when I first start car it starts then dies.

[vette 53]

when I first start car it starts then dies, then starts again and if I leave it to warm up its better, even after I had drove it earlier, ( with in a hour) it runs fine, has a little hesation, but that goes away in the next 5 mins of driving, checked my plugs pulled then out #1 they looked okay, a little lighter then brown closer to white, but no oil etc. what do you guys think I should do? anyone else had this problem?

Thanks in adavnce,,

ps 1988 corvette L98 engine. stock

 

[vette 53]

I quess no one has any idea's

 

[Toms007]

Hang in there, someone will be along with some ideas. I'm not familiar with the L98 at all. Sweet looking 88 you have there.

 

[vette 53]

thank you for the reply,, okay will hang in there,,,

 

[vetteboy86]

Is the service engine soon (SES) light on, or come on when the problem occurs? I would start by pulling the codes this is a good starting point. Do you know how to retrieve trouble codes from your vette?

 

[vette 53]

no service light does not come on and no codes,,I was thinking could it be plugs or wires?

 

[Schrade]

no service light does not come on and no codes,,I was thinking could it be plugs or wires?

Do static fuel pressure test. This is '88? Front clip is '91 - up.

Plug in the gauge, flip the key on (no start), get a reading, and watch how soon the pressure drops to 0psi.

 

[sstearns2]

I had an 89 with a similar problem. Mine wouldn't idle well at times and sometimes it would stumble and die at idle.

Two cheap things to try... Pull the throttle body off and clean it really good and pull the idle air controller (the thing on the bottom with the plug) out and clean it too, the other thing would be to change the two relays behind the battery. They run the MAF burnoff system, basically when you first start the car the system heats up the little wire in the MAF really hot to burn off anything that might be on it. Maybe someone who knows more than me can chime it, but when I changed those two relays my idle problems went away. The relays are cheap.

Good luck.
Scott

 

[vette 53]

Thanks guys will try this,, thanks again for the replys

 

[Toms007]

I told you someone would be along to help out!

 

[gmjunkie]

I'd put a scanner on it in data stream mode and check the operation of the temp sensor from Stone Cold to Warm Up! I'd almost bet it is mis-reading the actual engine temp at times!
I've had to change allot of them for this same problem!!

 

[vette 53]

thanks guys again...

 

[vetteboy86]

Another thought, and it seems like many are flowing, is to, if capable check to see if any codes do exist if you have not already. I have seen where the SES light is non fuctional. This would require the use of a scanner. I'm not sure if autoparts stores do anything with OBDI stuff. Worth a shot though.

 

[vette 53]

thanks but my SES light does work, and no codes, but it was a good idea,

 

[Schrade]

thanks but my SES light does work, and no codes, but it was a good idea,

Not even a 12 code? This tells you comms established with ECM. Did you stick in one of these high-tech fully insulated code readers in the ALDL socket?

edit:
Tell ya' what there CAC... 'ol Simon B is gonna' be mighty peeved with y'all postin' up freebie pics of his super-duper hi-tech ALDL insulated-to-the-max scan tools UH HUH yup...

 

[vette 53]

Seemed to have found the problem, idles better, fixed a air leak in the intake duct before the MAF Senor, havent driven the car yet, its raining, but will when it stops, but now the idle is more steady, and starts better,, hopefully this fixed it ,, again thanks guys...

 

[Toms007]

I sure hope that is the problem, please let us know one way or the other.

 

[vette 53]

okay took it for a drive seems better, starting much better, didnt stall, but I feel that maybe new plugs and wires will finish the job,sold my 90 and just got this one, so as they say if you dont know when the plugs were last changed ,, change them now and its done with... thanks guys again

 

[TonyTM]

This is great stuff, I'm having the same problem.

 

[vette 53]

well all I can say is that its working for me,, I hope it does for you too...