I found the exit process helpful. I am surprised someone who fails to secure the targa top before driving the car. Imagine the top flying into an unsuspecting car's windshield at highway speeds. It can potentially kills the occupants. Unreal.
At a local Chevy dealers service area, the first of the 84 C4s had arrived and was getting its dealer prep. During lunch, a couple of salesman found the unattended Corvette and took the top off for pictures and just set it back on. The lot boy happened to stroll by and saw the chance to go for a blast. The top flew off and he couldn’t find it. An angry UPS guy came rolling up with one side of his windshield smashed and a Corvette roof in hand.
I did NOT know about the issue with closing the hood with the doors open. Thanks for sharing that tip. It sounds like something I would have possibly done without this knowledge.
Having dismantled and reassembled my 87 with 4+3 a few times I'd like to add some more obscure stuff. - On the 4+3 there was a service bulletin that specified the transmission should always be put in 1st gear BEFORE trying to put it in reverse. The reverse is not even part of the manual transmission and has no synchronizers. This eliminate all kind of grinding when going in reverse - The 4+3 is a bulletproof, incredibly fun transmission if you aren't negligent and go through the pain of changing the oil and filter of the automatic unit once a year. - The manual 4 speed gearbox is really really really picky about gear oil. If after a gear oil change you suddenly feel the gearbox binds a bit when downshifting in first it can totally be that she doesn't like the gear oil. Try another brand. - The throttle cable is an often skipped issue on both autos and manuals. When I bought the car it took me a few weeks to realize that even if my pedal was fully pressed on, the cable only opened my throttle about 80% due to being elongated with use. Make sure your pedal opens the throttle fully. - The L98 runs naturally hot. Even more so when it's already hot and the AC is on. The two rearmost cylinders don't get the cooling later engines had. They are generally the ones that'll give trouble. Give them the best of chance by making sure your cooling system is up to snuff. That means new coolant hoses all around and frequent coolant changes, but don't forget about all those dead leaves and garbage that has accumulated between the AC radiator and the actual radiator and blocks airflow. - The best tool to work on your C4 is having a few hockey pucks to put between your precious Corvette and the various tools you are going to use to lift it off the ground. Thank me later. - Last, be very careful around the dozens of vacuum lines around the engine bay. They are not flexible and with the age will break just by looking at them. Chances are you have a few broken ones you don't even know about. A lot of issues on those cars can come from broken vacuum lines. Vacuum controls everything from EGR to the EVAP, as well as the AC. There is even a vacuum operated switch in the dash to control the cabin heat piping.
Id put my muncies in 2nd or 1st before hitting R. Seemed standard for 4 speeds Know guys that would barely be stopped and still try and forcec it in R. Made me cringe....I do the same with my T56 cant afford to rebuild that one more time! Always thought about putting a close ratio M21 in a 4plus 3 car. WIth a 3.07 gear theres no need for overdrive plus now you get a better gearspread! M22 1st gear could work but that 2.20 low is a little too tall.
Thanks for the video. Excellent points. Considering a C4 in a few months. Owned 3 classic Vettes back in the 70's, and early 80's. They were extra cool!
1st: C&S is a top flight organization. I installed their set of Superpro bushings in my C4 this summer and the car handles BEAUTIFULLY. ZERO squeaks from the bushings. 2nd: Everything he said is spot-on. 3rd: One thing to add... DO NOT shut a C4 door using the GLASS. Always use the handle or the door itself. You will eventually wear the guides/mounting hardware, and then trouble starts.
Previous owner on mine must have used the windows as a door handle. Barely wants to go more than halfway up, and sits higher than the weatherstripping! They did a real hack job putting the door panel on, too, I don't even know where to start on that thing
@@alexandercameron645 They are out there be picky even at 5k. None of them are special or rare so take your time. Do NOT get a cheap fixer youll be sorry!
I'm older with a bad back. I learned to scootch my butt over on to the frame sill and swing my legs out. From there basically just stand up. In and out of my '94 with no problem or big effort.
I learned about the steering column issue back in high school with my 82 Z-28. When I saw my 84 Vette had the same steering column, I avoided the steering wheel getting in and out of my car. 34,000 miles on my Vette, and the steering wheel, and column look, and function like new.
I recently purchased a 1996 corvette and a local corvette club president warned me about each of these issues. So happy to be informed. Actually I was told tsecure the hood was not to drop it but rather press down on one side than walk over to other side and press hood down into its lock position. It does feel better than dropping it to lock. Use micro fibre under your hand to protect paint when pushing down. 👍
I hold it a few inches above the stops towards the center than drop. Maybe a light push, in case. No need to sla doors either that one kills me esp after telling every passenger. THey still do it .
