car dies after starting

[Robert M.]

1984 corvette 49,500 miles. original owner. When I drive the car for 20 minuets or more and then turn the car off and let it sit for 45 minutes or more, if I try to start it it sputters and dies. If I crank it and play with the gas it will start after 8 or 9 tries but run rough. If I give it too much gas it will shut off again. 18 months ago I changed the fuel pump and the problem stopped. A month ago it started to do the same thing again. I changed the air intake valves on the crossfire L83 and it still does it. I drive the car about 1,000 miles a year. I talked to a GM mechanic and he said the fuel pump needs to be replaced againand that happens on cars that are no driven much. I drive the car about every other week for at least 25 miles. Help, I do not want to put another fuel pump on if I do not have to. They want $125 to check the pressure on the pump. I might as well get a new one. Anybody have this problem or have an answer?

[Joe C.]

Re: car dies after starting

1984 corvette 49,500 miles. original owner. When I drive the car for 20 minuets or more and then turn the car off and let it sit for 45 minutes or more, if I try to start it it sputters and dies. If I crank it and play with the gas it will start after 8 or 9 tries but run rough. If I give it too much gas it will shut off again. 18 months ago I changed the fuel pump and the problem stopped. A month ago it started to do the same thing again. I changed the air intake valves on the crossfire L83 and it still does it. I drive the car about 1,000 miles a year. I talked to a GM mechanic and he said the fuel pump needs to be replaced againand that happens on cars that are no driven much. I drive the car about every other week for at least 25 miles. Help, I do not want to put another fuel pump on if I do not have to. They want $125 to check the pressure on the pump. I might as well get a new one. Anybody have this problem or have an answer?

Before condemning the pump, you might check the pump relay. If it has a contact with high resistance, the extreme heat will be enough to cause it to fail completely.

[Robert M.]

Re: car dies after starting

Thanks. Is there a way to check the relay or should I just buy a new one?

[Robert M.]

Re: car dies after starting

I have been told to look at the mass air flow sensor, the TPS throttle Position Sensor. I have a new fuel filter so that is not it. Does this make sense. Even the GM dealership did not help.

[William C.]

Re: car dies after starting

The tps is easy if you have an ohmmeter. Also, you need the service manual if you plan on keeping the car. The '84 crossfire is unique, but much simpler than the later Port-furl engines to diagnose. You need a few tools, a pressure gauge to check the pressure in the fuel line to the TBI units, verify you have the appropriate fuel pressure when hot. The tps can also be verified easily with a good digital ohmmeter. Don't discount the possibility of a problem with the coil or distributor module in a heat soak condition. Get the service manual, and work thru the steps outlined. The "mechanic" who said to check the mass airflow on a TBI car is someone who dosent know what he is talking about in an '84, it isn't used in the TBI crossfire system, started with the port fuel system in '85.

[Robert M.]

Re: car dies after starting

Thanks for the info

[Jim T.]

Re: car dies after starting

Thanks. Is there a way to check the relay or should I just buy a new one?

I check the relay in my 1985 evertime I drive it. When I put the key in the ignition I only turn the key to the on position and listen. I hear the relay click off indicating that the fuel pump has built fuel pressure to the injectors. I then turn the ignition to the start position. My 85 starts immediately when this procedure is used. The relay will only allow electrical current to the fuel pump for a short time in this procedure. Oil pressure from a started engine also comes into the picture to allow the fuel pump to function.

When C4's were being built there was a free service where you could call the Corvette Plant and talk to a real person about your C4 problems. One of the consultants can still be contacted about C4's for a fee. www.gordonkillerbrew.com did at one time offer classes where you could take your C4 and learn about it. I believe that now he only does it by phone. A phone call to Gordon may help with your porblem. For sure he most likey knows more about C4 problems than the technitions/mechanics at most Chevrolet dealer garages.

[Greg A.]

Re: car dies after starting

FYI, it's www.gordonkillebrew.com

From his website:

PHONE CONSULTATION
After Gordon retired from GM's Corvette plant's Action Center, where he told GM's Tech Center and Dealers how to fix the Corvettes, he started For Your Car, Inc. to help the Corvette owners and shop technicians solve their troubleshooting problems by calling him on his consulting line 1-800-39-83883 (800-For Your VETTE). His fee is $10.00 per call, plus $3.00 per minute, while you talk with him. You are allowed 1-free call-back on same problem. Thereafter, $3.00 per minute applies. It is charged to your Visa or MC that you supply when you call. He wants to help you solve your problem ASAP and save you money.

[Ken A.]

Re: car dies after starting

If you didn't clean your tank when you put in the new pump, then chances are the new one is now toast.

[Edward J.]

Re: car dies after starting

1984 corvette 49,500 miles. original owner. When I drive the car for 20 minuets or more and then turn the car off and let it sit for 45 minutes or more, if I try to start it it sputters and dies. If I crank it and play with the gas it will start after 8 or 9 tries but run rough. If I give it too much gas it will shut off again. 18 months ago I changed the fuel pump and the problem stopped. A month ago it started to do the same thing again. I changed the air intake valves on the crossfire L83 and it still does it. I drive the car about 1,000 miles a year. I talked to a GM mechanic and he said the fuel pump needs to be replaced againand that happens on cars that are no driven much. I drive the car about every other week for at least 25 miles. Help, I do not want to put another fuel pump on if I do not have to. They want $125 to check the pressure on the pump. I might as well get a new one. Anybody have this problem or have an answer?

Bob, theres alot of useful info. here, My first question is does the service engine soon lamp on on while driving or has it been on lately? check for stored trouble codes might be the first place to look, a fuel pump pressure test would be next.( when the car is running and it seems to drive okay a fuel pump issue may be at the far end of the spectrum). since your dealing with the older slower computers they don't away catch the problems with starting issues, more so when driving the car. but trouble codes will sometimes lead you to the source of the problem.