Many Questions

[caddy]

I just purchased a 94' 6-spd Yellow coupe and I have loved Vettes all my life so I have finally fulfilled my dream, but I really don't know much about them, so I need all the help I can get. I can't seem to get the fuel indicator bars to show up, I been hitting all kinds of buttons and I don't know how much fuel I have? the lights under the hood are unplugged and I don't know where to plug them in? how can I find out what the oil pressure should be? the Water Temp? the Voltage? I didn't get a owners manuel so any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. I don't see leakage anywhere but I think I am having a overheating problem. When I turn the key all I get is a "Click". Popping the clutch will fire it right up.
I don't know if I have a "C4" or and "LT" I posted some of these in the "C4" group so I apologize for posting them twice. Thanks

 

[Vettelt193]

First off, you have a C4, with an LT1 engine.

The fuel indicator should be on all the time, so if there are no bars showing up, you have a problem that needs to be fixed... I need more detail on what is showing up to help you out.

the lights under the hood plug in at each side in the front bumper area... can you see the plugs hanging? if you can, just look around above the side light area inside the bumper, you should see the connection there

your temps and pressures vary with driving... what are yours at now?

You SHOULD NOT pop the clutch to start the car. why do you think it is overheating related? it won't start with the key ever?

 

[caddy]

Actually when I purchased it (yesterday) It started just fine, then I noticed the Analog temp was getting high close the the 260 mark but the digital was at around 215 so I pulled over, I never smelled anything no knocking or leakage, so I continued to drive thinking maybe it was low on coolant, so I stopped at a station and checked it...It was HOT!! anyway I added about 2 gals of coolant that's when It wouldn't start. and then the temp dropped down to about 185 when I would drive about 60 in 5th gear but started to climb again.
In regards to the fuel lines all I get is the speed and there are no fuel lines there the E and the F and the line in between are there but no lines..

 

[Vettelt193]

it is normal for your car to run up to 230 degrees. even 235 wouldn't surprise me. The fans turn on at around 230, then shut off at 215 again, so that aspect is normal.

I assume you are putting your foot on the clutch (all the way down) when you try to start the car? if not, it could be a couple of different things... we can start with that though

sounds to me like you have a problem with the fuel sending unit. Does the dash say 'reserve' below the E? is the check gauges light on?

 

[caddy]

Yes it does say "reserve" below the "E" and the check gauges light is on.
What does all this mean?
thanks

 

[Rabbit]

Caddy, Go to c4vettes.com

That site will give you some background info that shud help.

 

[yellow91]

I hope you didn't put that 2 gallons of water into your oil filler cap.

 

[caddy]

With all due respect, I may be stupid at times But I'm not an out and out IDIOT!!
Besides what would that have to do with the starter "Clicking"?

 

[yellow91]

I mean no disrespect, but I'v heard of a few people who had done this before, I'm still learning my corvette too.

 

[Rabbit]

Did you buy from a dealer or a private party?

 

[BigRed]

Check your battery connections (Hey who knows)

Clean them up and ensure a good connection.

Now If you have a Voltmeter start the car and look for 13.5-14.5 volts. If no Bad alternator. (Just hook the voltmeter up the the batter poles)

With the car off look for around 12 volts.

Do you have a hydrometer? If so and you battery is sevicable check the specific gravity.

Everything ok? Good

Now find your starter and trace the wires making sure none are burnt or broken.

Ok now

change out the starter. Quite commonly the apperature will expand with heat and there won't be enough left on the brushes to start. Hence the clicking and the odd whirr whirr...its dead chuck it.

All of the above has tested your Battery (Except Load test which you can't do..really) Alternator and starter.

One more thing you can try is take some booster cables hook them up to the battery and now to the starter bypassing the entire igntion system....Careful doing this the car MAY start!

Hope I helped ya

 

[caddy]

Big red your right it was the Positive battery connection...

 

[RedRagTop]

2 GALLONS of coolant? Wow...