You make great videos; you really need to try and make more, because they're so dang interesting and you're really great at making them. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Joe! I enjoy making them! It is a challenge to make them while running a busy shop, but we will keep a it as much as we can. Thanks for watching! Lyle
I absolutely love you video's Lyle!!! You so eloquently explain things in such detail and with precision. I have spoken with you on multiple occasions in regards to related problems I've encountered with my 94 corvette and you have always been nothing but professional and honest when answering my questions. Thank you Lyle!!!! V/r Steve from California.
Step 2 is a good one. Step 3 definitely. Do not trust those. I've bought a can of energy drink and put them in the cup holder, shifted it into reverse (6 speed) and the can tips over. Step 4 is also good. Mine was also in a front end accident from previous owner. I've chipped the fiberglass on my door panel from slamming the hood. Now I'm careful with it and lower the hood and press down to lock. Step 5 is also a good one if you have an optispark. I never washed the engine bay but it needs it. I have however had to replace my 94 optispark system due to it being completely rusted out. I think the year after 94 used an open (maybe closed) optispark distributor and that fixed a lot of issues. Good points in your video.
Cup holders were only there cause the vette guys complain about every fn little thing .Idles rough .Ooh stiff ride. Waah. Pickiest group of car owners ever!! Driving gloves, cant help but laugh. Those wheels are plenty thick and grippy no need unless thier manicure was just done! "love the cars, the crowd not so much"
An ignition under the water pump sounds like a dumb idea but an even dumber idea is the Chrysler engines with the chain driven water pump inside the engine block. Then there’s the S10 engine with the coolant temperature sensor in the heater hose fitting. When the heater core clogs up the cts tells the ecm that the engine is cold and the temperature gauge doesn’t work.
Had 2 previous c4's thinking of getting another one. I found a trick after washing your c4 Vette, water collects at the front of the hatch along the sides, use a turkey baster to get the water out.
Thanks for doing your video. My 86 has been a daily driver for the eighteen years I've owned it, and did not know about the opened doors and hood issue. Now I know something I didn't know. My glass top was scraped pretty hard at some point, but I took a chance on the rest of the car. Still has that same top only painted to match cars color. I like it because now the interior feels much cooler in the reduction of the sun light. Keep up the good work.
Yep it's a problem. with that few miles you might not find out. Mine has 136,000 miles, and 28 years of autocrossing and time trials (4 SCCA Championships). It's easy to forget this rule when you are adjusting the car between runs and get called to stage. The big one for my is do not, do not ever pressure wash the engine. I had a mechanic do that and took six months trying to chase down a throttle problem.
I used to maintain police cars and I recall how the old mid 1980s LTD Crown Vic steering columns used to break quite often because they had alloy pieces that couldn’t support all of those recycled Dunkin Donuts.
This is a great video. I always screw the top down. I know a person lost two C7 targa tops because he forgot. I have some cracked paint on my hood of my 89 6 spd. I don't show the car. i'm thinking of repairing the crack and painting two white stripes on the hood. Do you have any suggestions with respect to videos, materials and the whole process. I keep thinking of getting a newer ECM. Do youknow of an aftermarket ECM that will work and the dash will still work. One more thing. My dash indicates I have low oil pressure. Sometimes zero. I put a mechanical gauge. The OP never goes below 15 at idle. I have changed the sensor three times. Any suggestions would be appreciated. sorry for all the questions. Thank you
Being completely honest here, I didn’t know about the pressure washing being a bad idea, I have a 86 4+3 that has had oil basically pouring out of the valve covers, so I tightened them and then wrapped my alternator in cellophane and then went to town with some purple power and a pressure washer, I will say my engine bay went from looking like a 100k car to a 30k and it sure as hell got rid of all that oil and no more oil smell when I hammer it. However… fast forward about 6 months and I see the oil is still leaking so I just bit the bullet and replaced them. AND Pressure washed it again. No issues, even a few thousand miles later, never knew that I shouldn’t do that but oh well
Good info. Heres my tip: don't remove the top! .... car handles poorly without it. I did it once when I got the car in 2012 and left it on at all times since. Funny thing is some owners don't feel any difference so maybe its just some of them.
They say the welding quality can be inconsistent on the main frame of the car. If a particular car has bad flexing, it might be the frame isn't 100% how it's supposed to. Explains why some cars might flex more without the roof in place.
