructions tell you that it's for temporary use only but mine has been on there for at least 10 years.

http://www.amazon.com/ACCEL-74745-Fu.../dp/B000JJNPNQ
Thanks Cliff, that is just what I had in mind!

Zorro.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 09:17 AM
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Get a TPI manual from here to sort the pump wireing: Easy to read & follow.
http://howellefi.com/gm-tpi-products.html

Couple of thoughts:

Is there enough fuel in the tank?

Maybe disconnect both fuel lines, stick each one in a container & have someone cycle the key to test fuel delivery.

Poor delivery = pump, line, filter problem

Good delivery = lines switched, bad FPR, no 12v to fuel pump.

GL

Last edited by Churchkey; Jul 31, 2012 at 09:29 AM.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 10:02 AM
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There is a white electrical factory manual.
I went to a book store and was browsng through the automotive section when I found TPI/fuel injection manuals just collecting dust on the shelves.
I bought two different ones because they both explained the same things in different ways, allowing me to grasp what the one was talking about vaguely, and the other explained in great detail and vice versa.
On the 86 TPI, the lines are not the same size. I believe the larger one is the pressure.
If you have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, try screwing the adjustment down to give more pressure to get it started. Then, when it runs, readjust when running.

How bout posting a pic of your upper water outlet, I want to install the TPI on my 57 Chevy pickup.

Last edited by coupeguy2001; Jul 31, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 10:18 AM
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From my 86 FSM

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...agram%2086.pdf

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf

Do you have the ALDL port from 86 harness ?
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 11:08 PM
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Originally Posted by coupeguy2001
There is a white electrical factory manual.
I went to a book store and was browsng through the automotive section when I found TPI/fuel injection manuals just collecting dust on the shelves.
I bought two different ones because they both explained the same things in different ways, allowing me to grasp what the one was talking about vaguely, and the other explained in great detail and vice versa.
On the 86 TPI, the lines are not the same size. I believe the larger one is the pressure.
If you have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, try screwing the adjustment down to give more pressure to get it started. Then, when it runs, readjust when running.

How bout posting a pic of your upper water outlet, I want to install the TPI on my 57 Chevy pickup.
I have not hooked up the radiator or put water in the motor yet. A lot more room to work without the hoses and a lot safer without the fan. I will take care of it as soon as the motor fires. I did fit the radiator and hoses a few weeks ago, it looks like the stock C4 hoses will work with a little trimming, about an inch or two off both upper and lower.

I finally broke down and bought a fuel pressure tester today, my pump is putting out no readable amount, even after jumping the pump relay so the pump would run all the time. Time to pull the pump out of the tank.

Zorro.

Last edited by Zorro O; Jul 31, 2012 at 11:41 PM.
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Old Jul 31, 2012 | 11:40 PM
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I have a custom harness from Larry's Electric. It does have the ALDL, but the car will not set any codes until it starts. At this point it just keeps flashing 12, no codes set. The problem seems to be the pump.

Zorro
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 12:51 AM
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The reason I asked about the ALDL port, is because you can supply 12V+ to terminal G, which should keep fuel pump running until power is removed from G.
May help with diagnosis.
Doing the pinch tests of fuel lines, from the first link I gave you, will answer some questions.
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 11:15 PM
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It Lives! Pulled the fuel pump and found that my auto-zone fuel pump harness was falling apart. I put it back together reinstalled it and it still didn't work. Pulled pump again and found the same thing, plug for harness falling apart. Turns out with where the plug is mounted on the sending unit, every time I installed it (sending unit) the side of the tank rubs against it, and the plug falls apart. Eliminated the plug, turned the key and the car started!

Thank you all. Whenever I come over to the C4 forum with a question, I am overwhelmed by how helpful and welcoming you all are. With your help I am well on my way to a functioning C 3-1/2.

Thanks again.
Zorro.
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 10:27 AM
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Good luck.
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