Yeow!! She don't like long idling periods!!

[Paul Workman]

Winter has pretty much ended regular forays in the Z for the winter season . But, I had to move it out of the garage several times over the past few weeks to use the space as a temporary woodworking shop. When I did so, I would let it idle for several minutes until it came up to operating temperature, and to top off the battery while it was at it. Apparently those periods of idling amount to a BIG MISTAKE.

I suppose I ran it that way 5-6 times over the last 3-4 weeks. The last time I noticed it was idling rough (once again), and "woofing" the accellerator resulted in a LOT of stumbling and such. So yesterday the temps stayed below freezing (read: no slush or mud) and I took my baby out to "blow the cobwebs out a bit.

Wow! On the first moderate spurt of accelleration it missed and sputtered and ran like a POS! This was a total contrast to how it ran the last time it was out for a sprint. Well, after several WOT/7000 sprints over then next hour of driving (to and from a party) it returned to running like a "Z" should .

I read somewhere that these LT5s get loaded up pretty easily, and NEED to be whipped like a rented mule to keep 'em in top shape - mine certainly seems to subscribe to that theory. But, based on my 5 years experience with similar winter storage idling procedures w/ my LT1 Vette, I was surprised by the amount of degradation the idling periods had on the LT5...From your experiences, are you surprised by this, or is that not characteristic of the LT5? I'm told the injectors were replaced before I bought it. (Hmmmm...sez me.) On the other hand, after some WOT/7000 runs, it came back to life (and boy did it ever!), so the injectors may be fine after all.

Well, all is well that ends well, but what say U 'bout this experience?

TIA,

P.

[RedSled]

Interesting. I've only had my car a couple of years now and so far, I have had no "winter" issues. It might help that I seem to be able to get it out here and there for a sprint over the winter, but she always starts right up and runs like a champ. I guess I have noticed some high idles now and again, but overall, once she's warmed up, no issues.

- Keith '90 Red/Red #1383

[bradslt5]

does your car still have the original injectors. my car had this problem with the original injectors . I got a set of rc injectors ,problem solved . hope this helps

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by bradslt5

does your car still have the original injectors. my car had this problem with the original injectors . I got a set of rc injectors ,problem solved . hope this helps

Injectors?? Yeeaaaaahhhhh...... I'm kinda wondering the same thing. Well, I appreciate the feedback. I guess I'm warming up to pulling the plenum and maybe do a little inspection, some R&R, and cleaning...AND inspect and mebby change the injectors at that time too. What the heck...It IS a hobby, after all! Sounds like a good winter project, huh?

P.

[bradslt5]

plus a bonus is you have some very cool guys out your way to guide you if needed . pete and dominic are to awsome guys very knowledgable. i think all ya got to to do is ask and they will guide you through it . big thing is getting all the electrical connections disconnected under the plenum. there are 4 of them .

[Z Factor]

It could be several things, but I am sure you checked a simple thing like the MAP sensor hose? Let's hope it is not the injectors.

You can check for faulty injectors by checking the resistence for one thing. But you can also get a fuel pressure gauge and check the leak down on the rail.

The car should start right up and run fine after sitting if everything is in good working order. But yes, they will have some symptoms after sitting for a while. Speaking of which if it dries out enough today I'll take the ZR-1 for a spin and fire up the race car as well and terrorize the neighbors.

[Vette Guy]

I'd also recommend checking the coil packs.... throw a timing light on each wire just to be sure.... just happened to me a few months back.

Mark

[Paul Workman]

I've looked all the hoses over and do not see any issues. However, something other than a cursory review may be in order. I wish I could spend hours/days on it to get it to 100%, but such self indulgences will prolly have to wait now till after the Holidays. Anywayz...food for thought!

[Paul Workman]

Yes. I should have mentioned, I measured the pressure at the fuel rail. At idle it read a steady 43#. I shut off the ignition and after 20 minutes the pressure dropped only 2#. I haven't done a resistance check yet, Jeff. But, mebby tomorrw I can get away for a bit.

Jeff, thank you for your input. And, to you and all the members on this board, have a happy Christmas/holiday season - you and yours.

P.