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Topic: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

in Forum: C4 Engines

Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 12/28/23 5:06pm Message 1 of 21
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Sun City Center, FL - USA
Joined: 12/22/2023
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1986 Corvette white convertible

Hello Everyone

We just bought a gorgeous 86 which had been in a climate controlled environment since new. Driven VERY little with only 3700 miles.  Battery fine. Driving it back home it started to run rough after it had warmed up, but then would idle roughly and stall out completely. Fortunately, I could slip into neutral and it would start immediately back up and run.  The service engine light would flash. I bought the little GM tool to plug into the OB1 port (vs using a paperclip)  It reveals a code "51" stating that the computer ECU module / Prom is the cause.  Ive started it up several times in my garage, fires right up. However after idling up until around 130 - 150 degrees that's when the motor starts running very rough - the service engine light flashes and then stalls. Always starts right back up.  It DID have a replacement ECU installed and a new mass airflow piece replaced earlier this year. Any insights much appreciated!




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Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 12/28/23 5:28pm Message 2 of 21
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 11/12/2017
Posts: 76
Vette(s): 1993 LT1 convertible triple black 4L60 2003 Zo6 Electron/Black 6 sp

Just a guess, maybe mixture or delivery of fuel. 




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/10/24 11:49am Message 3 of 21
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OSWEGO, IL - USA
Joined: 4/14/2020
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1994 TORCH RED GARAGE QUEEN. THREE TIME TROPHY WINNER. ONCE BEST OF SHOW AND TWICE BEST IN CLASS

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR  CORVETTE PURCHASE. 

SINCE YOU ALREADY REPLACED THE ECU I WOULD CHECK THE FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE CAR SAT FOR A LONG TIME THERES A GOOD CHANCE THE SYTEM CAN BE VARNISHED UP. TRY REPLACING THE FUEL FILTER AND PUT A CAN OF SEA FOAM FUEL TREATMENT IN. IF THAT WORKS I WOULD PUT A CAN OF SEA FOAM IN EVERY TIME YOU FILL UP FOR THE NEXT 3 OR 4 TANKFULLS. 

GOOD LUCK. I KNOW YOU WILL ENJOY OWNING YOUR CORVETTE. I HAVE OWNED MY 94 FOR 20 YEARS AND I STILL GET EXCITED EVERY TIME I SIT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/10/24 3:30pm Message 4 of 21
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Is this an aluminum or CI head version?




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/11/24 8:12am Message 5 of 21
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Sun City Center, FL - USA
Joined: 12/22/2023
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1986 Corvette white convertible

Thanks so much for your suggestions!




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/11/24 8:13am Message 6 of 21
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Sun City Center, FL - USA
Joined: 12/22/2023
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1986 Corvette white convertible

I honestly don’t know…how would I verify?  




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/11/24 8:26am Message 7 of 21
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 11/12/2017
Posts: 76
Vette(s): 1993 LT1 convertible triple black 4L60 2003 Zo6 Electron/Black 6 sp

An aluminum head is lighter and stays relatively shiny when cleaned up with solvent. A Cast Iron head will be dull when cleaned up, and heavier. Aluminum is softer and will scratch or dent easier. Cast Iron is harder, and will not deform as easy. 




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/11/24 9:02am Message 8 of 21
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Sun City Center, FL - USA
Joined: 12/22/2023
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1986 Corvette white convertible

Thanks for suggestion




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/11/24 9:03am Message 9 of 21
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Sun City Center, FL - USA
Joined: 12/22/2023
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1986 Corvette white convertible

Thanks!  Learned something new from you.  Will check next time under the hood!




Re: Just bought 1986 Base C4 with 3700 miles starts runs then.....

Posted: 1/15/24 7:52am Message 10 of 21
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Cocoa, FL - USA
Joined: 8/21/2022
Posts: 45
Vette(s): 1990 C4 convertible Polo green/tan interior&top
1991 C4 ZR-1 red/tan
2020 C8 coupe Rapid blue/silver stripe/red interior

Check your fuel pressure, the fuel pump has a tendency to fail. Also with that low mileage the tank has a tendency to collect moisture. You can YouTube either of those jobs, the fuel pressure kit is available at a reasonable price on Amazon. BTW you will enjoy your new addition. I started with a 1990 convertible with 145,000 miles then added a 1991 ZR-1. I never get tired at looking at how beautiful they are.




in Forum: C4 Engines


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