All Posts (TimoG)
Re: Coolant boiling/gargling sound when the engine is turned off |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
 
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
 |
Quote:
That's my impression as well. It doesn't *quite* sound like it's boiling, but it could well be air bubbles moving around. Quote:
The mechanic already offered to do a pressure test, plus I have a trip to Harbor Freight come up. I might just get a pressure tester... Thanks for the offer, once I have a better idea what's going on I might want to consult you for a second opinion. Quote:
Unfortunately I'm still hobbling about on an injured foot - it's getting better but I don't think it's not a good idea to drive a car with a manual transmission, especially on the track. Quote:
I've attempted burping the system the way you described it three times now, albeit not with the front of the car elevated. I'll probably give it one more shot with the front of the car on ramps to see if it makes a difference. Quote:
For some reason, it doesn't appeal too much to me either  .
Posted on: 2012/10/6 18:11
|
|
 Transfer
|
 
|
|
Coolant boiling/gargling sound when the engine is turned off |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
I've recently had the intake manifold gasket (and intake manifold as it was corroded) replaced by a local mechanic. The parts including the manifold were all OEM. Since the repair, I've had to top up the radiator several times within probably about 400 miles of driving. Usually what would happen is that the "low coolant" light comes on and when I check the level in the radiator once the engine has cooled down, the level in the radiator is between a 1/4" to 1" below the filler/pressure cap neck on the radiator. I followed the instructions in the owners manual - start the engine with the cap open, top up until the coolant level reaches the bottom of the filler neck, then put the cap back on. Header tank is filled to the "hot" mark at this point. Driving the car at this point shows normal engine temperatures (185-200 degrees, I rarely see the temperature hit even 210 in the mountains). After letting the engine cool down over night, I noticed that the level in the header tank only changed minimally, if at all. this behaviour was present before the repair, too - the level in the header tank pretty much never changed. Last night when I checked the level in the header tank with the engine hot, I noticed that there was a sound of gargling/boiling coolant from the front of the engine, somewhere below the throttle body. Given the engine temperature (coolant was around 200F when I turned off the engine), I was a little surprised by this, is that normal for a C4? The only other car/truck we've owned with a similar engine (a slightly newer GMC truck) certainly didn't do that, but that one also ran at an indicated 210F once the engine was warmed up. Apart from the new manifold and gaskets, the thermostat and the radiator cap were both replaced with OEM-spec parts (ie, no low temperature thermostats or high pressure caps). I guess the main question is - is this normal behaviour, or do I need to take the car back into the shop? I normally do most of the work on our cars myself and at this moment I'm kicking myself that I didn't do this job myself, too.
Posted on: 2012/10/6 16:58
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
C4 91-on windshield washer bottle in good condition |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Thanks to a little ordering mishap I am now the proud owner of a used, good condition windshield washer bottle for the later C4 models when I needed the one for the earlier ones. Overall in good condition, top closes fine and the mesh insert is a little discolored but undamaged. I don't know if the pump is working but given the overall condition of the bottle I would be surprised if it doesn't. Ebay going rate seems to be around $35 plus shipping, I'll take $25 from a fellow CorvetteGuru plus P&P. Happy to ship worldwide, but keep in mind that international postage rates can be a little "surprising".
Posted on: 2012/9/16 23:44
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: 87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
The Z52 should have the same 9.5" wheels as the Z51, but the PO replaced the wheels with refurbished ones so I have to check if he put 8.5" or 9.5" wheels on...
Posted on: 2011/4/7 13:19
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: 87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
That size had been mentioned to me on another board (GRM), but someone on there also pointed out that Discount Tire supposedly has gForces for a 2-3 day delivery. Time to give them a call and see...
Posted on: 2011/4/7 0:24
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: 87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
That's not really reassuring
.I would like to stay with the 16" as the car is pretty original as is and I'd like to keep it that way.
Posted on: 2011/4/7 0:05
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: 87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Well, a set of late C4 wheels have turned up locally for a lot less, probably even once I factor in the adaptors.
