Startup issues on a '90
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
Startup issues on a '90
This only happens when the vette's been sitting for a long time, like overnight lately. The engine cranks when ignition is turned multiple times, but won't turn until like the second or third try, then it sounds like it works hard turn and suddenly starts up. Everytime right after wherever I park or shut engine off, if I try it again it starts right back up like nothing was ever wrong. What do you think, IAC? Starter solenoid, fuel injection system needing a cleaner(haven't done that in a while)? I would think to clean battery connectors, but engine's cranking...so not sure it would be a prob, right?. I live in AZ and it's obviously extremely dusty and hot as **** outside at this time of the year, despite me being parked in shade and out of the sun. It's sometimes 90 plus at night, around 106 in day. I have a heatshield on my starter, but this seemed to be happening even at night and only when the vette's been sitting for a good amount of time. TiA.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick Georgia
How old is battery?
If you have a voltmeter:
How many volts at battery when it has been sitting?
How many volts at battery when it has not been sitting long?
How many volts at battery when engine is running?
If you have a voltmeter:
How many volts at battery when it has been sitting?
How many volts at battery when it has not been sitting long?
How many volts at battery when engine is running?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
I haven't noticed anything oddly different about the voltage level meter on the dash...I'd have to go look for my multimeter, but it's not "clicking", the engine's actually cranking. I'd think that means it's sending enough juice to the starter atleast. Then you just kind of hear a little push or kind of subtle "thud", don't know how to describe it, and the engine starts right up. You really think it could be something with the battery?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
BTW, the battery's prob a year old or so. I had to replace it many times before in this heat(about every two years, sometimes longer), but usually it sends a clicking sound without crank when key's turned on startup when that's the case.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Sounds sort of like hydrostatic lock caused by a blown head gasket. Could be a bad fuel pressure regulator diaphragm leaking fuel into the intake manifold. My experience is that the engine can't turn because of the liquid in the cylinder, but then the compression pushes the liquid past the rings and then it turns easily.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: weems va
I haven't noticed anything oddly different about the voltage level meter on the dash...I'd have to go look for my multimeter, but it's not "clicking", the engine's actually cranking. I'd think that means it's sending enough juice to the starter atleast. Then you just kind of hear a little push or kind of subtle "thud", don't know how to describe it, and the engine starts right up. You really think it could be something with the battery?