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84 corvette crossfile injection issue

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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:13 PM
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Default 84 corvette crossfile injection issue

Hello,

I have a 1984 Corvette with the factory crossfire injection system and I am having some issues. The problem I am having started after I let the car set up for about 2 weeks, I drove it to work one morning and the car ran absolutely fine but when I got ready to leave work that afternoon, the fuel system was not delivering any fuel into the intake. I thought it was perhaps a fuel pump issue so I replaced it and had the same results....I decided to leave the car in the parking lot and come back to it later in the week after work and when I cam back to it, the car fired up as if it had never had a problem so I drove it home. I tested cranking it up at the house over the last few weeks and ran fine up until a few weeks ago now.

After it started acting up again, I tried resetting the car by removing the battery and I still had nothing...I ended up replacing the ECM module and that did not even fix the problem.

So far, I have found that the whole ignition seems to be down because I could not even get the engine to run with starting fluid.

Has anyone else had this problem before out of their Crossfire injection?

Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it!
Jareth
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:21 PM
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No, I have never had that problem out of my Crossfire Injection before.

Sounds like you've wasted a lot of money throwing a lot of parts at it...for nothing so far. Shall we start down a diagnostic path now? If you're interested...

Start by checking for spark, rather than guessing. Do you know how to test for spark?
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:22 PM
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You likely have a failed ignition module. Remove the module and have it tested. Any parts store can do this. But above all, troubleshoot and stop guessing / throwing parts at it.

Before spending one more penny on it, I want to know how many lbs of fuel pressure you have at key on (should be 9-13, but they won't run correctly below 10). The fact that you replaced the pump is immaterial.

Use a spark tester also and test for spark. Given that it won't fire on starting fluid, your no-start is likely igntion/emissions related.

Post results.
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
No, I have never had that problem out of my Crossfire Injection before.

Sounds like you've wasted a lot of money throwing a lot of parts at it...for nothing so far. Shall we start down a diagnostic path now? If you're interested...

Start by checking for spark, rather than guessing. Do you know how to test for spark?
Beat me to it by a minute.
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
You likely have a failed ignition module. Remove the module and have it tested. Any parts store can do this. But above all, troubleshoot and stop guessing / throwing parts at it.

Before spending one more penny on it, I want to know how many lbs of fuel pressure you have at key on (should be 9-13, but they won't run correctly below 10). The fact that you replaced the pump is immaterial.

Use a spark tester also and test for spark. Given that it won't fire on starting fluid, your no-start is likely igntion/emissions related.

Post results.
Thank you very much for the reply. I have only thrown a few parts at it and did not pay a dime for the ECM since it came out of a friends. I usually do go through the troubleshooting stages since I am a electronics tech, but I guess I have been a bit lazy on this one.

I will check for spark for sure and see if I am getting anything. I do have good fuel pressure now since I replaced the fuel pump, the pressure was low with the old pump which is why I changed it out.

I will get back with you after I see if I have spark.

Really appreciate your help!
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
No, I have never had that problem out of my Crossfire Injection before.

Sounds like you've wasted a lot of money throwing a lot of parts at it...for nothing so far. Shall we start down a diagnostic path now? If you're interested...

Start by checking for spark, rather than guessing. Do you know how to test for spark?
Thank you very much for the reply,

Luckily I have not wasted much money at all, the ECM was given to me.

I hate playing the guessing game on things, after all, I am an electronics tech but I have been a bit lazy on this problem.

I will check for spark and get back with you.

Thanks again,
Jareth
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 10:44 PM
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How do you know what your fuel pressure was/is? what is the pressure?
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 11:18 PM
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What about the oil pressure switch? It is in the valley right behind the intake. My understanding is it is tied into the fuel pump relay and will not switch the pump on unless there is oil pressure. During a no start i would try bypassing the switch.
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 11:20 PM
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Doh, just read the rest of your post. If it is an ignition problem my previous post does not apply.
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by jhammons01
How do you know what your fuel pressure was/is? what is the pressure?
I connected a fuel pressure gauge between the input line of the fuel rail and fuel line and I am getting about 11 PSI
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by precisionturbovette
Doh, just read the rest of your post. If it is an ignition problem my previous post does not apply.
The fuel pump does come on with ignition.

