New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start - UPDATE
 

**** UPDATE***** See Post #35

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new owner of a 1991 Zr-1.

I'm having a issue that needs to be sorted and I'm not sure where to start because I don't have a lot of info on previous owners history.

What I do know:

The car was sent to lingenfelter in 1995 for a 368cid upgrade.
Back to Lingenfelter in 1999 for suspension, brakes, wheels (Fiske FM5 17")

Thats literally all I know. ha ha

What need addressed:

Light Blue smoke - I'm getting a slight blue haze at WOT consistently. Does not smoke on start up or casually driving at all. Looks like oil is slightly over filled. Just picked up the car saturday so I'm monitoring the oil level closely.

I assume Lingenfelter tuned the car (of course) I bring this up because there are notes in documents about Doug Rippie. I don't have any documents just a handwritten note. Possible Doug did a tune on this car? - Don't know why if lingenfelter did the work... Maybe that's normal, I know Doug has a great reputation.

Car pulls hard left on acceleration - getting alignment and new tires this week to start. Will see where that takes me.

That's it for now. I really like the car and I bought it assuming the valve seals need to be replaced. Seller was not a corvette guy and not very helpful, he was just flipping it. I hope to be a good home for it, have always wanted a Zr-1 and really appreciate how awesome they are.

Thanks,

TW

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Wait 12-24 hour to check oil

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

First off welcome the the Registry, we hope you’ll stick around for a while. You will find a lot of helpful folks here. Is yours the White one with the red stripe that was recently on EBay? Collectively we’ve seen it all. These engines are known to use oil, particularly under heavy acceleration. A quart in 800- 1000 is not uncommon depending on use. Yours is a 91 that’s been through the Lingenfelter rebuild so I would expect valve stem seals in place. 90’s did not have seals on the exhaust valve guides. They have also been known to suck oil through the PCV system if the PCV valves are stuck. Another area where I have personally seen 3 engines blow oil is loose injector housing bolts and blown lower injector housing gaskets. They will suck oil directly from the crankcase breather galley into the intake from there. Oil smoke is common in this instance. Frankly, guide and ring issues are very uncommon on these cars. If it were mine I would monitor the oil consumption, check the PCV system and check the IH bolts. If bolts are in any way loose replacing the lower IH gaskets is in order.

As for the pulling on acceleration other than general suspension issues I would check the “C” Beam bolts on the trans and diff for looseness. The “C” Beam connects and makes ridged the drive train assembly. Loose bolts are not uncommon and can cause exactly what you report. If loose, invest in “C” Beam plates from ZFDoc.com makes a big difference in rigidity.

I’m sure others will chime in. Have fun getting her sorted. She’ll be a blast to drive.

Oh, and yes, wait at least 3hrs, preferably over night, to check the oil. It’s in the owners manual. Checking any sooner will lead to over fill because you’ll think it’s low when it isn’t.
H
:cheers:

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

I almost bought this car. Hope you got a good deal on it welcome.


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Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Yes I feel like I got a decent price on it. I appreciate the help you gave me when you responded to my pm on corvetteforum. I couldnt stop thinking about this car and decided to go take a look. I was able to get a little more off his bottom dollar and felt it was worth it to me because of the lingenfelter package. You were spot on about everything you saw and it definetly needs a little love. Im hoping to be able to remove the red stripe and a few other improvements. The good news is it goes like stink and I love driving it!

Looking forward to the help from this community. Ive had a few corvettes and I keep coming back to a ZR-1. So glad to finally own one!

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

The ZR-1 sucks down oil and your best bet is to properly install a oil catch can.

I believe most of the carbon buildup happens because of the oil usage.

I am on my second Z and both have had a catch can and both catch lots of oil.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

These motors seem to tear through the top quart of oil, once it's down a quart, usage seems to slow way down. Don't forget, there are 12 quarts of oil in the system, so being down 1 isn't real bad.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Thanks all for the info.

