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

Post ZF6 install problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 03:58 AM
  #1  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default Post ZF6 install problems

First off this is a 1989 with an L98. The AT was a 700r4. I’ve since then put in a ZF6 and Dana 44 with 3.54 gearing.

Ok got the car started! No leaks as of yet. I ran it for about 45 minutes to let the battery juice up and for the coolant to circulate because I had to redo it.


Now for the problems:
1. My power seats don’t work. They’re in their correct spots. Not sure why those don’t work. I didn’t touch any of the wires regarding the seats and it’s controls. The windows and mirrors work though.
2. Brake lights are on 24/7. I had to remove the battery for them to turn off. Not sure what I wired for them to be on when my foot isn’t on the pedal. For the auto shifter harness I jumpered the clutch safety which is pins E and F. Also jumpered A and B which is the park/neutral wires. Reverse light is routed to the transmission.
3. Not too much of a problem but my gears grind when putting the car in gear which means I need to bleed the clutch more.

Anyone know what could be causing the power seat and brake light errors?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 09:57 AM
  #2  
yakmastermax's Avatar
yakmastermax
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM
Default

Just theorizing!

I assume you took apart the center console area to access the trans tunnel for the install. This meant moving if not unplugging the wires that go from the dash to the center console area then energize the power seats. Perhaps something is just loose in there?

Pull the seat and multimeter the plug to see if it is even getting what I assume is either a constant 12V or at least an accessory on switched 12V

Do you have a FSM? The wiring diagrams are indispensable

The brake lights being stuck on I imagine is the result of the custom wiring you did when you swapped in the 3 pedal assembly.

Good luck!
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 11:55 AM
  #3  
jazfe's Avatar
jazfe
Pro
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 655
Likes: 164
From: Vancouver Washington
Default

Just agreeing with yakmastermax.
I recently finished my ZF6 install as well. My car is originally 4+3 so I didn't have the pedal issue that you had to deal with.
You will just have to go back and check everything you touched. I know, a pain in the butt. I suggest unplugging and reconnecting all of the electric connectors that were disturbed during your transmission upgrade.
Congrats on your conversion. Not many would take on such an ordeal. I know how many hours I put in mine.
Sooooooooo worth the effort.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 03:20 PM
  #4  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by yakmastermax
Just theorizing!

I assume you took apart the center console area to access the trans tunnel for the install. This meant moving if not unplugging the wires that go from the dash to the center console area then energize the power seats. Perhaps something is just loose in there?

Pull the seat and multimeter the plug to see if it is even getting what I assume is either a constant 12V or at least an accessory on switched 12V

Do you have a FSM? The wiring diagrams are indispensable

The brake lights being stuck on I imagine is the result of the custom wiring you did when you swapped in the 3 pedal assembly.

Good luck!
Thankyou for the reply. I’ll unplug everything see if the volts are going through the plugs. As for the fsm, I don’t have one. For the pedal assembly I didn’t touch any wiring there. I think I’m going to unplug stuff in there until it turns off then on again when I depress the brakes. Might even undo the shifter harness park/neutral wires to see if that’s the problem
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 03:20 PM
  #5  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by jazfe
Just agreeing with yakmastermax.
I recently finished my ZF6 install as well. My car is originally 4+3 so I didn't have the pedal issue that you had to deal with.
You will just have to go back and check everything you touched. I know, a pain in the butt. I suggest unplugging and reconnecting all of the electric connectors that were disturbed during your transmission upgrade.
Congrats on your conversion. Not many would take on such an ordeal. I know how many hours I put in mine.
Sooooooooo worth the effort.
unplugging and reconnecting would be the best course of action right now. And in the end it will be so worth it. Cant wait for it to be on the road again.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 03:38 PM
  #6  
64Scout's Avatar
64Scout
Burning Brakes
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 823
Likes: 106
From: Somewhere near Fort Wayne, Indiana
Default

Is the brake light switch adjusted properly?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 04:56 PM
  #7  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by 64Scout
Is the brake light switch adjusted properly?
Ok I check it out. That is the problem. Rookie mistake overlooking that. Thank you
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2023 | 11:23 PM
  #8  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Alright after further trouble shooting, the cars rear main seal was put on incorrectly. I don’t know what I did wrong. Reading through forums and watching videos made me think that I should install it dry. Not sure if that’s the reason why it’s leaking.

Unfortunately I’ll have to take the transmission/bellhousing/clutch/flywheel off but it will go by faster now that I know exactly what I have to do.

