Changed water pump, thermostat and distributor cap and now my 1996 C4 LT1 Corvette surges. Any suggestions?

 

Double check and make sure you didn't leave anything unplugged, if not, pretty likely that you have got the opti spark wet.

 

our mechanic didn't put the shield in new distributor cap, hopefully fixing this oversight will solve our problems

 

Yep. That shield is there for a reason. Putting it back in should fix it.

 

Everything was corrected and we got the car back last week and it seemed to be fine. Yesterday took it for a drive only 10 miles and the brakes seemed weird message said brake pressure low. All fluids are fine.

Most disturbing the engine sounds like it's missing. My husband is really pissed and talking of selling. We have current after market warranty, I prefer to fix and keep it.

Can all this be related to water pump replacement and distributor cap issues?

HELP me!

Also, the check engine light came on. At first it flashed on-and-off then stayed on steady. It seemed to go back to flashing when at slower speed and stayed on steady at highway speed.

 

What you need to do is find someone else to work on your car whoever it is now certainly don't know what he is doing.

My guess whoever repaired it screwed the plug wires up.

 

I just returned from local auto parts store. The tech plugged it in and gave me a code P0300 and it's random multiple misfire code. The tech recommended replacing plugs and wires. Also questioned gas we last used which we always put the highest quality gas in it (no ethanol).

Do you think this sounds reasonable?

I think we'll do his suggestions and see what kind of results we'll have.

(The tech also gave me a list of reputable mechanics in my area. I definitely agree with you to find someone else to work on it.)

 

Agreed - Check to make sure your plug wires aren't swapped. That will certainly throw the multiple misfire code and I'd be willing to bet large sums of money (I don't have) that that's your problem.

Let's fix it!


Let's start with the passenger side first - this is the easiest side to access the opti and is somewhat of a confidence booster after completion since the drivers side of the opti is a PITA to get to.

1. Locate your plug wires. Follow the plug wires toward the front of the engine. They're plugged into your opti. Now you know how to get from point A to point B.

2. Starting from the rear of the engine working forwards, the cylinder numbers are 8 - 6 - 4 - 2. If your plug wires are labeled with those corresponding cylinder number, skip step 3.

3. Label each plug wire with the corresponding cylinder number. This will make it easier to follow each wire to its proper terminal on the opti.

4. There are 4 terminals on the passenger side of the opti. Since you're having a multiple misfire, go ahead and unplug all 4 wires from the opti and follow the below order reinstalling them. It will be impossible to see what you're doing, so make sure you feel around!
a) Connect wire 4 to the top most terminal
b) Connect wire 6 to the next terminal down
c) Connect wire 8 to the next terminal down
d) Connect wire 2 to the bottom most terminal
You should hear and feel them 'click' onto the opti. give them a nice push to ensure a good connection. Always double check your work before moving on.

The drivers side is a PITA. Start your car to see if you've fixed the issue. If not, move on to the next steps.

You'll notice there's a LOT more going on over on the drivers side, yes? These are the steps I used. They worked for me!

1. Jack up the driver side front. Use jack stands up front, and wheel chocks on the rears. Remove the front driver wheel.

2. Unbolt the ASR bracket from the wheel well, set the ASR aside carefully. There is no need to disconnect the ASR from the bracket or any of the connections going to it. You now have a less inhibited view of your plug wires.

3. Remove the A-arm dust cover, granting you access to a side view of the plug wires.

4. Starting from the rear of the engine working forwards, the cylinder numbers are 7 - 5 - 3 - 1. If your plug wires are labeled with those corresponding cylinder number, skip step 5.

5. Label each plug wire with the corresponding cylinder number. Due to tight quarters, it will be difficult to determine which wire is which if they aren't labeled. You may need a buddy to wiggle each wire for you so you know you're connecting the wire to its proper terminal. If you don't have any buddies, you can still go it alone


6. There are 4 terminals on the driver side of the opti.
a) Connect wire 5 to the top most terminal
b) Connect wire 3 to the next terminal down
c) Connect wire 7 to the next terminal down
d) Connect wire 1 to the bottom most terminal
Again, you should hear and feel them 'click' onto the opti. Give them a nice push to ensure a good connection. Always double check your work before moving on.

7. Reassemble the dust cover, remount the ASR bracket and reinstall the wheel.

8. Lower the car and start her up.

9. Post back with results!

 

thanks you're so awesome to help...

the new mechanic found a plug wire was shortening out on exhaust manifold vette was only running on 7 cylinders. he's replacing plugs and wires.

we're unsure why brakes were acting up that day, but they seem fine now.

Thanks
Lori