Thanks anyways for the post,

Jareth
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Jareth
I connected a fuel pressure gauge between the input line of the fuel rail and fuel line and I am getting about 11 PSI
Good, sorry for making you state that, but there have been plenty of "My car won't start" threads where the OP never checks for actual fuel pressure.

Your injectors 'should' be firing with 11psi. Good for you for checking that possibility
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by jhammons01
Good, sorry for making you state that, but there have been plenty of "My car won't start" threads where the OP never checks for actual fuel pressure.

Your injectors 'should' be firing with 11psi. Good for you for checking that possibility
No need to apologize at all, I know exactly where you are coming from and appreciate your input on this thread.

Thanks,
Jareth
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by precisionturbovette
What about the oil pressure switch? It is in the valley right behind the intake. My understanding is it is tied into the fuel pump relay and will not switch the pump on unless there is oil pressure. During a no start i would try bypassing the switch.
Oh Dear God....this old wives tale just won't die, will it?

The oil pressure switch is wired in PARALLEL, NOT SERIES with the fuel pump circuit. It is there as a backup in case the fuel pump relay fails. It will supply voltage in the event of relay failure to the fuel pump circuit once the engine reaches approx. 4 psi during cranking so the engine will still start if the relay quits.

If the relay is functional, the engine will start and run with ZERO oil pressure....well, until it seizes anyway. The oil pressure switch is NOT a failsafe to "save" the engine in the event of a drop in oil pressure, nor is it required to start the car if the relay is functioning. Bypassing it is a complete waste of time.

See Factory Service Manual for wiring diagrams.
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
Oh Dear God....this old wives tale just won't die, will it?

The oil pressure switch is wired in PARALLEL, NOT SERIES with the fuel pump circuit. It is there as a backup in case the fuel pump relay fails. It will supply voltage in the event of relay failure to the fuel pump circuit once the engine reaches approx. 4 psi during cranking so the engine will still start if the relay quits.

If the relay is functional, the engine will start and run with ZERO oil pressure....well, until it seizes anyway. The oil pressure switch is NOT a failsafe to "save" the engine in the event of a drop in oil pressure, nor is it required to start the car if the relay is functioning. Bypassing it is a complete waste of time.

See Factory Service Manual for wiring diagrams.
Because i'm still a novice to corvette, if the relay does fail but the engine still starts how would one know if the relay failed ? would the engine just take longer to start as it's building pressure to 4lbs or does it not matter?( sorry not to jack the thread just curious )

Last edited by GQ-ROD; Nov 14, 2012 at 07:56 PM.
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 08:25 PM
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Extended Cranking time -especially when the oil is hot. Normally, when you "key on", the pump runs ensuring proper pressure in the system. While pressure remains in the system for hour...even days, it isn't at spec w/o the pump running and the first couple fires of the injectors will quickly kill that pressure. in short, w/o the relay functioning, there won't be enough pressure in the system to fire the engine, and there won't be until the oil pump can build about 4 PSI, trip that switch, and the fuel pump will then turn on. In cold weather, 4 PSI can come quickly. With HOT oil, it could take some cranking.



Originally Posted by precisionturbovette
What about the oil pressure switch? it is tied into the fuel pump relay and will not switch the pump on unless there is oil pressure. During a no start i would try bypassing the switch.
Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
Oh Dear God....this old wives tale just won't die, will it?
You're not kidding. That "lore" is a persistent bastard.
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
Extended Cranking time -especially when the oil is hot. Normally, when you "key on", the pump runs ensuring proper pressure in the system. While pressure remains in the system for hour...even days, it isn't at spec w/o the pump running and the first couple fires of the injectors will quickly kill that pressure. in short, w/o the relay functioning, there won't be enough pressure in the system to fire the engine, and there won't be until the oil pump can build about 4 PSI, trip that switch, and the fuel pump will then turn on. In cold weather, 4 PSI can come quickly. With HOT oil, it could take some cranking.






You're not kidding. That "lore" is a persistent bastard.
Great thanks for clearing that up i appreciate it , off to test my fuel pressure relay !!!
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Old Nov 14, 2012 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
Extended Cranking time -especially when the oil is hot. Normally, when you "key on", the pump runs ensuring proper pressure in the system. While pressure remains in the system for hour...even days, .
Although....on a Crossfire....pressure will fall off to zero in a couple of seconds after the pump stops running. Quite normal. Regulator is a "pass through"....ie....metered orifice variety.
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