I was tip number one.... Got to work late.. put on top with no bolting.... Fight at work with boss man, for being late!. Flew outta the parking lot. Whooooosh! Crack...bang....$600 for a rebuild and core exchange. And this was 20 years ago.
is it possible you could show a repair of the steering knuckle? it simply does not exist anywhere, its a huge problem with many c4's however its like the fix does not really exist
Allen, that would be a real problem. Not because it couldn't be filmed properly, but because we don't want to encourage people who should not be attempting this job to try it. When they do, they get lost and then call us to walk them through a three hour job by phone--which is not only impossible, but costs me time that I don't have. I know of several repairs like this, and we just can't risk leading novices into those waters. Lyle
@@michaelbrennan3875 man I don’t know I feel like everyone sees the typical corvette as a total monkey brained mouth breather. “How do I replace a radiator cap????” “It’s not recommended, pay a bunch of money to someone else that will likely do it not as good as you could” Theirs a lot more complex vehicles out there, I’ve done a manual swap on an e38 m62, built an ac system for a vehicle utilizing an aftermarket hvac box and custom lines. I’ve done the hole “dreaded” optispark replacement and when finished I wondered why everyone fussed about it. The list goes on but you get the point, maybe I should start with “not a mechanic but not a total idiot” in my comments? It’s a steering knuckle I’m sure it’s not that complicated
Hi, Lyle. Love your channel but you missed the opportunity to make this vid one of your best - we really want to see you haul yourself in/out of a C4; maybe two or three times. :)
I inherited an '88 and I think I found out the hard way about the steering wheel thing. The VATS went bad (shocker, right?) and was replacing the tumbler, but when we opened the column the plastic was all cracked and busted, ended up having to replace the column.
#6, buy the hood release tool/make emergency release cables. Your hood release cable WILL FAIL at around 100k miles and when it does its almost impossible to get the hood open without the tool. Ask me how I know..
Don't install your brand new strut rods completely backwards. Then sell it and proceed to call the new owner a liar and tell them they don't know what they are talking about. 😂
Didn’t happen to me but one of my friends was driving his c5 and went to wave at a guy in a c4 but it flew off as he got next to him, the guy in the c4 was no longer interested in waving I guess.
Lyle, I have a 1995 Vette but it did not come with key fobs. I cannot find them anywhere. I don't want the feature where the car unlocks when I walk up to it (PKE) which is why the fob has the copper wrapping inside. Is there another key fob that will work with the system ???
Ron, those fobs are completely unavailable for the time being. GM discontinued them about 2 years ago, and no one that I know of has picked them up in the aftermarket. I would assume that they will be reproduced in the coming year, as demand is high. Lyle
For getting in and out. I’ve found it easiest to stand with my back facing the drivers seat(when the doors open) sitting in it with my legs still on the ground, then just spin/rotate my legs into the vehicle. Reverse the process for getting out. Really makes it much easier than cranking on the steering wheel and risking breaking something. I had my old man try the method (he’s overweight and had back problems) and he had no issues.
I had guys do tfhe steering wheel regardless of what I told them Worse yet even in my new 86 5.0 this fat bastard who wanted to drive it pushed his right hand on the top of the console to heave himself out Snapped, completely broken. Funny how some can use a car drive it hard and yrs later runs and looks flawless yet other owners in a years time their car is beaten broken and they call it a pos. Never blown on e up yet
My husband bought a 1984 C-4 and had it repainted 2 years ago. We keep in the garage, but the body guy told us not to cover it. It's clean, but still gets dusty. Can we now cover it? We do not want to wash it every time we like to take a drive.
I recently purchased a 85 C4 and the engine looks pretty clean. I was just about to power wash it. I’m so glad I seen your video first. Although I am guilty of getting out of it once by the steering wheel. (Won’t happen again) Thanks for the tip in securing the top and the order of hood to doors closing steps 👊🏾
How are you liking your 85? I'm planning to go look at a really clean one this weekend but the lack ABS and having to go with the 4+3 transmission instead of a traditional 6 speed is kinda scaring me off.
Bought new and still have a 1995. I did number one 1 or 2 times, but would lay the tool on top of the dash to remind me to tighten the bolts before driving. I've pressured washed (coin car wash) a few times and never had an issue. I've heard the ~95 optis are improved in reference to water damage. 261,000 miles. Plan to put the transmission back in it soon, possibly today. Been on Jack stands since 2016.
Excellent i have 1984 X4 corvette it was give to me I didn't know engine compartment to pressure wash it don't do and why thanku so so very much u are awesome Michael pagliuco of union nj
Oh I'm sorry that's X4 1984 Corvette under that X4 i messed up i went to fast my dear friend again u rank supreme in my book wat a knowledgeable gentleman again thanks a million Michael Charles from union new jersey born and raised
Great video, as always. More C4 videos, please! Thanks for your efforts. PS - isn’t the C4 OptiSpark somehow less susceptible to water damage (I have a 96’ LT4/GS)? Is it therefore safe to use a regular hose to spray only from top? Anyway, thx again.
