Hard start
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Hard start
86...automatic....full tank of gas starts right up with np....after about 50 miles....takes a few tries....getting worse....before I turn the key volts read 9...once it fires 13.....14 while driving.....I'm not a mechanic guys....I don't pretend to be....do the basics but to be honest....after lifting hood .....nope....not gonna touch it...but would like to go in to a mechanic and not sound like an idiot and direct him to the problem without possibly having the guy replace 20 different things costing 20000 dollars.... I've been told to seafoam it....but figured I probably should ask here 1st
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 234
From: Markdale , Ontario
Not enough information,
How long do you crank the engine each time?
Does your fuel pump hum(prime) for about 2-3 seconds when you turn your key to accessories? This pressurizes your fuel rail.
Are your battery connections dirty (corroded)....Sounds like your alternator is working correctly but your battery might not be getting or holding the charge right.
After you have driven the car for 50 miles, shut the car off and then get a volt reading without cranking the car over. What does it say 10volts? 11.9volts?
How long do you crank the engine each time?
Does your fuel pump hum(prime) for about 2-3 seconds when you turn your key to accessories? This pressurizes your fuel rail.
Are your battery connections dirty (corroded)....Sounds like your alternator is working correctly but your battery might not be getting or holding the charge right.
After you have driven the car for 50 miles, shut the car off and then get a volt reading without cranking the car over. What does it say 10volts? 11.9volts?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 365
From: Central Florida
Time to touch it. Has a mechanic agreed to work on it. If you know nothing and try to tell him his job he is either going to bark at you or laugh, then he is going to charge you the rate it takes to learn then repair a C4. You pay, he collects.....
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 168
Likes: 22
From: New York
Had a similar problem with my 90 but was hard starting when cold. Once I got it started ran fine and started each time, no problem. Took it to my mechanic who found the problem by plugging into the diagnostic port under the dash and looking at live data. Turned out to be the coolant temp. sensor which I would never had figured out as I don't have that diagnostic equipment.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Not enough information,
How long do you crank the engine each time?
Does your fuel pump hum(prime) for about 2-3 seconds when you turn your key to accessories? This pressurizes your fuel rail.
Are your battery connections dirty (corroded)....Sounds like your alternator is working correctly but your battery might not be getting or holding the charge right.
After you have driven the car for 50 miles, shut the car off and then get a volt reading without cranking the car over. What does it say 10volts? 11.9volts?
How long do you crank the engine each time?
Does your fuel pump hum(prime) for about 2-3 seconds when you turn your key to accessories? This pressurizes your fuel rail.
Are your battery connections dirty (corroded)....Sounds like your alternator is working correctly but your battery might not be getting or holding the charge right.
After you have driven the car for 50 miles, shut the car off and then get a volt reading without cranking the car over. What does it say 10volts? 11.9volts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 282
From: Dyersburg TN
voltage should be around 12 volts before starting with a good battery. Once running the alternator will kick it up in the 13-14 volt range. 9 volts sounds low. When it fails to start is it slow crank or fast (normal) crank just not starting.
If this is your daily driver I recommend getting another daily driver if you don't want to have to tinker with it. They are enjoyable (most of the time) to work on as long as you don't need it to get to work. But the best way to save money even if you have someone else do the work is to learn about your Corvette. You are way less likely to fall for some mechanic's over priced quote (I am a former mechanic) if you just know your car. Best of luck and post an update when you get it resolved.
If this is your daily driver I recommend getting another daily driver if you don't want to have to tinker with it. They are enjoyable (most of the time) to work on as long as you don't need it to get to work. But the best way to save money even if you have someone else do the work is to learn about your Corvette. You are way less likely to fall for some mechanic's over priced quote (I am a former mechanic) if you just know your car. Best of luck and post an update when you get it resolved.
86...automatic....full tank of gas starts right up with np....after about 50 miles....takes a few tries....getting worse....before I turn the key volts read 9...once it fires 13.....14 while driving.....I'm not a mechanic guys....I don't pretend to be....do the basics but to be honest....after lifting hood .....nope....not gonna touch it...but would like to go in to a mechanic and not sound like an idiot and direct him to the problem without possibly having the guy replace 20 different things costing 20000 dollars.... I've been told to seafoam it....but figured I probably should ask here 1st
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Unfortunately til this money pit....(house)..... sells it is my daily driver....... hopefully won't be soon.....it tries to rollover the first cpl tries but 3rd 4th try it's definitely sluggish....starts by the grace of God which knowing his cruel sense of humor it won't be starting at all soon....thx for the input.....I'll let u guys know how ut turns out
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 365
From: Central Florida
If it is a fueling issue, to get it started you can unhook the drivers side (PCV on valve cover) hose and spray some starting fluid in the hose. This will also help to determine if it a fueling issue.
Last edited by Vets-Vet; Jan 10, 2024 at 09:13 AM.
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
So.....went to AutoZone and dude said it was probably a battery issue.....changed said battery.....now it did need to be replaced....heater works a 100 x better .....the dashboard is way brighter....but as far as fixing the starting problem....still up in the air...she fired immediately with np.....3rd time starting it after it had been ran.....not so much....9.1 volts before cranking....soooo.......I'll let ya no
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 365
From: Central Florida
I think half of us are confused. You are have a cranking problem or a starting problem??
How much time elapsed between new battery and when you had 9 volts before cranking. It doesn't matter what number just time between, hot or cold ??
Are you having a battery drain while it is sitting??
Are you having a cranking problem when it is hot??
You DO have 13 to 14 volts while driving, consistently ??
How much time elapsed between new battery and when you had 9 volts before cranking. It doesn't matter what number just time between, hot or cold ??
Are you having a battery drain while it is sitting??
Are you having a cranking problem when it is hot??
You DO have 13 to 14 volts while driving, consistently ??
Last edited by Vets-Vet; Jan 17, 2024 at 11:23 AM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
It was ....Col. Mustard in the hall....with the BATTERY....without a doubt....she's turning over immediately except for in the morning ....but I'm gonna say. ...39 years old....bitter *** cold outside....my *** wouldn't want to start right up either....after the first start....she fires up immediately now. ....heaters cranking now ...the power windows work 10x better ...lights brighter....dashboard is finally visible.....she's running well.....thank you all for your comments and help ..I really do appreciate ya all