Summit Racing is actually showing the gForce to be available again towards the end of May and the Ze-512 (which I have on there now) as available, too. Although I'd prefer to call them first to check up on that one.
Posted on: 2011/4/6 23:57
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: 87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Matthew,
apologies for re-asking that question, for some reason I must have overlooked the thread you linked to in the search results. Only managed to dig out older threads that also recommended the BFG. Guess I'll see if I can find a set of 17s for a reasonable price unless the tires suddenly become available again.
Posted on: 2011/4/6 23:49
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
87 C4 tire availability question |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Our C4 'vert (with Z52 option) wants new shoes pretty badly, but after hitting up the usual websites (TireRack.com etc) and phoning a couple of local tire dealers, it seems the stock tires (255/50/16) aren't readily available unless I buy either drag radials or Toyo RA-1s for a ludicrous amount of money. RA-1s would be a waste, this car only sees the track through the fence...
It seems that at the moment, you're either looking at BFG gForce Sports or Falken ZE-512s in that size, both are showing on back order with no ETA for the local tire places... Anybody got a recommendation what other tire brands to look for? Alternatively, if I try to run later C4 wheels I know I need spacers, but do those with the later stock tire sizes fit OK otherwise or do I risk rubbing issues? We clearly don't have enough working cars at the moment  .
Posted on: 2011/4/6 23:34
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
At least the red rears have to be adjusted off the car - the docs suggest that you have to push the top part down and twist it.
Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:40
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Quote:
Given that I've never been on an autocross course, I think I'll skip the idea of points . Eckler's was listing a set of Bilsteins for the Z51 for $300, but at a stretch I could go up to their 'Autocross' Bilsteins or the red Konis, both of which seem to be around $600/set.Unfortunately I need to spend more money on the track project (a '77 Celica Liftback) than expected as its engine appears to be slightly less than healthy. But I don't want to skimp on the shocks for the C4 either, only to regret that decision later on. Quote:
Cool, I'll have a look - guess I should join SCCA then, too... By the way, am I misremembering or did you mention you had a friend in Gardnerville who has a machine shop down here? It looks like I've got to pull the head on the track car's engine and depending on how bad things turn out to be,might have to get the head overhauled or worse, the engine rebored. And for stuff like that I do like to work off personal recommendations...
Posted on: 2011/1/20 15:22
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Hmm. Konis. I've got pretty good experience with them, might look into them.
It's not a serious road race car, just an occasional daily driver that also gets used as it's supposed to be used. Basically, the Bilsteins that are available from the usual source would probably be good enough provided the 'Z51" ones are the correct ones to get.
Posted on: 2011/1/20 3:29
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: So you want to buy a house ....... |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Living in the #2 state on that list, but I haven't got the credit history or employment history in the US yet.
That said, I'm not too worried that prices around here will suddenly increase in the next 12-18 months...
Posted on: 2011/1/20 1:33
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Any shock recommendations for an '87 convertible with Z52 suspension? |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Looks like the original Bilsteins on my Convertible have handed in their notice after 90k and a trip down some rather rough California roads last summer.
As I've got a little time to work on it before I'll put it back on the road again[1], one of the items I want to sort out are the shock absorbers. At the usual mail order suspects, I found several shocks that are for Z51 C4s, are these interchangeable with the Z52 ones? My understanding is that Z52 is basically Z51 without the stiffer springs, but I'm still learning about 'vettes. I might take it for the occasional Auto-X until I get my HPDE project ready (not a 'vette, sorry), so the shocks should stand up to that sort of use. [1] Got to wait until the mud in our dirt driveway dries again for spring, otherwise I'll just get stuck :tongue:.
Posted on: 2011/1/20 1:23
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: WTD: C4 Air Filter Housing Duct |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Matthew, unfortunately that's not the part I need - I need the base for the airfilter as shown in my link above, not the corrugated tube.
Still looking, btw .
Posted on: 2011/1/4 15:51
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: WTD: C4 Air Filter Housing Duct |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
If one of you happens to find the duct
, feel free to PM me with your price and the shipping cost. I'm happy to either pay by Paypal or send a check...