The 94-96 version of the optispark had a drain added that can be hooked up to engine vacuum to wick away moisture from the optical plates. That said, I still wouldn't get it wet if I could avoid it...just a very imperfect location for such a fragile unit. Lyle
The screw on the front right of my top was stripped. It would make a wobbling noise when I would drive and I figured the rest would hold it on. Well the left side started unscrewing itself even if I tightened it as hard as I could. One day on the highway the top sounded wobbly and when I hit 55 mph the front screw came off and my top went damn near perpendicular. Scared the shit out of me.
As of Saturday....New C4 owner here. I needed every bit of this video. I grabbed the steering wheel on a couple of exits🤦🏽♂️. Any links on a good after market cup holder? Thanks Again. 👍🏽😃
Those aren't cup holders. Corvette owners never let people drink in their car. Those are contact lens holders. Eye roll on the Optispark was priceless. But it should've been #1 with a big red flag. Pressure washer or not, you're going to replace it. Right after the water pump fails. And the replacements are all a crapshoot. So you're going to keep on replacing it until you find a sucker to buy your hobbled LT1. Just another GM lawn ornament.
Never hit a bump when receiving head in a C4.
They don't call me the terminator for no reason 😂
Tell him to stay in his seat until both of you get home...
How do u know how do u know
😂😂😂😂😂
@@alexl9334you’re thinking about the wrong 4th gen pal
I had a small leak in my Top and the damn thing blew up at about 156MPH. I thought I was in a ejection seat. Scared the shit out of me.
I found the exit process helpful. I am surprised someone who fails to secure the targa top before driving the car. Imagine the top flying into an unsuspecting car's windshield at highway speeds. It can potentially kills the occupants. Unreal.
Especially when that windshield belongs to a State Trooper. True story! Glad it wasn't me on that one! Lyle
Number 6: Never speed without a radar detector.
To clean the engine compartment. Spray it down with tire foam and DON'T TOUCH IT WITH ANYTHING!!!!! It really works.
More like Google maps
Not an issue.....they're dead slow.
At a local Chevy dealers service area, the first of the 84 C4s had arrived and was getting its dealer prep. During lunch, a couple of salesman found the unattended Corvette and took the top off for pictures and just set it back on. The lot boy happened to stroll by and saw the chance to go for a blast. The top flew off and he couldn’t find it. An angry UPS guy came rolling up with one side of his windshield smashed and a Corvette roof in hand.
I did NOT know about the issue with closing the hood with the doors open. Thanks for sharing that tip. It sounds like something I would have possibly done without this knowledge.
Having dismantled and reassembled my 87 with 4+3 a few times I'd like to add some more obscure stuff.
- On the 4+3 there was a service bulletin that specified the transmission should always be put in 1st gear BEFORE trying to put it in reverse. The reverse is not even part of the manual transmission and has no synchronizers. This eliminate all kind of grinding when going in reverse
- The 4+3 is a bulletproof, incredibly fun transmission if you aren't negligent and go through the pain of changing the oil and filter of the automatic unit once a year.
- The manual 4 speed gearbox is really really really picky about gear oil. If after a gear oil change you suddenly feel the gearbox binds a bit when downshifting in first it can totally be that she doesn't like the gear oil. Try another brand.
- The throttle cable is an often skipped issue on both autos and manuals. When I bought the car it took me a few weeks to realize that even if my pedal was fully pressed on, the cable only opened my throttle about 80% due to being elongated with use. Make sure your pedal opens the throttle fully.
- The L98 runs naturally hot. Even more so when it's already hot and the AC is on. The two rearmost cylinders don't get the cooling later engines had. They are generally the ones that'll give trouble. Give them the best of chance by making sure your cooling system is up to snuff. That means new coolant hoses all around and frequent coolant changes, but don't forget about all those dead leaves and garbage that has accumulated between the AC radiator and the actual radiator and blocks airflow.
- The best tool to work on your C4 is having a few hockey pucks to put between your precious Corvette and the various tools you are going to use to lift it off the ground. Thank me later.
- Last, be very careful around the dozens of vacuum lines around the engine bay. They are not flexible and with the age will break just by looking at them. Chances are you have a few broken ones you don't even know about. A lot of issues on those cars can come from broken vacuum lines. Vacuum controls everything from EGR to the EVAP, as well as the AC. There is even a vacuum operated switch in the dash to control the cabin heat piping.
all excellent points, and absolutely true! Well done, Julian! Lyle
Bro no one's changing the trandmission fluid and filter every year but everything else is pretty accurate
Id put my muncies in 2nd or 1st before hitting R. Seemed standard for 4 speeds
Know guys that would barely be stopped and still try and forcec it in R. Made me cringe....I do the same with my T56 cant afford to rebuild that one more time!