New Twist - hood latch inside broke this am when I went to check oil. Ordered tool to open hood and need to work on hood latch.

I'll have it sorted soon enough!

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

You must make certain that it is not overfilled before doing anything else.
Every post in the thread is correct.
If your level is spot on, and it only happens lightly on WOT, stop looking in the mirror.
You might want to check the plugs.
If none are oil soaked or fouled, which is quite likely what you will find, then I would stop worrying about it.
These motors are not like your SBC ones that have common oil consumption
issues.
You are surely taking it to 7k plus and if the oil is overfilled or even full, a little smoke that then disappears should almost be expected.
Let us know about the level.
Thanks,
Marty

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Will do. I took it to 7k rpm once. When I have seen blue haze I have quit immediately. This is all great info. I will report back with oil level in the next few days when I get the hood open.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

I would use amsoil 10-40, See ZR-1 specialist, articles


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Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Where did you get the catch can? I had one on each of my 02 Z06/LS6 cars, but I hadnt seen one for the LT-5.
Thanks, John

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Local speed shop: Moroso.

Thise pix I took immediately after installing it. After, I dressed it all up nice n neet!

I mounted it to the front of the left fender w/ a bracket I fab'ed up using some aluminum strap fm ACE H/W.

WORKS GOOD!!! Near ZERO coking on the valves (secondaries are full time, also).

.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Thanks Paul. :cheers:

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Like Paul pointed out any good catch can will work. I have mine mounted on the frame, low behind the driver front wheel.

I got a catch can off eBay and modified it.

I am considering using this one instead.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Port-Oil-...UAAOSw-K1csTz9

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Congrats on your ZR1! you will love this car like no other.

Sorry about the hood. Once you get it open, consider the following mod as a "plan B" if you latch ever breaks again:

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Post 148 - Elite Engineering Oil Catch Can

Post 242 - Installation of Elite Oil Catch Can and Allen Head Oil Pan Drain Plug

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Karl,

Let me know how u like it. I modified mine based on ur suggestions. Have u found urs to be inadequate?

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

The only area of improvement I can see is doing a better job of filtering out water and fuel vapors.

The catch can in the link above has a 50 micron bronze filter. Only downside is it has to be cleaned.

The one I have now I just have to dump the oil and I am done.

I think I need to replace the a/c compressor on my car so I may have the plenum off soon to see if any oil is making it into the plenum.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

The braided lines look great, but is there a reason regular hose cant be used?

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

No.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

After further review I will keep my current set up.

The inlet and the baffle below the inlet on the can, the cleaning of the filter, and it's small size are the reasons why.

If anyone wants a inexpensive catch can I would go for this one and stuff it with stainless steel wool.

https://i.postimg.cc/47N5Fyzr/IMG-20190817-125312.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Cran...08a2%7Ciid%3A1

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Ok I finally got the hood open (emergency cables in place need to replace hood release cable) and let the car sit for 24 Hours so I could get an accurate oil level reading.

It looks like it needs a little more oil. I'm wondering about the weight of the oil that was put in at the most recent change from Previous Owner at a quick change place. I think I read someone recommended Amsoil 10w-40.

I'm going to go ahead and change it for the peace of mind. I'm still getting a blue haze consistently that starts around 5k rpm.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for any and all help.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

If that is the reading on the dipstick after sitting overnight, then you are a quart down and could add a quart, but if you are going to change the oil soon the level is fine as is for now. As someone suggested earlier, read Marc Haibeck's articles on oil and filters on his website, www.zr1specialist.com if you have questions about them. --Bob

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Order your Amsoil 10w-40 and s new filter.

You are unusual sir. I’ve never looked out the back window to look for smoke with my foot to the firewall! It is not unusual to go through a quart of oil in a few thousand miles. There is a post somewhere on typical oil consumption of the LT5.


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Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

I go through 2/3 of qt at 3000 miles, which is when I change it or it’s been a year, whichever comes first. I have 84K on my 90 that is stock. It sees the redline twice on each outing every two weeks.

