I just bought a 1998 coupe with 30k on the clock to drive as my everday commuter. This car starts harder than any late model car I have ever had. It cranks quick, but just does not act like it wants to fire for 3 or 4 seconds after the starter engages. I have a '02 Z06 also, and it fires with the touch of the key. I had the local Chevy dealer do a fuel system cleaning of the injectors, throttle body and I removed the MAF sensor and cleaned it. Also checked fuel pressure. Still no luck. Once running it performs like you would expect a Corvette to run. Anyone have any suggestions of where to try next???

Terry

 

check for correct fuel pressure and bleed down.

 

Lucky is right on the mark! The ignition ON signal will run the fuel pump for approximately a one second prime. When it completes that prime, you should see full fuel pressure at the fuel rail schrader valve. If its anything less than 62 PSI,,,,cranking time will be extended.

There are electrical issues that can prevent the fuel pump from running. One of the most common is a poor ground. Just like you,,my first C5 was a 98 Coupe and it developed the same exact symptoms. It was my daily driver and there were days when it would not fire off. It would crank until the battery went dead but not fire and run. When the fuel pressure was examined, there was none during the crank phase and a no start issue. Here is an example of what I found when I examined the grounds;





Poor G-101 ground!!



So,,,check the electrical side of the issue before you get to dollar deep into the issue. I hated my 98 until I addressed my ground corrosion issue.

When you turn the ignition switch to ON, listen carefully for a brief one second low volume hum coming from the rear of the car. Thats the fuel pump running. If you don't hear that noise, the fuel pump did not prime.

Most of my grounds were severely corroded which effected the fuel pump operation.

There are several other electrical problems that can cause this issue.

-Bad ignition switch (dirty contacts)
-Bad/intermittent fuel pump relay
-Dirty /corroded fuel pump ground
-Loose/corroded fuel pump hot wire on the fuel sender unit (drivers side tank)

Check for proper fuel pump operation at first key on. Thats going to be the key to solving your issue. Also,,,read and post ALL your DTCs. Mine had a LONG LONG list of random DTCs due to poor ground.

BC

Bill

 

Thanks for the great info on the ground problems. I will jump on it today and see what I find.
Terry

 

I have to wonder if the car was "tuned" prior to his purchase of it and the tune is no longer suitable as in if someone removed mods and so on before selling/trading it.

 

What is the fuel pressure? Did you check it at the rail, and monitor for bleed down?

 

I have a 98, I don't have this issue, but am interested in the outcome.