Always thought about putting a close ratio M21 in a 4plus 3 car. WIth a 3.07 gear theres no need for overdrive plus now you get a better gearspread!
M22 1st gear could work but that 2.20 low is a little too tall.
Thanks for the video. Excellent points. Considering a C4 in a few months. Owned 3 classic Vettes back in the 70's, and early 80's. They were extra cool!
Lyle is great.I wish i lived closer to his shop. I would definitely love to have him as my mechanic.
1st: C&S is a top flight organization. I installed their set of Superpro bushings in my C4 this summer and the car handles BEAUTIFULLY. ZERO squeaks from the bushings.
2nd: Everything he said is spot-on.
3rd: One thing to add... DO NOT shut a C4 door using the GLASS. Always use the handle or the door itself. You will eventually wear the guides/mounting hardware, and then trouble starts.
Previous owner on mine must have used the windows as a door handle. Barely wants to go more than halfway up, and sits higher than the weatherstripping! They did a real hack job putting the door panel on, too, I don't even know where to start on that thing
I love the c4 they are eazy to fix
Great bc I just bought my own tools and plan to work on it in my garage
Trying to find a decent one for $5000 and put some work into it make it great
@@alexandercameron645 They are out there be picky even at 5k. None of them are special or rare so take your time. Do NOT get a cheap fixer youll be sorry!
I'm older with a bad back. I learned to scootch my butt over on to the frame sill and swing my legs out. From there basically just stand up. In and out of my '94 with no problem or big effort.
I learned about the steering column issue back in high school with my 82 Z-28. When I saw my 84 Vette had the same steering column, I avoided the steering wheel getting in and out of my car. 34,000 miles on my Vette, and the steering wheel, and column look, and function like new.
As Republican Rand Paul stated best, "Your work is your reward!"
I recently purchased a 1996 corvette and a local corvette club president warned me about each of these issues. So happy to be informed.
Actually I was told tsecure the hood was not to drop it but rather press down on one side than walk over to other side and press hood down into its lock position. It does feel better than dropping it to lock. Use micro fibre under your hand to protect paint when pushing down. 👍
I hold it a few inches above the stops towards the center than drop. Maybe a light push, in case. No need to sla doors either that one kills me esp after telling every passenger. THey still do it .
You make great videos; you really need to try and make more, because they're so dang interesting and you're really great at making them. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Joe! I enjoy making them! It is a challenge to make them while running a busy shop, but we will keep a it as much as we can. Thanks for watching! Lyle
@@lyleaulwurm9486 Thankyou for the reply Lyle.
Number 1: don’t fall asleep when driving it like me, because gm put recliners as seats and the car gets nice and warm when driving :)
Great tips, never thought about number 4.
I made a whole vid on my channel about different ways to get in and out to avoid Issue 2!
I absolutely love you video's Lyle!!! You so eloquently explain things in such detail and with precision. I have spoken with you on multiple occasions in regards to related problems I've encountered with my 94 corvette and you have always been nothing but professional and honest when answering my questions. Thank you Lyle!!!!
V/r
Steve from California.
Step 2 is a good one. Step 3 definitely. Do not trust those. I've bought a can of energy drink and put them in the cup holder, shifted it into reverse (6 speed) and the can tips over. Step 4 is also good. Mine was also in a front end accident from previous owner. I've chipped the fiberglass on my door panel from slamming the hood. Now I'm careful with it and lower the hood and press down to lock. Step 5 is also a good one if you have an optispark. I never washed the engine bay but it needs it. I have however had to replace my 94 optispark system due to it being completely rusted out. I think the year after 94 used an open (maybe closed) optispark distributor and that fixed a lot of issues. Good points in your video.
Cup holders were only there cause the vette guys complain about every fn little thing .Idles rough .Ooh stiff ride. Waah. Pickiest group of car owners ever!!
Driving gloves, cant help but laugh. Those wheels are plenty thick and grippy no need unless thier manicure was just done!
"love the cars, the crowd not so much"
An ignition under the water pump sounds like a dumb idea but an even dumber idea is the Chrysler engines with the chain driven water pump inside the engine block.
Then there’s the S10 engine with the coolant temperature sensor in the heater hose fitting. When the heater core clogs up the cts tells the ecm that the engine is cold and the temperature gauge doesn’t work.
Didnt know the hood/doors tip. Thanks!
Had 2 previous c4's thinking of getting another one. I found a trick after washing your c4 Vette, water collects at the front of the hatch along the sides, use a turkey baster to get the water out.
