Dealership can't diagnose my prob!

[IndyPaceCar78]

Hey guys and gals,

I've had my '87 at the Chevy dealership for the last week trying to diagnose a sporadic and inconsistent stalling problem. They have checked EGR, catalytic converter, cleaned the throttle body... to no avail. (There were no retained codes either) I'm reluctant to pick it up, but need to find someone to find my little gremlin, and soon! Warm weathers upon me and the top is begging to be put down again!

The car has done this a couple of times, but it seems to happen within about 15 minutes from start up. If it doesn't do it within that time, it won't do it at all and I could drive it cross country with no probs at all. It doesn't matter whether I'm sitting still at a stop, or driving down the road. It willl just stall, and then not start back up unless I let it sit for awhile. It's always started back up eventually.

Not only am I baffled by this one, but the Chevrolet dealership is too!

Help!

 

[SLICKMAN]

I had an 84 that did just that, sorry to say it needed a new computer unit.

 

[IndyPaceCar78]

What kind of $$$'s are we talking for a new one???

 

[Rowdy1]

Same Problem, Different System

I had the same problem with my 62, I know there's a lot of difference between the 87 & the 62, it turned out to be my coil. It would get hot, shut down, cool off and I'd be on my way again.

 

[Eagle85C4]

I have seen that same problem and it was the fuel pump...it would get hot, bearings would seize and it would stop...once it cooled off it ran perfect ...would not do it all the time, especially with a full tank to keep it cool....check your fuel pressure next time it happens...you can get a guage from MID-AM or ECKLERS

 

[SLICKMAN]

If I remember right, I paid about $200 for a new one. Not sure what they go for today, this was about 7 years ago.

 

[BigRed]

I agree with the others....

If your not able take it to a mechanic and have them perform a fuel pressure check, a coil change out, an ACTUAL scan of the ECM, and check the ignition system.

 

[IndyPaceCar78]

Thanks for the insight guys.

I'm having the dealership check prices on the computer, and will see if they can check the fuel pressure too.

I just want it fixed BEFORE I go get it!

I'll keep you all posted!

 

[trrgod]

Check the MAF. When the problem occurs disconnect the MAF to see if it will idle OK. Sometimes you can just tap the MAF while the motors running and the motor will jump back to running OK.

 

[Dave L.]

GM# 88999194 1987 corvette ecm....current suggest list price is $220.

Dave

 

[offshore]

SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL PUMP.

 

[trrgod]

The reason I mentioned to check the MAF is because I had an experience where the car acted the same as you described and it turned out to be the MAF.
If I remember correctly, a MAF condition does not set a code. So, it is at least worth a try.
I just unplugged the MAF and the car idled fine indicating that it was a bad MAF----and it was.
That's not to say that it also could be some other thing causing the problem. But, if no codes were set that should alieviate some of possible causes.

 

[MoeJr]

I would like to add that this probelm occurs when the car gets up to temperature. I think the hei module in the distributor needs to be addressed also. I have seen these do exactly what u are describing.

Moe

 

[WhalePirot]

Could be a fuel filter, too. Attaching the gauge; taping it face inwards on the windshield allows instant viewing of a drop in pressure. The pressure tap is on the fuel rail, near the distributor.

Seems a pump problem would occur whether the car was running or not, with the key 'on', hence, the failure may occur w/o the engine actually running.

Those dang heat-related issues!


mike

 

[Robertwav1]

I agree with moejr. Check distributor, Ignition module or PIP (stator)if it has one. I have found that dealerships won't find your problem especially if it's intermittent. Look the distributor and it's components over very carefully. Good Luck!

 

[IndyPaceCar78]

Thanks to all of you who posted possible solutions and/or remedies to my prob.

After the dealership[ having my car for a week, I went ahead and told them to replace the BCM. I also had them replace the thermostat with one that will keep the car running cooler.

I had already replaced the fuel filter a couple of weeks prior to this prob. Knocking on wood, the problem hasn't re-occurred, and I've been driving the car daily.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, and I wanted top post back with the diagnosis.

Indy