Hard start cured!!!!!!!!!

[jiangtao75]

After almost 2 years of trying to figure out what has been causing my '86 to have the feared hard start when warm problem, I finally fixed it! I have been checking everything from the injectors to the fuel vapor cannister and last week I decided to replace some vacuum lines {quick project}. After changing the one going into the vacuum cannister right in front of the driver's side wheel I started the car and, like magic, it fired right up!! I couldn't believe it! At first I thought it was a fluke, but that was the problem. The car now drives better and I don't have a fuel smell on decelleration like I used to. Better yet, I don't have the long/hard start and the puff of smoke when the car has set for a while and then is started!! I just wanted to share this with everyone since it is a frequent topic/problem on the Corvette forums and I have never heard any advice on replacing the vac line to the vacuum cannister as being a solution to the hard start problem.

 

[Samauriwarrior]

I just wanted to share this with everyone since it is a frequent topic/problem on the Corvette forums and I have never heard any advice on replacing the vac line to the vacuum cannister as being a solution to the hard start problem.

I want to say that I appreciate your comment. It is little bits of information like yours that can save us some big bucks. It reminds me of my favorite car story.
I had a 1987 Pontiac STE automatic, that would hunt for a gear around 45 – 55 mph. After numerous trips to dealer and no satisfaction they decide to replace the transmission. Sure enough a week later I was back with the same problem. The service manager said that they had exhausted there knowledge and that he was going to call the factory rep. I did not make any smart a#% comments because they were really trying hard to please me. The factory rep heard the problem and in the same conversation told the manager to replace the spark plug wires. I at that time in my life was an aircraft mechanic. I did not know much about the new electronic car systems. So when I heard that to fix a transmission problem you needed to change the spark plug wires I just shook my head and walked away. Well to make a long story longer it worked. I drove back to the dealer two weeks later and he almost died when he saw me walk in because he thought I was bringing the problem back. I just wanted to tell him that the car was working just fine. I later learned that with the electronic and computer systems this car had a secondary ignition system that somehow worked with the gear selection. Go figure! That is why I always check with master mechanics and the because those guys/gals are experts in systems integration.

 

[jiangtao75]

That is why I posted this particular thread! Everyone wants to jump on the "injector and fuel system" bandwagon. { for good reason I might add } I have never heard any replies stating to check the vac system { other than on the C3 forums } so I thought I would post my cure for the ever challenging " hard start" problem. I hope this helps alot of people with their hard starts and also hope to hear from others on this thread if this particular "cure" helped them out. I am very curious. Don't forget the L98's are 21 years old at the least! Damn! I am getting old too!

 

[LT4man]

I am thrilled to see you were able to fix your problem!

Vacuum hoses are probably the most IGNORED system on any automobile. There have been great strides made with plastic tubing and the hoses themselves lately.

You said L98 vehicles are twenty years old. How TRUE!

I have a 96. I replaced some of my PCV and vacuum hoses a couple of years ago.

Certainly pays to check these items first!

SAVE THE WAVE!

 

[Robertwav1]

I am thrilled to see you were able to fix your problem!

Vacuum hoses are probably the most IGNORED system on any automobile. There have been great strides made with plastic tubing and the hoses themselves lately.

You said L98 vehicles are twenty years old. How TRUE!

I have a 96. I replaced some of my PCV and vacuum hoses a couple of years ago.

Certainly pays to check these items first!

SAVE THE WAVE!

I'll second that. Always my first to suspect. It can also give you misleading codes.

 

[John Robinson]

Ditto

I just fixed my cruise not working by replacing the vacuum valve located under the fuel injector cover on the right side of the engine. I suspect this valve gets brittle and the plastic fittings break of like mine did. This could also be a source of lost vacuum to the heater/ac controls.

 

[Jeroenvgfn]

thanks for the advise, my engine also gives the annoying smoke puff when started.

but is running great and warm start is not an issue for mine.

anyhow I will look into this.