Air gun or leaf blower.
The only time I use the cup holders is if I’m going in a straight line
Thanks for doing your video. My 86 has been a daily driver for the eighteen years I've owned it, and did not know about the opened doors and hood issue. Now I know something I didn't know. My glass top was scraped pretty hard at some point, but I took a chance on the rest of the car. Still has that same top only painted to match cars color. I like it because now the interior feels much cooler in the reduction of the sun light. Keep up the good work.
Great advice. I didn’t know about the hood and door issue. That was a scary thought of that happening. I have a 91 that just turned 33,000 miles.
Same here, never knew that. My 95 just turned 48 thousand
Yep it's a problem. with that few miles you might not find out. Mine has 136,000 miles, and 28 years of autocrossing and time trials (4 SCCA Championships). It's easy to forget this rule when you are adjusting the car between runs and get called to stage.
The big one for my is do not, do not ever pressure wash the engine. I had a mechanic do that and took six months trying to chase down a throttle problem.
Your videos are so helpful! Thankfully I as a C4 owner have not made any of those mistakes. Keep up the good work!
Nice video. Hadn't heard of the doors and hood one.
#1 ....Wait, The top comes off? why would I ever take it off? if I want the wind to blow my hair around and get shit in my eyes, I'll ride my chopper.
I used to maintain police cars and I recall how the old mid 1980s LTD Crown Vic steering columns used to break quite often because they had alloy pieces that couldn’t support all of those recycled Dunkin Donuts.
I knew these already, but good video. Good info.
I can vouch for the hood and door one I took a chunk out of the drivers door by shutting the hood with the door open
Thanks Lyle, I'll be sure to follow your advice, (owner 96 LT4)
Alright x 3. I have one also !
Guys. Guys I might buy an 84. I'm getting really excited.
I have had an LT1 for 17 years. I never washed it cause I’ lazy. I had nothing, but good times with that engine. It’s good advice I guess.
I want a Corvette bad. This channel has helped me decide which one.
This is a great video. I always screw the top down. I know a person lost two C7 targa tops because he forgot. I have some cracked paint on my hood of my 89 6 spd. I don't show the car. i'm thinking of repairing the crack and painting two white stripes on the hood. Do you have any suggestions with respect to videos, materials and the whole process. I keep thinking of getting a newer ECM. Do youknow of an aftermarket ECM that will work and the dash will still work. One more thing. My dash indicates I have low oil pressure. Sometimes zero. I put a mechanical gauge. The OP never goes below 15 at idle. I have changed the sensor three times. Any suggestions would be appreciated. sorry for all the questions. Thank you
Never bump the hood strut while working on the engine you may just get decapitated
Never let your AAA card expire.
Thanks for posting this. Just bought a C4 and your vids are very helpful
Being completely honest here, I didn’t know about the pressure washing being a bad idea, I have a 86 4+3 that has had oil basically pouring out of the valve covers, so I tightened them and then wrapped my alternator in cellophane and then went to town with some purple power and a pressure washer, I will say my engine bay went from looking like a 100k car to a 30k and it sure as hell got rid of all that oil and no more oil smell when I hammer it. However… fast forward about 6 months and I see the oil is still leaking so I just bit the bullet and replaced them. AND Pressure washed it again. No issues, even a few thousand miles later, never knew that I shouldn’t do that but oh well
The pressure washing non-no is much more for the LT1--the L98 isn't saddled with the opti-spark. Lyle
@@csvette ah I see, thank you
Good info. Heres my tip: don't remove the top! .... car handles poorly without it. I did it once when I got the car in 2012 and left it on at all times since. Funny thing is some owners don't feel any difference so maybe its just some of them.
They say the welding quality can be inconsistent on the main frame of the car. If a particular car has bad flexing, it might be the frame isn't 100% how it's supposed to. Explains why some cars might flex more without the roof in place.
My minty '90 convertible has only 23kmi. Just letting the world know since my wifey doesn't care in the least. ;)
I was tip number one....
Got to work late.. put on top with no bolting....
Fight at work with boss man, for being late!. Flew outta the parking lot. Whooooosh! Crack...bang....$600 for a rebuild and core exchange. And this was 20 years ago.
Looking for a corvette in excellent condition..must be a older model..1977--1981
is it possible you could show a repair of the steering knuckle? it simply does not exist anywhere, its a huge problem with many c4's however its like the fix does not really exist
Allen, that would be a real problem. Not because it couldn't be filmed properly, but because we don't want to encourage people who should not be attempting this job to try it. When they do, they get lost and then call us to walk them through a three hour job by phone--which is not only impossible, but costs me time that I don't have. I know of several repairs like this, and we just can't risk leading novices into those waters. Lyle
@@csvette fart
Ok thanks
@@michaelbrennan3875 man I don’t know I feel like everyone sees the typical corvette as a total monkey brained mouth breather. “How do I replace a radiator cap????”
