Topic: Where to start?
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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I've just gotten my 1979 C3 up on jack stands and the hood is off. Currently, the engine will crank but not start. I'm very new to this, and Looking for any advice on where to start troubleshooting.
Pretty sure no gas is getting into the carb, but not sure how to confirm. Also, I took a couple photos of things that looked obviously broken:
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Brownoxford said: I've just gotten my 1979 C3 up on jack stands and the hood is off. Currently, the engine will crank but not start. I'm very new to this, and Looking for any advice on where to start troubleshooting.
Pretty sure no gas is getting into the carb, but not sure how to confirm. Also, I took a couple photos of things that looked obviously broken:
Well first off the most serious is those Fully Exposed Wires look to be actually burnt also right at that fuseable link. The missing belt may be because the AC pump is frozen does it turn? The wires of course need to be put back on the plugs check the firing order to make sure they are correct. The tin pipe is no concern and can get at local auto store.
Joel Adams (Adams Apple) will be giving you some wiring schematics and a list of what to check for current.
Nothing to major here but it may be a PITA project. You have come to the right place this group will get it running just have patience.
ebo
ebo
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Sonofab
h....I just posted a long winded post, and clicked the frikkin "BACK' button instead of "Post"...
Too late, and too tired to type it all out again.
You can view or download the wiring diagrams from My web page.
I'll try to re post tomorrow....after my nap.....
h....I just posted a long winded post, and clicked the frikkin "BACK' button instead of "Post"...Too late, and too tired to type it all out again.
You can view or download the wiring diagrams from My web page.
I'll try to re post tomorrow....after my nap.....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks for all the suggestions!
I've checked the plugs and they appear to be connected properly (one was not connected at all, fixed that).
I also noticed a pretty badly blown fuse, probably the result of shorts from the other issues already mentioned. Can anyone tell me what it's for (label is INST LPS, 7.5A). Hopefully won't need to replace the whole block...
Regarding the bare wires, I think I'm looking at the starter solenoid as depicted here, can anyone confirm? Chilton suggests removing the wires from the solenoid before removing the starter, but I'll be damned if I can see down there. Any issues with pulling the starter first and then detaching the wires from the solenoid?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yup...Fuse is for Instrument panel lights.THe way it is melted suggests to me that the fuse is an off-shore fuse that is NOT properly rated....it should have popped long before melting like that, considering it is only supposed to be a 7.5 amp fuse.
You will have to get under the car to get to the starter, or the wiring. Be SURE to disconnect the battery cable before attempting to remove the wiring at the starter. The diagram shows the fuse links as the square boxes.
You will have to get under the car to get to the starter, or the wiring. Be SURE to disconnect the battery cable before attempting to remove the wiring at the starter. The diagram shows the fuse links as the square boxes.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
First off, welcome!
As to getting started, I suggest that you start slowly. Prioritize projects that will get your Vette out of the garage. Safety is the first priority! These cars are old, and new to you so you have to learn all that is wrong with it and how to fix it. If you jack it up, always use 1 or 2 jack stands to safely support the weight. Oh yeah, don't jack it up by lifting the curved frame section under the front of the engine; it's weak.
The electrical system looks like it needs attention so you can get the engine started. If you need to replace any of the wiring harnesses, then I strongly suggest you buy the two OhSoEz diagrams from Dr. Rebuild. There are lots of Corvette part suppliers on the internet. Do a Google search and read, read, read!!!
The Brakes: Now that the engine is running, and before you leave the garage, make sure you can stop. Check the master cylinder for dirty brake fluid. Check the calipers for leaks and sticky pistons. Look for rusted, wet or leaking brake lines. Replace the flexible, rubber brake lines at each wheel. Bleed the whole system. PB Blaster is a good penetrating oil to help with the disassembly of all the corroded fasteners.
Steering: Check the steering linkage for looseness. Check the suspension parts like the rubber bushings, and ball joints.
Replace every rubber hose. Especially the fuel lines. There are several at the gas tank. 2 or 3 at the fuel pump, and possibly one at the carb.
Replace all the vacuum hoses. There are several good suppliers for this. I like Dr. Rebuild because they have good diagrams and instructions.
This ought to keep you busy for a little while. You'll get lots of help from this forum.
Enjoy the journey!
John
1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car
2009 Z06 Mostly Stock
Thanks for the advice John, that will certainly keep me busy. Thanks also for the tip about jacking using the curved frame section, that's exactly what I did, won't do it again.
Is there another point suitable for lifting the entire front-end? Seems a bit twisty to do one side at a time, which I did with the rear. Is it bad to be up on four jackstands?
I was able to remove the starter and solenoid today, which gave me better access to remove the burned out harness from the solenoid. I ran into an issue with the ground wire though, could not get the bolt off so I just cut the ground (?) off of the harness with lots of lead in case I need to splice on the new one. Any tips on removing this bolt?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Righty tighty, lefty loosey.....
If you can't break it loose with a decent boxed end wrench, you may need an impact....tho it shouldn't be that tight to start with. A 9/16" wobble socket, long extension, and good ratchet will also work. Everything is just packed in so tight in the area, it's hard to get a good grip to turn a wrench....
If you can't break it loose with a decent boxed end wrench, you may need an impact....tho it shouldn't be that tight to start with. A 9/16" wobble socket, long extension, and good ratchet will also work. Everything is just packed in so tight in the area, it's hard to get a good grip to turn a wrench....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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