1989 C4 No Start

[WRECKER88]

I could use some help. I have a 1989 C4 with 5,000 miles that will not start. I found the fuel pump was not running. I have changed the pump, pump pulsator and the filter. Now the car starts and will run for 30-60 seconds and stops running. What do i look for next.

 

[boomdriver]

5000 original miles???
if thats true, it could be anything. Unless the car was properly stored,. old fuel has turned to gel, or hardened into varnish. It still sounds like a fuel flow issue.
Get a fuel pressure test first. You changed the inline filter AND the fuel strainer in the tank?

it could be a rats nest in the cat....bad fuel, so many possible causes.

 

[Schrade]

5,000 miles? In 20 years? Starting the motor would 'bump' the odometer into 5kmi without even in shifting the tranny! :L Probably has never seen closed loop ops.

Do fuel pressure tests. This is CRITICAL for port fuel injection. Search my posts for EXACT FP test procedure. See youtube for reference vids ...

 

[WRECKER88]

Yes it has 5,000 miles. For the last 10 years it has be driven for 300 miles a year with no problems. Last fall i had it out and it stalled out. It restated and i drove another 5 miles and i turned is off and it would not restart. I towed home and put it in the garage. When i checked it out i found the pump had voltage but was not running. I replaced the pump,strainer, pulsator and filter (a/c Delco parts) and now it starts and runs for 30-60 seconds and dies. I can hear the pump running when this happens. If i try to restart it will not start. If i try in a hour it will start and die again.

 

[WRECKER88]

 

[Schrade]

5,000 miles? In 20 years? Starting the motor would 'bump' the odometer into 5kmi without even in shifting the tranny! :L Probably has never seen closed loop ops.

Do fuel pressure tests. This is CRITICAL for port fuel injection. Search my posts for EXACT FP test procedure. See youtube for reference vids ...

Post back up when you get these numbers and times, and we can zero in uh HUH!

 

[CarolinaC4]

You say filter...do you mean strainer or did you change the fuel filter under the right side of the car? Strainer or filter? Should have changed both with the pump. Put a fuel guage on it and fire it up and watch the fuel pressure as it runs to see if it drops off when it starts to shut down.

 

[WRECKER88]

I changed the fuel pump, fuel pump strainer, fuel pump pulsator all in the tank and the fuel filter under the car. Now is starts and runs for a short time. I now will check the injectors for shorts tomorrow. I was told a shorted injector will shut the motor down.

 

[sstearns2]

The 89 I used to have stalled sometimes. Turned out to be the two relays behind the battery to do with the MAF burnoff system. The injectors start a slow death as soon as ethanol hits them. A couple bad injectors could cause your problem.

Have you checked for codes?

Scott

 

[WRECKER88]

I checked my Injectors for shorts and found the #7 injector shorted 3.2 ohms. I reconnected all but # 7 and it starts and runs does not shut off.

1 16
2 16
3 16.2
4 16.1
5 16.2
6 16
7 3.2 shorted
8 16

Now where do i buy new injectors and what kind do i get ?

 

[89blackvette]

Check return line to the tank also. "Service Engine Soon" light on ??
Mike

 

[G Winter]

I checked my Injectors for shorts and found the #7 injector shorted 3.2 ohms. I reconnected all but # 7 and it starts and runs does not shut off.

1 16
2 16
3 16.2
4 16.1
5 16.2
6 16
7 3.2 shorted
8 16

Now where do i buy new injectors and what kind do i get ?

I would replace all the injectors. I recommend getting them form FIC if you do a search here you will see they come highly recommended . I personally have a set in my 90 and could not believe the diff in the way it ran. These are slightly used that are totally checked out, new screens etc and flow matched. If you call them and talk to Jon he will set you up.
I think they also sell new but don't think it is necessary , the used come with a 3 yr warranty.

Glenn

 

[gmjunkie]

I checked my Injectors for shorts and found the #7 injector shorted 3.2 ohms. I reconnected all but # 7 and it starts and runs does not shut off.

1 16
2 16
3 16.2
4 16.1
5 16.2
6 16
7 3.2 shorted
8 16

Now where do i buy new injectors and what kind do i get ?

Call Jon or Jon at FIC Fuel Injector Connection

 

[tonylong]

I would replace all the injectors. I recommend getting them form FIC if you do a search here you will see they come highly recommended . I personally have a set in my 90 and could not believe the diff in the way it ran. These are slightly used that are totally checked out, new screens etc and flow matched. If you call them and talk to Jon he will set you up.
I think they also sell new but don't think it is necessary , the used come with a 3 yr warranty.

Glenn

I echo this exactly -- ethanol gas will eat the original injectors giving all sorts of starting and running problems.

 

[WRECKER88]

I got my new fuel injectors from Jon at FIC. Great price and fast shipping. I am going to install them on sunday.

 

[TedC]

You can try unplugging #7 (shorted injector) and see if it continues to run. The Bosch IIIs run great on stock L98s. One shorted injector can cause all kinds of issues. Plus the new injectors have no issue (stainless steel) with the blended fuels that we are all stuck with these days.

 

[WRECKER88]

Jon from FIC gave me a great deal on new Delphi injectors, gaskets and o-rings and i had then in 3 days. I wanted the stock look.

 

[WRECKER88]

I replaced the fuel injectors in my Corvette today. It took 3 hours to do but it was worth it. Now it runs smooth and does not stall out. Just like when it was new 21 years ago.