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

1986 Vette won't run right

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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 08:16 AM
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Default 1986 Vette won't run right

My 1986 Vette is having an issue with running. I put the Accel 24 lb. high flow fuel injectors and the Edelbrock high flow tubes on it and now it won't stay running when the MAF is connected. We adjusted the timing a little to get it to idol right and currently have it set between 8 and 10. We changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and the coil on top of the cap. We disconnected the cats and there are flames coming from the manifold. It seems like it's starving for air.

Any advice?
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Saldocka
My 1986 Vette is having an issue with running. I put the Accel 24 lb. high flow fuel injectors and the Edelbrock high flow tubes on it and now it won't stay running when the MAF is connected. We adjusted the timing a little to get it to idol right and currently have it set between 8 and 10. We changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and the coil on top of the cap. We disconnected the cats and there are flames coming from the manifold. It seems like it's starving for air.

Any advice?
When going into the manifold on my 86 it always seems when putting it all back together I end up with an intake leak which will make it run like crap. Double check every torx bolt.
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Old Oct 8, 2014 | 12:42 AM
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Sounds like you have run up against the minimum injector pulse width problem. This is quite common when you go to injectors (and/or fuel pressure) that are too large for the engine.

The ECM calculates the injector pulse width and then compares that number to the minimum pulse width. It then uses whichever is LARGER. With large injectors that will cause the engine to run very rich. On my '86 the minimum injector pulse width is 1.8ms and I usually idle at 2.2ms with 22lb injectors. You'll need a scan tool to determine what pulse width the ECM is using.
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by megtom2
When going into the manifold on my 86 it always seems when putting it all back together I end up with an intake leak which will make it run like crap. Double check every torx bolt.

Thank you I'll have double check that.
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
Sounds like you have run up against the minimum injector pulse width problem. This is quite common when you go to injectors (and/or fuel pressure) that are too large for the engine.

The ECM calculates the injector pulse width and then compares that number to the minimum pulse width. It then uses whichever is LARGER. With large injectors that will cause the engine to run very rich. On my '86 the minimum injector pulse width is 1.8ms and I usually idle at 2.2ms with 22lb injectors. You'll need a scan tool to determine what pulse width the ECM is using.

Thanks. Didn't think of that.

Will this cause it to run crappy at the low RPMs and run good at the High RPMs? I only ask because it sounds like this might be the issue.
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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Does the car run like crap in closed loop? do you mean bad idling ?
in closed loop the car uses the O2 sensor to calculate the target AFr.when you change to larger injectors you need to retune the injector flow rate in the tune,as Cliff said.Usually you end up with a richer mixture than needed, at light throttle , in closed loop, the ECM tries to meet the 14,7 ratio and she fights continuosly cuttin injectors pulse width.When you floor the gas pedal and go WOT the engine enters in open loop and PE comes on ,no more 14,7 AFr ,no more O2 sensor,just a richer mixuture 11.5 and plenty of air
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 04:58 PM
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I'm pretty sure that 86 does not take 24 lb injectors. I think it's supposed to use 22 lb. 24 lb is for the 85. You can either get a tune to correct that, or go back to the original size injectors.

More fuel does not always mean more power.

I'm pretty sure that's your problem.
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 05:59 PM
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24lb were one year only,at 38 psi , 85' one year corvette,next MY 86 were 22lb at 43 psi
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 10:35 PM
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Assuming that is the problem, you can use an adjustable fuel pressure regulator and lower it to 38ish. I vote for a vacuum leak though.
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