As for my seats, they still don’t work. I’ll check grounds, fuses etc once the car is patched up again.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 1, 2023 | 12:39 AM
  #9  
jazfe's Avatar
jazfe
Pro
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 655
Likes: 164
From: Vancouver Washington
Default

I always wipe the seals with grease on the first install.
Your seat power connector at the center console is where I would start. With only two connectors to check it's always the most difficult to get to that is the issue.........
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2023 | 06:57 PM
  #10  
Gale Banks 80''s Avatar
Gale Banks 80'
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Default

By unbolting the Clutch Cover on the front of the Bellhousing You should be able to verify if the Rear Seal is leaking. I have had a a couple of leaks that "looked" like it was the rear seal when it was not. And after You have removed everything only to find nothing wrong with the seal ( been there) you will want to double check first.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2023 | 04:25 AM
  #11  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by Gale Banks 80'
By unbolting the Clutch Cover on the front of the Bellhousing You should be able to verify if the Rear Seal is leaking. I have had a a couple of leaks that "looked" like it was the rear seal when it was not. And after You have removed everything only to find nothing wrong with the seal ( been there) you will want to double check first.
I removed the dust cover and saw some oil in there. I have everything out now and am ready to get the seal redone. Do you know any good brands I should use for the rear main?

Another thing to point out, I found a spring inside the last seal. I damaged it while taking it out. Although the one I bought never came with one, should I have that spring inside the seal?
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2023 | 04:29 AM
  #12  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by jazfe
I always wipe the seals with grease on the first install.
Your seat power connector at the center console is where I would start. With only two connectors to check it's always the most difficult to get to that is the issue.........
I wiped the seal with motor oil on the first install. And just to be sure for the next time, only the inside of the seal right? I read somewhere that you should do inside and out.

I’m gonna blast the connectors with air and see if any dust from cutting the transmission hole was the reason. If not I’ll have to keep digging.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2023 | 02:20 PM
  #13  
MrBigDee's Avatar
MrBigDee
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 376
Likes: 102
Default

I installed the rear seal dry.
And I was told not to use oil or anything else.

Have you checked that the "Chinese wall" is not leaking?





I was really careful with the installation.
No leaking
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2023 | 04:41 PM
  #14  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by MrBigDee
I installed the rear seal dry.
And I was told not to use oil or anything else.

Have you checked that the "Chinese wall" is not leaking?





I was really careful with the installation.
No leaking
I’m not familiar with the Chinese wall. There is minor leakage in the driver side valve cover near the firewall though. Not sure if that’s what you’re referring to. I took the transmission and bellhousing off and the rear seal had residue of oil on it.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 03:10 PM
  #15  
MrBigDee's Avatar
MrBigDee
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 376
Likes: 102
Default

"China wall" is the saying on the front and back of the block.
I had a leak in the back and the sealant always has to be the right kind.
Pure silicone will not work.




Reply
Old Apr 5, 2023 | 09:44 PM
  #16  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by MrBigDee
"China wall" is the saying on the front and back of the block.
I had a leak in the back and the sealant always has to be the right kind.
Pure silicone will not work.



Oh I see. I do see oil coming from that area in the back of the block. Although when I took a look at the rear seal it was indeed bad. So I guess my next project will be redoing is the China wall and my valve covers lol.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2023 | 10:24 PM
  #17  
Gale Banks 80''s Avatar
Gale Banks 80'
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Default

The Sealant which should be RTV in the above picture is not tall enough unless you know for sure the Intake fits low and tight to the Block. There is one or two Oil Pressure senders here that are notorious for leaking. Mine was leaking internally and the weatherproof Plug kept the Oil in it would travel down the wire until it found a break in the insulation. That one took a wile to figure out.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Post ZF6 install problems

Old Apr 8, 2023 | 06:36 PM
  #18  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Update:

First off, there are no leaks. So I’ve done the rear main and oil pan gasket correctly this time.

2. My seats still don’t work. I’ve cleaned the connectors up so I’ll have to keep digging at it.

3. I took it on little test drive. 2nd and 3rd gears grind. It’ll go into gear but it’ll still grind. 1st, 4th and 5th don’t grind. I haven’t gotten high enough speed to hit 6th. When I hit the right rpm 3rd gear doesn’t grind. I’ve bled my clutch to the point of no bubbles. New master and slave btw. I’ve filled the trans with the correct amount of penzoil syncromesh. I have a feeling the synchros are bad.

4. The car will stall when coasting on neutral. I can get it to turn on again after pumping the clutch. Could this be fuel issue?
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2023 | 07:17 PM
  #19  
CorvetteRules's Avatar
CorvetteRules
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 579
From: Mays Landing, NJ
Default

Question, does your power locks work? If not check one of the 30 breakers in fuse panel. When the power locks and seats stopped working in 91 I had it ended up being wire in the console running up to the seat switches causes a short. In that case though I could hear the breaker opening and closing. If you had console apart it may be worth checking/
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2023 | 12:20 AM
  #20  
Markbottle's Avatar
Markbottle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
From: San Diego
Default

Originally Posted by CorvetteRules
Question, does your power locks work? If not check one of the 30 breakers in fuse panel. When the power locks and seats stopped working in 91 I had it ended up being wire in the console running up to the seat switches causes a short. In that case though I could hear the breaker opening and closing. If you had console apart it may be worth checking/
I’ve checked all my 30 breakers. And they all have a brown goo on them. The one that is for the seats and mirrors is really hot to the touch. I should probably replace that right?

As for your breaker opening and closing, what does that mean? You can hear it? Im not sure about the wires. They look fine to me. What should I look for?

Also if I were to buy another 30a breaker, where could I buy one?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:40 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE