It does sound like a spark going to ground somewhere other than at the plug..
Missfire, Stumble, all that fun stuff
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From: Steel City PA
Missfire, Stumble, all that fun stuff
I'm creating a new thread to separate the problems I've been having with Datamaster and my corvette. I'll bump that thread up with progress when it's made on that issue.
This thread is all about the problem that made me want to use data master in the first place.
the car misfires pretty hard randomly and stumbles so much that it practically falls on its face when you are out and about driving. It has not been hard to start, or wanting to stall. It is just running way to rough. The exhaust smells terribly rich, so it's probably a matter of spark.
I've got a video here of this audibly loud clicking/ticking and I'm looking for opinions on what it could be:
Any input is appreciated.
This thread is all about the problem that made me want to use data master in the first place.
the car misfires pretty hard randomly and stumbles so much that it practically falls on its face when you are out and about driving. It has not been hard to start, or wanting to stall. It is just running way to rough. The exhaust smells terribly rich, so it's probably a matter of spark.
I've got a video here of this audibly loud clicking/ticking and I'm looking for opinions on what it could be:
Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by AVID; Jun 22, 2014 at 04:24 PM. Reason: Youtube tag fail
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
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From: H-Town Texas
Pretty sure that's a wire spark. I had that exact sound, though not as rapid when I discovered that I must have but a pin hole through the boot of my coil wire at the opti.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Steel City PA
Pretty sure that's a wire spark. I had that exact sound, though not as rapid when I discovered that I must have but a pin hole through the boot of my coil wire at the opti.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
I'll be so happy if this is the fix, I was beginning to think it might be the Opti.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: N.E. WA
I had another thought. Because it's hard to hear exactly what's going on in a video, it could be an exhaust leak. If the leak is ahead of the O2 sensor it might be causing trouble with the fueling. (the rich smell) When you are looking around at it, just keep that in mind. Still think it's a stray spark though.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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From: Steel City PA
I had another thought. Because it's hard to hear exactly what's going on in a video, it could be an exhaust leak. If the leak is ahead of the O2 sensor it might be causing trouble with the fueling. (the rich smell) When you are looking around at it, just keep that in mind. Still think it's a stray spark though.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
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From: H-Town Texas
The sound was a little high pitched for an exhaust leak I thought, and yes, I've dealt with a couple of those too, lol. However, I agree that on video, it's hard to tell.
The flange between the stock exhaust manifold and the converter/downpipe is common leak area.
The flange between the stock exhaust manifold and the converter/downpipe is common leak area.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Steel City PA
Unrelated, except for the fact that I want to do this while I'm replacing wires; what coolant do you recommend? It seems to be about that time, and I believe it's orange. I'm guessing that's Dex-Cool based on color, but I can't tell for sure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
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From: H-Town Texas
I had to hunt, but Dex-cool was not factory coolant until '96. But some have flushed and filled with it, as it supposedly lasts longer.
Found an informative thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ntifreeze.html
The only bad thing I've heard about dex-cool came from the intake gasket issues on other GM engines. The LTx engines did not have this issue because the coolant never touches the intake gaskets.
Found an informative thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ntifreeze.html
The only bad thing I've heard about dex-cool came from the intake gasket issues on other GM engines. The LTx engines did not have this issue because the coolant never touches the intake gaskets.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Steel City PA
I had to hunt, but Dex-cool was not factory coolant until '96. But some have flushed and filled with it, as it supposedly lasts longer.
Found an informative thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ntifreeze.html
The only bad thing I've heard about dex-cool came from the intake gasket issues on other GM engines. The LTx engines did not have this issue because the coolant never touches the intake gaskets.
Found an informative thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ntifreeze.html
The only bad thing I've heard about dex-cool came from the intake gasket issues on other GM engines. The LTx engines did not have this issue because the coolant never touches the intake gaskets.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,305
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From: Savannah Ga.
Pretty sure that's a wire spark. I had that exact sound, though not as rapid when I discovered that I must have but a pin hole through the boot of my coil wire at the opti.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
Pullt the car in a dark space and remove the fuse to your hood lights, then look around all the plug and coil wires. Somethings arcing somewhere I believe.
This thread solve my idle problem thanks!!
After listening to video and reading this post went outside in the dark and "BAM" there it was arcing around the boot of coil wire connect to opti
like you said a damn pin hole in boot!!! MY vette runs great
thank you for your post and thanks to the Gentleman who post the video
Last edited by redcorvettedave; Jun 26, 2014 at 12:30 PM.
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Its been 10 years since I've done it, but it's on my list again so I've been thinking about it. My memory is that the driver's side is relatively straight forward and the passenger side is the difficult part due to the HVAC making a tight fit for the back plug or two.
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From: Steel City PA
It kills me to say this, I think I'm turning her over to a shop to get the job done. Work has been relentless for me lately leaving me no time to do any wrenching. I found a shop with a recommendation from a friend and fellow Vette owner that they do great work and know their stuff so I'm gonna check them out. I'm gonna get it all out of the way: plugs, wires, coolant flush and fill. I'll report back after my experience, in case anyone in the area might be looking for a shop to take their Vette to in the Pittsburgh area.
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From: Steel City PA
Got the car back Tuesday, the shop did great work. Wires most definitely solved the bad misfire and plugs didn't hurt either. There is still the odd stumble with the AC on but I believe the bulk of the issue is solved. I'm gonna do some testing of the injectors and fuel pressure just to see what's what. The shop that did the work was Frank's Tire and Automotive, located in Bethel Park, PA.