“It’s not recommended, pay a bunch of money to someone else that will likely do it not as good as you could”
Theirs a lot more complex vehicles out there, I’ve done a manual swap on an e38 m62, built an ac system for a vehicle utilizing an aftermarket hvac box and custom lines. I’ve done the hole “dreaded” optispark replacement and when finished I wondered why everyone fussed about it. The list goes on but you get the point, maybe I should start with “not a mechanic but not a total idiot” in my comments? It’s a steering knuckle I’m sure it’s not that complicated
Hi, Lyle. Love your channel but you missed the opportunity to make this vid one of your best - we really want to see you haul yourself in/out of a C4; maybe two or three times. :)
I inherited an '88 and I think I found out the hard way about the steering wheel thing. The VATS went bad (shocker, right?) and was replacing the tumbler, but when we opened the column the plastic was all cracked and busted, ended up having to replace the column.
Don't slam the hood at all. Gently lay it down then lightly press on the corners near the windshield to engage the latches.
#6, buy the hood release tool/make emergency release cables. Your hood release cable WILL FAIL at around 100k miles and when it does its almost impossible to get the hood open without the tool. Ask me how I know..
Also watch out for rain puddles my brother whent into a 8 inch puddle while doing about 40mph and it was misfiring for days
Are you familiar of workers sighning inside panels? My 96 has one. Ps a bandana would help.
Don't install your brand new strut rods completely backwards. Then sell it and proceed to call the new owner a liar and tell them they don't know what they are talking about. 😂
Amen my friend by the way number five you look like the Undertaker rolling your eyes backwards all you needed was he's hat but thank you sir😊
Does anyone have a person who specializes in 1992 corvettes in Atlanta .??
WOW!!...Did not know about the door and hood thing...THANKS...Good tip...
Coil pack conversion! No more OPTISPORK
I did lose a top on my first C-4 in 1986. Only had to happen once. Thanks for info.
Another flying roof club member 🤦🏾♀️ 86 owner here!!!!
Didn’t happen to me but one of my friends was driving his c5 and went to wave at a guy in a c4 but it flew off as he got next to him, the guy in the c4 was no longer interested in waving I guess.
Pressure washing engines is just a bad idea in general on any car... IMHO.
I am guessing these don't apply to ZR1 models. 😉
The engine stuff is going to be different, but everything else is the same. Lyle
@@csvette Thanks to your videos. I am more interested in the LT versions of the C4 Corvette. They are good cars.
Good points. I knew all except the closing of the hood with the doors open.
learned the hard way no more using the pop ups as a potable table for blow
Yep...l never have food or drinks in my c4...
Johnny Sins has a corvette RUclips channel?
Thank you. Good to know. Too late for me about the cup holder advice.
Starting to drive my C4 next week (after 10 years standing still), didn't know about the cupholders. Will look out for that, thanks!
The cup holders are useless in a manual transmission
Lyle, I have a 1995 Vette but it did not come with key fobs. I cannot find them anywhere. I don't want the feature where the car unlocks when I walk up to it (PKE) which is why the fob has the copper wrapping inside. Is there another key fob that will work with the system ???
Ron, those fobs are completely unavailable for the time being. GM discontinued them about 2 years ago, and no one that I know of has picked them up in the aftermarket. I would assume that they will be reproduced in the coming year, as demand is high. Lyle
For getting in and out. I’ve found it easiest to stand with my back facing the drivers seat(when the doors open) sitting in it with my legs still on the ground, then just spin/rotate my legs into the vehicle. Reverse the process for getting out. Really makes it much easier than cranking on the steering wheel and risking breaking something. I had my old man try the method (he’s overweight and had back problems) and he had no issues.
I had guys do tfhe steering wheel regardless of what I told them
Worse yet even in my new 86 5.0 this fat bastard who wanted to drive it pushed his right hand on the top of the console to heave himself out
Snapped, completely broken.
Funny how some can use a car drive it hard and yrs later runs and looks flawless yet other owners in a years time their car is beaten broken and they call it a pos.
Never blown on e up yet
“World’s crappiest cup holder…” Somebody hasn’t owned a first gen Chevy Astro.
1st and 2nd Gen Vipers: “You guys have cup holders!?”
My husband bought a 1984 C-4 and had it repainted 2 years ago. We keep in the garage, but the body guy told us not to cover it. It's clean, but still gets dusty. Can we now cover it? We do not want to wash it every time we like to take a drive.