Posted on: 2010/12/28 3:51
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: WTD: C4 Air Filter Housing Duct |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
It's the bit that goes over the radiator - here's a link to the part on Eckler's website:
http://www.ecklers.com/corvette-air-f ... sing-duct-1985-1989.html# So yes, it supports one end of the MAF.
Posted on: 2010/12/25 1:59
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
WTD: C4 Air Filter Housing Duct |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Well, that's what it is called on Eckler's website anyway. Essentially the 'vacuum cleaner tip' part that the air filter and its housing bolt to.
Just noticed that some primate broke off one of the lugs so I can't tighten down the air filter anymore. Guess I should have noticed that when I bought it, but I didn't. To my shame this is the first time I checked the air filter as I was planning to order the tune up parts for it in the next few days. Anyway, if anybody has one of these in good condition for a reasonable price, my Corvette would like to provide it with a good home.
Posted on: 2010/12/25 0:48
|
|
|
_________________
'87 Z52 Convertible with the wrong sort of gearbox, about as standard as they come. |
||
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Auto trans leaking at the dipstick grommet |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Quote:
I'll probably have a word with another shop in town that left a better impression with me to see what they have to say. The plan was to drop the pan first, which should hopefully be easy with the car on a set of jack stands, then remove the dipstick tube and grommet. That said, I'm debating having a shift kit fitted at the same time and I'm not sure that I want to do that myself... Oh well, I've got a couple of months to chew on that one, I've got to digest an emergency repair on my winter truck first.
Posted on: 2010/11/9 2:51
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Auto trans leaking at the dipstick grommet |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Quote:
No, the rear seal was done by a shop in Vegas that seemed to be doing reasonably decent work. They also changed the trans fluid (so they had the pan off) but it was pretty oil tight for a Corvette for a while. Quote:
I'm keeping stum on that one, but I guess if you go to Gardnerville from time to time you probably know which dealer I'm talking about.
Posted on: 2010/11/9 2:45
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Re: Hello from Northern Nevada |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Quote:
Hi Bill, I was eyeing an HPDE day at Reno-Fernley via the Reno SCCA, I assume that's the one you're talking about? Unfortunately I couldn't get a car in time but I hope I'll have one by spring next year. Maybe not another C4, guess it just depends on what I can dig up.
Posted on: 2010/11/9 2:42
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Auto trans leaking at the dipstick grommet |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
My '87 convertible is a little incontinent and it's been growing worse over the summer - I've had the rear seal on the transmission replaced in May which cured the major leak but now the trans is leaking again.
The local dealer suggested that it's the transmission pan leaking (OK, I should be able to fix this myself), but that there is also a leak at the rubber gromment/seal for the dipstick tube. Supposedly changing out the latter does require a partial removal of the transmission with the associated expense and this also renders the leak unfixable for myself as I don't have the necessary gear to remove the transmission. So, can this seal be changed without (re)moving the transmission? An acquaintance of mine who happens to work on transmissions a lot suggested that removing the dipstick seal should be possible once the pan is off, but the trouble is of course getting the new seal back in... Any suggestions?
Posted on: 2010/11/5 21:57
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
Hello from Northern Nevada |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Guru Newb
Joined:
2010/11/5 21:25 From Gardnerville, NV
Posts:
24
|
Proud owner of an '87 Convertible here, car is in decent condition but needs a little work - the previous owner did start a part restoration but for some reason had to sell it.
Myself, I'm a bit of a sports car addict who has recently moved to Northern Nevada, my wife likes Corvettes so when I came to buying a car for me here we ended up with said Corvette (automatic unfortunately so my wife can drive it). And I'm now under strict instructions to keep it on the spectator side of the race track (I've got a bit of an HPDE addition that I was able to satisfy while living in the UK, but not here in the US yet). Perfect excuse to buy a C4 coupe, I'd think...
Posted on: 2010/11/5 21:48
|
|
|
Transfer
|
|
|
