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Topic: won't start

in Forum: C4 Engines


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won't start (1/9)
 2/10/12 6:11pm
sewellvette
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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1992 Black Rose Coupe 2000 Silver Coupe


Joined: 7/18/2009
Posts: 5

I HAVE a 92 LT1 it cranks ok but will not even try to start.  I replaced the fuel pump and strainer because I could not hear it run (still can't).  Any ideas?
Thanks Jim in Tucson Az
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Re: won't start (2/9)
 2/11/12 9:51am
eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto


Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

need a little more info. are you getting spark, etc.? also if your vette has the vats system on it that maybe the cause. does it show any trouble codes?

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the dynamic duo


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Re: won't start (3/9)
 2/12/12 10:20am
sewellvette
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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1992 Black Rose Coupe 2000 Silver Coupe


Joined: 7/18/2009
Posts: 5

I can hear the fuel pump now. I do have spark, checked and replaced the fuel pump fuse even though it looked good do not have the VAT system can't think of any reasons it won't start.  I did notice the fuel gauge was showing full when I know it is low. going to remove the fuel pump and check that also to make sure I pushed the probe of the pump firmly into the receiver
 
Any other ideas?  Sorry I didn't reply sooner I could't figure out how!
Thanks for your time
Jim
Re: won't start (4/9)
 2/12/12 11:49am
87 SharkTail
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Minster, OH - USA

Vette(s):
Beautiful Original Condition 1987 C4 Convertible, Bright Red exterior, Red interior, 4+3 Doug Nash Manual transmission, with 62K miles. Garage housed and dry roads driven. Fun to cruise along in, but always ready to go!


Joined: 9/6/2011
Posts: 17

Jim,
 
It might be a good idea to put a few gallons of gas in the tank, just to make sure you are not out of gas, and the fuel level sensor is not bad.
 
When I got my 87 SharkTail Corvette, my wife and I were cruising along for our great first cruise with what we thought was a full tank of gas, and the car quit on us.
 
Not a very good feeling as we sat at the side of the road.
 
However, things changed quickly, when gas was added, and the possibility of a bad fuel level sensor was considered.
 
That's what it was, and we have been happily cruising since!
 
Just a thought, and might be worth a try.
 
Best Regards,
Dan
Re: won't start (5/9)
 2/12/12 6:02pm
SAYWHEN
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Joined: 2/26/2011
Posts: 82

sewellvette said: I can hear the fuel pump now. I do have spark, checked and replaced the fuel pump fuse even though it looked good do not have the VAT system can't think of any reasons it won't start.  I did notice the fuel gauge was showing full when I know it is low. going to remove the fuel pump and check that also to make sure I pushed the probe of the pump firmly into the receiver
 
Any other ideas?  Sorry I didn't reply sooner I could't figure out how!
Thanks for your time
Jim

If you have spark and it's timed correctly by the opti distributor...try spraying a little carb/throttle cleaner or starting fluid into the throttle boby w/bellows hose removed and see if it starts and runs for a few seconds. If it does and you're sure you have fuel in the tank...check for fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If you have fuel pressure at the rail as far as I know 1992 did in fact have VATS which did 2 things... starter enable AND the VATS module module sends a signal to the ECM which will not "pulse" the fuel injectors with out this signal from the VATS module. Sometimes owners think that VATS has been bypassed by installing a aftermarket kit(resistor) in line which takes the place of the "pellet" in the ignition key....however the ECM still needs the signal from the VATS module or you'll have a no start. The best way to completely remove VATS is via ECM reprogramming IMO. If you have fuel pressure.... a noid light plugged into a injector connector while cranking the engine it should blink...will confirm whether you do or don't have "injector pulse"
Re: won't start (6/9)
 2/12/12 7:59pm
davep85c4
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Posts: 254

SAYWHEN said:
sewellvette said: do not have the VAT system

 Sometimes owners think that VATS has been bypassed by installing a aftermarket kit(resistor) in line which takes the place of the "pellet" in the ignition key....however the ECM still needs the signal from the VATS module or you'll have a no start.

I'm a little hazy with my recollection of this topic, but IIRC, the "SECURITY" light will be on in the key-on position if there is a problem with VATS. specifically a problem that is inhibiting fuel delivery.

I also didn't think the "resistor under the dash" thing worked after 1990 or maybe 91.

Re: won't start (7/9)
 2/15/12 7:49am
eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto


Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

as sharktail said, trying puttin in a couple of gallons of gas and check fuel pressure at the rail. just another thought...how old is your battery. sometimes a weak battery will not produce a good spark to start the car.

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the dynamic duo


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Re: won't start (8/9)
 2/15/12 1:14pm
sewellvette
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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1992 Black Rose Coupe 2000 Silver Coupe


Joined: 7/18/2009
Posts: 5

Thanks to all for your ideas.  I am sure the fuel pump is working and I have spark.  My new concern is the fuel filter I am going to replace it next.  The battery is newer and cranks very well.  I will also check out the vat.
 
Thanks again for all your help, Corvette people are the best
Jim
Re: won't start (9/9)
 2/15/12 10:25pm
eddie20890
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto


Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363

jim,

would be a good idea to check fuel pressure. should read about 43 lbs with just turning key to on position. your pump may not be putting out the right pressure even if it is turning on. my grandson got stuck with his car and my pressure guage was not set up to read the pressure on his system (nissan maxima). disconnected top line of filter and when he turned key on gas pumped out. so i changed the filter ( a real big PITA). car still wouldn't start. modified my pressure guage and hooked it up and it showed no pressure. replaced fuel pmp and car started right up.

also had a friend who replaced his pump and it turned out to be a defective pump.


|UPDATED|2/15/2012 7:25:53 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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the dynamic duo


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