85 is a pain.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 7
85 is a pain.
So yeah, I’ve had this car for about a year and have been working on it and it’s honestly a pain to do. Especially being 17 and having NO money.
I think what I need to do now is take out the cylinder head to replace the 2 valves that are misfiring. Still the last issue with the car. I absolutely love the car, my favorite car, but I’m getting so un motivated to fix it up.
Should i I buy valve stems and attempt to replace them or should I take it to a professional. How much money do you think it’ll cost. Thanks!
I think what I need to do now is take out the cylinder head to replace the 2 valves that are misfiring. Still the last issue with the car. I absolutely love the car, my favorite car, but I’m getting so un motivated to fix it up.
Should i I buy valve stems and attempt to replace them or should I take it to a professional. How much money do you think it’ll cost. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
Let me tell ya...had an 85 for 17 years. This isn’t a car to buy at 17 with no money, just sayin. Get a FSM and learn as as much as possible. This is going to be a huge learning curve. I wouldn’t take it to a professional without a decent budget. And you have to find the right “professional “ for these things. Some shops won’t even touch them. Good luck my friend!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
There's no way to estimate the cost to repair your car, because your descriptions of the problems don't make any sense. Several members have made suggestions in your other posts, but there's no indication that you have listened to anyone. Again, sorry to be so blunt.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Why do you think you have two bad valves?? First run a compression check on those cylinders and a few others.
What are the symptoms that is leading you down that particular path? Maybe we can be of some help with diagnosis.
Indeed if you are going to do work on your Vette a GM FSM is essential. You may find one on e-bay like I recently did for my '89.
What are the symptoms that is leading you down that particular path? Maybe we can be of some help with diagnosis.
Indeed if you are going to do work on your Vette a GM FSM is essential. You may find one on e-bay like I recently did for my '89.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 605
Likes: 64
From: WV
I'm struggling for a way to say this nicely. These statements tell me that you don't have a clue about what you're doing. Sorry to be so blunt, but it's for your benefit. If you do any disassembly of your car, it's going to cost you waaay more to have someone put the car back together for you. You need to learn some basic auto mechanics skills before you start messing things up.
There's no way to estimate the cost to repair your car, because your descriptions of the problems don't make any sense. Several members have made suggestions in your other posts, but there's no indication that you have listened to anyone. Again, sorry to be so blunt.
There's no way to estimate the cost to repair your car, because your descriptions of the problems don't make any sense. Several members have made suggestions in your other posts, but there's no indication that you have listened to anyone. Again, sorry to be so blunt.
realistically at your age you’d be better off with a newer car as I’m sure you’d much rather be driving around reliably doing things rather than struggling to figure things out on a classic car. With that being said there’s only one way to learn how to work on cars and that’s by actually turning the wrenches. It’s def doable (after all it’s just another small block Chevy) but I would think you’d be better off keeping this as a project.
Last edited by slow_zo6; Jul 12, 2019 at 10:00 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
I have an 85 and have fixed almost everything, but how are 2 valves misfiring? I had a problem where my injector plug was not down all the way and my cilynder was not firing at all.
Please explain a bit better.
Please explain a bit better.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
I have to applaud you for being so young and learning to work on a car like this. We have an 86E we've been fixing up for my daughter's first car, but I have some experience modding cars over the years and a little money to put into it and teach her. It's been great for us to bond over, too. Although, it has has been frustrating at times. My advice to you would be to find someone experienced and learn, read all you can online, and buy a FSM. When I first got into the hobby decades ago, it was a hobby that I found on my own. My Dad isn't a car guy and I learned A LOT on car forums similar to this one. I eventually was lucky enough to make some experienced friends and learn from them as well.
However, with the issue at hand, it sounds like in your situation the best thing would be to take it to a mechanic. Given your stated situation, I think it'd be easier and better for you to have a pro dig onto your engine at this time.
However, with the issue at hand, it sounds like in your situation the best thing would be to take it to a mechanic. Given your stated situation, I think it'd be easier and better for you to have a pro dig onto your engine at this time.
Last edited by BuckeyeROC; Jul 13, 2019 at 11:36 AM.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
I do agree with the others re the cost of "fixing up" a c-4 at your age and financial status......but your determination is laudable....I wouldn't quit if I were you...there are many other options......you don't list you're location, someone on this forum may be close and help....most area's have corvette clubs, have you looked around?>...lots of help there.....when I was 17, I was shooting commies out of a huey in Nam, but I wouldn't necessarily go that route....if you're in school or going to go, get a job at a custom repair shop and learn a few things as well a earn a few bucks.....full or pt time.....pretty sure your story and ambition would convince any employer to give you a shot.....of course, there's always the military....have it fixed while you're overseas.....try being a little more specific with your problems.....good luck, I'm sure you'll figure it out......
Racer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 12
From: South Lyon, MI
I bought my 85 in a similar position at 19. There are unique things to the 85 however at the end of the day it's just another car. Take logical steps to try and troubleshoot the issue. Misfires are tricky. Do your injectors ohm out correctly? Is your spark plug gap correct? How's your fuel pressure? Is your timing correct? Etc... Getting it figured out is one of the best feelings ever and worth the efforts.