Topic: LT1 left me stranded today. Need help diagnosing.
in Forum: C4 Engines
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Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611
Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
Optispark...as stated in my post above, mine did the same thing.
[QUOTE]That being said; a weak opti. would not burn all the fuel and give the symptoms you stated...ie. strong fuel smell, runs good sometimes, stumbles and stutters, and then returns to operating normal...all that until it dies.
What you described is EXACTLY how my opti. died....ran rich, stumbled, no codes,...then ran fine.
[/QUOTE]
I mean; I hope its not the opti...but I think it its.
[QUOTE]That being said; a weak opti. would not burn all the fuel and give the symptoms you stated...ie. strong fuel smell, runs good sometimes, stumbles and stutters, and then returns to operating normal...all that until it dies.
What you described is EXACTLY how my opti. died....ran rich, stumbled, no codes,...then ran fine.
[/QUOTE]
I mean; I hope its not the opti...but I think it its.
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Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I thought I'd update. The car still has that slight stumble in the mornings or whenever the engine's been off for longer than ten minutes but as usual, it clears right up and disappears all together within seconds.
I was never again left stranded since that day and I've been driving the car to/from work every day since. Whatever it was that caused it, never caused it to happen again. Strange......
I've decided that I may as well replace my optispark. That's what everybody's been telling me my problem is and since the car now has a completely new fuel system upgrade (I recently installed a new fuel pump to go along with the injectors/regulator and filter I've already replaced) and since every other part of the ignition system has been replaced, the opti is the only thing left...
I picked up a new AC/Delco unit and decided that since I have to remove the water pump anyway, I may as well replace it with an electric one and maybe pick up a few more horses while I'm at it.
I purchased the Meziere HD LT1 pump and all I need left is new water pump gaskets and I'm good to go.
Hopefully I'll get the chance to install everything this weekend, post some pic's and do a little write-up on the install. I'll post my results and (hopefully) the new opti will solve the "stumble" issues I've been experiencing.
Stay tuned...

(P.s) as far as the ECM, I will definitely be looking into it if this opti-swap doesn't solve my issue.
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Joined: 3/20/2009
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Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
[QUOTE=LT1*C4]
Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I thought I'd update.
I've decided that I may as well replace my optispark.
I picked up a new AC/Delco unit and decided that since I have to remove the water pump anyway, I may as well replace it with an electric one and maybe pick up a few more horses while I'm at it.
I purchased the Meziere HD LT1 pump and all I need left is new water pump gaskets and I'm good to go.
Hopefully I'll get the chance to install everything this weekend, post some pic's and do a little write-up on the install. I'll post my results and (hopefully) the new opti will solve the "stumble" issues I've been experiencing.
Stay tuned...
[/QUOTE]
You're on the right track...opti-and electric WP is putting new life into that LT.
Get some good before and after pics, and thanks for updating....will be looking forward to the progress reports.
GL
Jim
Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but I thought I'd update.
I've decided that I may as well replace my optispark.
I picked up a new AC/Delco unit and decided that since I have to remove the water pump anyway, I may as well replace it with an electric one and maybe pick up a few more horses while I'm at it.
I purchased the Meziere HD LT1 pump and all I need left is new water pump gaskets and I'm good to go.
Hopefully I'll get the chance to install everything this weekend, post some pic's and do a little write-up on the install. I'll post my results and (hopefully) the new opti will solve the "stumble" issues I've been experiencing.
Stay tuned...

[/QUOTE]
You're on the right track...opti-and electric WP is putting new life into that LT.
Get some good before and after pics, and thanks for updating....will be looking forward to the progress reports.
GL
Jim
I may not be able to help with your problem. I will take this information to my Corvette guru and get back to you with an answer. And now the real reason for me being here. I am a member of the C3 registry.I have been made aware of a 1992 Corvette for sale in my area. It is a convertible, quasar ble with white interior and top. It had been owned by a couple, original owners and the wife was the primary driver and a non smoker. There is 4,978 miles on this car !! Yes, 4,978. I need some input as to if this would be a good car for me to get. Reply here or too SDa4651343@aol.com
Thanks
Dan
I have been doing some research on my own about this problem. I am now going to bet my web feet that the problem is the opti-spark. My readings have told me that this was a very common problem for the 1992 year. Some were recalled back to Bowling Green. Others were not.
Please let me klnow if I was correct.

It sounds to me that there may be a sensor that is misbehaving. The reason I say that is the stumbling seams to occur at a certain temperature. If the problem is only temporary, then a code will not be recorded so that it indicates to "check engine". Replacing the parts as you are is a "process of eilimination", but a costly one. Obviously, you may be replacing parts that aren't necessary. A scanner would help diagnose. Some places will rent tools out. I think Advanced Auto or Auto Zone might. If there's one in your area check 'em out. Good luck.
in Forum: C4 Engines
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