Corvette C3 Forum 1968 through 1982

1981 Corvette purchase

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Old 03-22-2014, 04:31 PM
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Default 1981 Corvette purchase

Finally did it, picked up a 1981 C3 Corvette. First of all, thanks to all who post on this forum, I referred to them often during my search. Ok so I pick up the car and I'm noticing a buzzing noise I'm thinking it's just a vibration because if I accelerate a little it goes away, now I think it's something else. Any help will be greatly appreciate!

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Old 03-23-2014, 06:50 AM
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Welcome to the forum.

What area of the car does it seem to be coming from? Does it just go away under acceleration?
 
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Old 03-24-2014, 04:39 PM
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73shark,
It seems like it's coming from the center console, I was out playing around a little bit the other day and it seemed to stop when I pressed the passages power window button! It also goes away when I accelerate or change rpm? Also the battery light is on, the guy who sold me the car said these cars are notorious for that?? Not to worry about it he checked the alternator?

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Old 03-25-2014, 08:48 AM
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The buzzing might be the transmission shifting linkage vibrating. The Volt meter lite being lit probably means an alternator problem. Most auto parts stores will test your battery and alternator for free.
 
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Old 03-26-2014, 06:22 PM
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Default Buzzing and alt light

Thanks 73shark, I'm going to replace the alternator over the weekend. The noise I'm hearing could be a vibration, the linkage your talking about is on an automatic?
 
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Old 03-27-2014, 12:21 AM
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Did the alternator check bad?

Buzzing linkage is usually associated w/ a 4 spd manual.
 
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Old 03-27-2014, 06:03 PM
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The truth is I haven't tested the alt. myself, I read on here someone had trouble with a blown diode in there alternator which caused the alt. light to go on and a choke relay to buzz so for $44 I figured I just change it and see if that helps.
 
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Old 03-27-2014, 07:21 PM
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Is that for the alternator and relay? A good alternator in my neck of the woods is in the $100 neighborhood. Steer away from rebuilds unless you know they're good as most are junk.

Let us know the outcome.
 
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Old 03-29-2014, 02:36 PM
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I install a new alternator and it seems to have solved the problems, the dash indicator light is off and the buzzing noise is gone! As Phil Robertson says Happy, happy happy!

Thanks to the folks who post on this forum
 
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Old 03-29-2014, 04:22 PM
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Thanks for reporting back. That's what makes the forum work. Glad you got it fixed.
 
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