1990 ZR1 problems

[Randall1]

Hello all, I have a 1990 ZR1 with 32k miles on it that has been in storage for about a year. I have started the car every month and wamed it up. The last time I tried starting the car it stumbled and backfired and the SES light stays on. The car did start and runs but not with the power it normally has. I checked the vacuum line in the back (hard to get to} and made sure it was tight. Checked the plugs and they look good and when I turn the key on I here the vacuum pump go on and then turn off like it should. I bought a fuel pressure gage today and a new fuel filter and will check pressure and change the filter tomorrow. I was just wondering if any of you folks have any ideas before I tear into the car. The engine intimidates me a little but I am pretty handy with a wrench.

Thanks,
Randall

Randall, welcome to the group. More than likely you had a back fire from not holding the key over long enough while the engine was starting. You can take a flashlight and peek at the backside of the plenum and you will see the mao sensor. On the underneath side you will have an electrical connection and and a vacuum connection. The vacuum connection has more than likely come off at that point. Just reach under and reconnect.

BTW, check out our local group site www.pnwzr1.net

I also run a shop in Battle Ground and have a few guys that come down from the SeaTac area for service.

[TonyTZR1]

I had the same problem with the 90 I bought. The car was stored for over a year, bad injectors. Replaced them all is well.

[Randall1]

Well, I pulled a code 15 (low coolant sensor) but can't believe that makes the car very hard to start, backfire, stumble etc. Of course that sensor in under the plenum so I will start ordering parts beginning with new injectors that can handle the newer fuel, new coils, spark plug wires and gaskets. I will not start the job until all parts have arrived based on all the reading from this forum. I am on a mission now so this should get interesting.

Randall

Originally Posted by Randall1

Well, I pulled a code 15 (low coolant sensor) but can't believe that makes the car very hard to start, backfire, stumble etc. Of course that sensor in under the plenum so I will start ordering parts beginning with new injectors that can handle the newer fuel, new coils, spark plug wires and gaskets. I will not start the job until all parts have arrived based on all the reading from this forum. I am on a mission now so this should get interesting.

Randall

Randall, give me a shout and let me know what you need. I have most of it in stock.

Jeff

[tf95ZR1]

Hey Randall
The parts aren't cheap. Unless you planned to replace
all those parts anyway, I'd isolate the problem first
and just replace what's necessary.

Save the extra $$ for mods.

And I would take Jeff up on his offer to come and check out your car.
I've heard he sometimes works for Diet Cokes.

[Nick]

Originally Posted by tf95ZR1

And I would take Jeff up on his offer to come and check out your car.
I've heard he sometimes works for Diet Cokes.

Actually, its root beer, no ice.

[Randall1]

I will be calling Jeff very soon.