I use Amsoil 10W-40 and the old PF970C oil filters


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Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Don't have to look back. I can see it in my drivers side mirror out the corner of my eye. I'm good as long as it is to be expected and that is why I am here for the experts. It seems like all is well. I'm going to change the oil and sleep happily at night!

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Now enjoy the car.


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Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Are you certain thats not tire smoke? :icon_boun

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Hi Paul,

I know, you know, and most do, but for some people, we should probably define what "regular hose" is not, and what it must be. There are those (not directed to anyone in particular) who should be required to take a proficiency test and a federal background check to purchase a crescent wrench. :sign10:

"Regular" Oil Cooler Hose is not;
1. Vacuum hose
2. Heater/Coolant hose
3. Garden hose
4. Silicone hose

"Regular" Oil Cooler Hose must be;
1. pressure @ max rated temperature, 300psi
2. operating temperature, -40F ~ +300F
3. fuel, oil (including synthetics)

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Not sure the discussion was not the Oil Catch Can hose.......(PCV oil pressures/temperatures)

:D You think?????

I do use SS braided hose on Oil Catch Can for esthetics :sign10:

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

You know, I'll bet you are absolutely right! However, I think I would still rule out garden hose! :-D



I do!:cheers:

.....and probably some Permatex on there somewhere, just for general principals!:handshak:

I was wondering where you've been lately. Farming?

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Yes.......very late spring because of flooding.....
The 95' ran like a champ from SD to CA :thumbsup:

The 95' has an Oil Catch Can mounted under the drivers side headlight.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...83dada7bfc.jpg

Post 242 - Installation of Elite Oil Catch Can and Allen Head Oil Pan Drain Plug

And some other Modifications including Phils Modified Fuel Pressure Regulator :D

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...944ac891fd.jpghttps://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...174117dbe2.jpg

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Just be sure to route the braided hoses far from any of the LT5s aluminium parts.
A little vibration and they cut through it like butter.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start - UPDATE
 

Project Update -

Still not happy with amount of smoke and idle has been creeping up ( idles around 12-1500) Was idling at 1000 when I purchased it. I finally got a few hours to poke around last night under the hood and I initially found two things.

1. PCV grommet on passenger side is extremely loose. I can wiggle the metal pipe out of the grommet with just one finger. See attached pic. I am assuming the drivers side grommet got installed on the pass side because I am not able to push the pipe further into the grommet due to interference from the plenum.

2. Map sensor hose into the back of the plenum was barely hanging on and has a significant hole wearing in the top.

What are your thoughts about the pcv grommet? Am I correct that this looks completely wrong? Is there a specific left vs right grommet? Is something else wrong and keeping it from fitting in the existing grommet correctly? Do I need to investigate further?

Thanks for your help!

Tyler

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Grommets are the same, either side. If u can’t seat the PCV pipe properly, buy new grommets and reinstall w a bit of silicone for them to seal w Injector housing.

U need to replace MAP sensor hose. That’s probably the source of ur vacuum leak and creeping or oscillating idle. If MAP reading is not, it will cause issues w both timing and fueling.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Yes absolutely replacing the map sensor fitting. I was able to get 3/16 fuel line and hoping that will work.

I don't understand how that PCV grommet could possibly work. Shouldn't it be long enough to reach the ridge on the pipe?

Anybody have a pic of their passenger side PVC grommet that could help me understand how it is supposed to be?

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

U should try using rigid plastic line for the sensor. U don’t want any collapse of the sensor airway. Try the fuel line just to see if it addresses the issue.

Re: New Owner New Problems- Don't know where to start
 

Now I see why everybody loves Jerry's Gaskets. Literally has everything!

Got exactly what I need from him and I know it will be the right parts - count me as a customer for life! 1 Map sensor hose and 2 new PCV grommets.

Thanks again for the pointers!