Back in October of 2002 my Corvette wouldn't start (luckily it died in the garage). Since it was near winter time I decided not to do anything about it until spring (I was also strapped for money). I figured it was the fuel pump so in June of 2003 a friend gave me his old (working) fuel pump. I put replaced the old one with this one and voila, everything seemed to be working...for about 2 weeks. Then the same thing happened. I garaged it again until about a month ago when I replaced the fuel pump with a new AC Delco pump and a used sending unit. Again the car started right up and ran pretty well for not having really been run for almost 18 months.

Now that I've given you the background, here's what is happening now...

The car starts and runs fine for about 15 minutes (car is still cold). Once the car warms up, it dies and will not refire for about 10 minutes. This has happened in traffic on a couple of occasions. I have been able to avoid the stalling on a couple of occasions by revving the engine with the right foot and using the brake with the left (it's an automatic too). If I start to see the voltage level dropping below 13 volts I know that the car is most likely going to stall. If I can keep the volts up above 13 it usually is fine...but once it stalls it will not refire for about 10 minutes.

I'm looking for ideas as to what the problem may be. Could it still be fuel related (I personally don't think so)? Electrical? What kind of symptoms might a bad coil exhibit? Does the fact that the voltage is dropping indicate anything (like a bad coil?)?

Thanks in advance.
Craig

 

Just a wild guess, but look at the module in the dist. It may be on it's way out. Don't forget to put the gooey paste under it when you replace it. Maybe better experts will chime in :confused:

 

Update: I replaced the coil, started the engine - it died in about 5 minutes and wouldn't restart. Then I started listening when I turned the key. If I turned the key right after it stalled, no sound from the fuel pump. If I wait about 10-15 seconds and turn the key, I hear the fuel pump energize. If I then try to start the car, it starts. I kept the engine revved for a while (5-10 minutes), it eventually stayed running.
1. Should the pump energize every time you turn the key on?
2. What causes the pump to energize? Fuel pressure in the line? Fuel pump relay?
3. Why would the car cut out after idling for 5-10 minutes but if it's revved and warmed up it stays on?
Thanks,
Craig

 

Update: I replaced the coil, started the engine - it died in about 5 minutes and wouldn't restart. Then I started listening when I turned the key. If I turned the key right after it stalled, no sound from the fuel pump. If I wait about 10-15 seconds and turn the key, I hear the fuel pump energize. If I then try to start the car, it starts. I kept the engine revved for a while (5-10 minutes), it eventually stayed running.
1. Should the pump energize every time you turn the key on?
2. What causes the pump to energize? Fuel pressure in the line? Fuel pump relay?
3. Why would the car cut out after idling for 5-10 minutes but if it's revved and warmed up it stays on?
Thanks,
Craig