Hi Gail! Absolutely cover the car now that the paint has aged a bit. You can buy nice indoor fitted covers for about $80. Lyle :)
Best video I've seen on the subject
Great tips! Love the channel!
We made my distributor water resistant as part of its restomod :) 15k in
"Resistant" is the exact word. Glad you are having no problems! Lyle
Can I drive my 93 Corvette in the rain
C4 i did it again yes I will give it up u bet ya
Don't lift your self on the t-top ether.
Great video - thanks!
Great video..thanks for the tips...
Do you have a video on how to adjust the ARS that's under the hood..my service ARS
Light is on right now..92 C4...thanks
awesome tips. thank you
I recently purchased a 85 C4 and the engine looks pretty clean. I was just about to power wash it. I’m so glad I seen your video first. Although I am guilty of getting out of it once by the steering wheel. (Won’t happen again)
Thanks for the tip in securing the top and the order of hood to doors closing steps 👊🏾
How are you liking your 85? I'm planning to go look at a really clean one this weekend but the lack ABS and having to go with the 4+3 transmission instead of a traditional 6 speed is kinda scaring me off.
Your 85 doesn't have an optispark, so the big danger is not applicable.
Yep all true 👍. Especially #3
Thank you sir!
Wow, people were that ignorant... Only one I can relate to is the cup holder... Z51, '84 LOL. I learned real quick. No Coke though, thankfully.
Another excellent video, as usual. Fascinating argument for C4. It IS an awesome car. Thx for your effort.
NEVER use the Boost/Start on a charger on a 1984. The power supply in the instrument cluster will burn out and you will have no instruments.
Bought new and still have a 1995. I did number one 1 or 2 times, but would lay the tool on top of the dash to remind me to tighten the bolts before driving. I've pressured washed (coin car wash) a few times and never had an issue. I've heard the ~95 optis are improved in reference to water damage. 261,000 miles. Plan to put the transmission back in it soon, possibly today. Been on Jack stands since 2016.
Excellent i have 1984 X4 corvette it was give to me I didn't know engine compartment to pressure wash it don't do and why thanku so so very much u are awesome Michael pagliuco of union nj
Oh I'm sorry that's X4 1984 Corvette under that X4 i messed up i went to fast my dear friend again u rank supreme in my book wat a knowledgeable gentleman again thanks a million Michael Charles from union new jersey born and raised
Aggressive driving like I can't drive 55 , Thank you for this video a few I didn't know , Be seeing you for some bushings , 88 C 4 4+3 Z 52
Thanks for tips
Great video, as always. More C4 videos, please! Thanks for your efforts.
PS - isn’t the C4 OptiSpark somehow less susceptible to water damage (I have a 96’ LT4/GS)? Is it therefore safe to use a regular hose to spray only from top?
Anyway, thx again.
The 94-96 version of the optispark had a drain added that can be hooked up to engine vacuum to wick away moisture from the optical plates. That said, I still wouldn't get it wet if I could avoid it...just a very imperfect location for such a fragile unit. Lyle
@@csvette Then I’ll be careful not to. Thank you much. Please more C4 stuff (maybe a ‘96 LT4 Video)? Again, thanks.
*innocent can of new coke
I have an 1989 Z51 coupe with 35000 miles and I keep looking at the engine and want to pressure wash it but I know that would be a bad thing!
The screw on the front right of my top was stripped. It would make a wobbling noise when I would drive and I figured the rest would hold it on. Well the left side started unscrewing itself even if I tightened it as hard as I could. One day on the highway the top sounded wobbly and when I hit 55 mph the front screw came off and my top went damn near perpendicular. Scared the shit out of me.
I don't do that with my 96. Address the LT1 gasket issue and the plastic radiator issue.
#6 don't leave your keys in the car if it has PKE. The doors WILL lock with the keys on the center console.
Ah, but the solution there is to rock the car side to side to activate the PKE and the doors will unlock. :) Lyle
THAT is exactly what I learned at 2am. But to be honest when the keys are in the little trough behind the shifter they don't move much!@@csvette
Thank you sir
As of Saturday....New C4 owner here. I needed every bit of this video. I grabbed the steering wheel on a couple of exits🤦🏽♂️.
Any links on a good after market cup holder? Thanks Again. 👍🏽😃
Those aren't cup holders. Corvette owners never let people drink in their car. Those are contact lens holders. Eye roll on the Optispark was priceless. But it should've been #1 with a big red flag. Pressure washer or not, you're going to replace it. Right after the water pump fails. And the replacements are all a crapshoot. So you're going to keep on replacing it until you find a sucker to buy your hobbled LT1. Just another GM lawn ornament.
Watch it on 2X Speed