I'm the proud owner of a 1989 Corvette conv auto and need a little help.

I have starting problems that come and go. Both cold and hot, but always right after shutting down, it just won't restart. The quick run into the C-store, I have a 20% chance it won't start when I come out.

It does turn over.. it acts like fuel or spark are turned off.

It will start and run perfectly sometimes 5 minutes later, sometimes 15, twice now, I had to let it sit overnight before it would start. (tried 2 hours after the no start event). Then it runs perfectly again.

Just hoping this is some common problem I wasn't able to find readin thru posts and using the search here this afternoon... so I decided to raise my hand and hope for the best.

oh, and thanks ; P
<waves>

 

First you need to isolate whether it is fuel or fire. TO do that, you will need some sort of fuel pressure gauge to attach to the fuel rail, also will need some sort of spark checker. You can purchase these at most auto parts stores. Could be something like a fuel pump relay, ignition coil, pickup coil in distributor, module. Hard to say 1st without isolating problem. Let me know and we can proceed from there. [8D]

 

thanks for your reply, Saturday now, a chance to duplicate it in the driveway.

The spark is getting to the plugs so it's definitely fuel being shut off or mismanaged somewhere.

I started and ran the car for maybe 3 minutes, shut it down, and no restart.

When you hit the key, you hear it fire maybe one or two cycliders, I'm assuming using the last remaining fuel before starving out. and not completely starting the vehicle.

I turned the key to run and I can hear two distinctive clicks from the engine compartment. It sounds like a solenoid clicking on and off. I don't know whether this is normal or not on good starts. I'll check that next time it starts.

Thanks again.. still working on it ; P

edit: it does make this noise on a successful start. somethings turning off my fuel.

 

Had similiar problem on my '87. Turned out to be the starter. May be the same for you. Just a thought...

 

OK, the next thing you need to do is have someone with a scan tool plug in and see if your car shows cranking rpm signal. Are you getting a tach signal, 100 to 150 rpm while cranking. If not, the ECM is shutting down the fuel pump relay. Or you just might simply have a fuel pump going out. Since you say you have spark, then the pickup coil is doing its thing and that's what the ECM looks at. Check injector pulse with a noid light (light you plug into the injector connector to see if the injector is pulsing) to see if ECM is pulsing injector. Good Luck [8D]

 

OK..

The prognosis says.. 7 of 8 injectors are 'stuck on' and they should all be replaced.

On my normal parts site.. I saw some different injs and was shocked, it seems mine are specially spensive and will run $115 each?

First.. 'stuck on' sounded odd to me.. but what do I know..

Second... anyone have a suggestion for injector shopping for my 89?

 

wow... 115 A PIECE?!? go to ecklers or mid-america (www.ecklers.com or www.madvet.com) you can get stock replacement injectors for WAY cheaper than that.

 

Yes, the Ecklers one is $115.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1282.

I'm thinking I need to go aftermarket.. what about these ACCEL ones I'm seeing.. and what is the stock fuel rate? seems ACCEL has some 24lbs that would be very reasonable.

I usually like OEM parts.. but I can see an arguement for newer tech in an aftermarket injector.

The ACCELs advertise a few features.. got me thinking.

Does the flow have to be the same as the orig? What is it 22lbs/hr stock?

Thanks y'all for any input!

 

Higher flow means more fuel pump also.

 

Sounds like I just need to find a good aftermarket, stock replacement then.