C 4 pre purchase check list

[Lyndon S.]

I am looking at purchasing a 1995 coupe with the auto trans. I am kind of leery of the optic spark engine though. What other things should one look for in the latter C4 years? Is the dash and gauges problematic like the 84-89 ones. Any thing you guys could tell me to look out for when I go to test drive it would be most appreciated from this board. Thanks

[Tom H.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Don't let the opti spark scare you away from the C4.

Check interior functions. Power seat motors, CD player, electronic AC unit, power antenna. Intake gaskets are prone to leaking too. Check operation of the PKE transmitter . Nothing that can't be fixed but can be pricey or easily overlooked.

I'm sure the others will chime in with more tips too.

Overall, a good 95 is a pleasure to drive and own.

[George C.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Don't let the opti spark scare you away from the C4.

Check interior functions. Power seat motors, CD player, electronic AC unit, power antenna. Intake gaskets are prone to leaking too. Check operation of the PKE transmitter . Nothing that can't be fixed but can be pricey or easily overlooked.

I'm sure the others will chime in with more tips too.

Overall, a good 95 is a pleasure to drive and own.

Great Corvette to own. One of my favorites. Tom is right on the money on his advice.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Check operation of the PKE transmitter . Nothing that can't be fixed but can be pricey or easily overlooked.



OK, already got me stumped what is the PKE transmitter ? And how does one go about checking it?

[Edward J.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

I am looking at purchasing a 1995 coupe with the auto trans. I am kind of leery of the optic spark engine though. What other things should one look for in the latter C4 years? Is the dash and gauges problematic like the 84-89 ones. Any thing you guys could tell me to look out for when I go to test drive it would be most appreciated from this board. Thanks

Lyndon, the earlier optic spark dists. where more problematic due to no drainage holes if mositure got under the cap it really screwed things up. 95 is not a problem as it was vented, on occasions if the water pump leaks it may cause the engine to misfire due to anti freeze leaking around the plug wires area.

Keep an eye on the seats as there have alot of issues with the bolsters and bladders and pump, As Tom says seat functions is a important one.

Intake manifold gaskets can sometimes be problems they generally leak at the cornors front or rear.

overall the 95 is a more refined corvette. for the C4 generation.

One last thing is to check the computer systems for trouble codes, wouldn't be nice to know of any hidden trouble codes. there are quite a few computers and a scan tool will help dia. code quickly.

[George C.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

My only prblem with my 95 Corvette was the fuel sensor went bad and my DIC gauge for fuel had no read (at first I thought it was a dash problem). Corvette ran fine. I replaced the sender myself. Easy fix, just the GM part back then was like $375.00. Funny story about this was my friend had a low mile 93 Corvette and his sender went bad about 9 months before mine. I think he put a curse on mine. LOL.

[Joe L.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Lyndon, the earlier optic spark dists. where more problematic due to no drainage holes if mositure got under the cap it really screwed things up. 95 is not a problem as it was vented, on occasions if the water pump leaks it may cause the engine to misfire due to anti freeze leaking around the plug wires area.

Keep an eye on the seats as there have alot of issues with the bolsters and bladders and pump, As Tom says seat functions is a important one.

Intake manifold gaskets can sometimes be problems they generally leak at the cornors front or rear.

overall the 95 is a more refined corvette. for the C4 generation.

One last thing is to check the computer systems for trouble codes, wouldn't be nice to know of any hidden trouble codes. there are quite a few computers and a scan tool will help dia. code quickly.

Edward------


The only Opti-Spark distributors with no venting were the very early 1992. Most of those were replaced under a recall to the later 1992 style which had vent holes on the bottom of the aluminum casting. This style continued to be used for 93-94. The 1995-96 Opti-Spark had venting via a vacuum extraction system.

[Bill H.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Optisparks can go bad but the problems are overblown on the internet.
But do check for evidence of a waterpump failure.

And, as stated the vacuum vented 95-95 are less prone to failure.
The 92's had a recall to add the vent holes.

You can easily check all the codes on the dash with a paperclip.

[Joe L.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Optisparks can go bad but the problems are overblown on the internet.
But do check for evidence of a waterpump failure.

And, as stated the vacuum vented 95-95 are less prone to failure.
The 92's had a recall to add the vent holes.

You can easily check all the codes on the dash with a paperclip.

Bill------


Just to be clear, for the early 1992's without venting, the holes were not added to existing distributors. The distributors were completely replaced with a new one having the holes.

[Bill H.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Bill------


Just to be clear, for the early 1992's without venting, the holes were not added to existing distributors. The distributors were completely replaced with a new one having the holes.

Joe, you are correct as usual.

[Tom H.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

OK, already got me stumped what is the PKE transmitter ? And how does one go about checking it?

Lyndon:

The PKE is short for Passive Keyless Entry. It is the remote door lock / unlock system used on the 93 to 96. Only one transmitter came with the 95's, not 2. It was a passive system that locked and unlocked the car as you approached or walked away. The transmitters and receiver boxes can go bad. Not a big deal, but if you are a nut on everything working, you will want to check the operation of this feature. Remember, it is passive and it has an on and off feature. It can be somewhat confusing to tell if the system is operating correctly if you are not familiar with it. If you get the car and have any issues, drop me a PM and I will be glad to help explain the operation to you.

[David H.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list

Optisparks can go bad ... But do check for evidence of a waterpump failure. ....

Look for a discoloration "line" cross-wise on the inside hood above the accessory belt drive. Coolant gets flung up by the belt if the waterpump has been leaking.

[John M.]

Re: C 4 pre purchase check list







Save the Wave --------- JGM