I have an 88 Iroc with and LO3. Minor mods have been done to the car. I have put in a complete MSD ignition, E3 plugs, K&N filter, complete exhaust with headers.

Here's whats going on. I changed the starter to a mini because the old one was fried. The car fired right up. My son and I took it to put air in the tires and gas. So we have started it up now at least 3X. When we were driving off from the gas station the stinking fan for the AC quit blowing. So I drove it to a friends house and shut it off. Damn car wouldn't start!!! The battery is brand new (1 day old), we jumped the car off and it started reluctantly (after puttering and sputtering a shot of black smoke and then it ran normal). Took it home and put it in the drive way and tried to re-start it and again nothing. Waited about 2 hours and tried again and she fired right up. We took it for a test drive and as soon as I got on it the SES light came on and it was like she didn't have any power at all. For all of you M1A1 tankers out there it's like a tank going into over protected mode.

Before this happening the car would run fine. However, when the SES light came on you could feel the drop in power. But after 3-5 minutes the light would go off and everything was fine.

One thing I am concerned about is. When they put my exhaust on they didn't put an O2 sensor in. I can't find the wire that would have lead to the old O2 sensor. I bought a new O2 and bung to weld the thing in but can't find the wire.

Could this all be caused by the O2 sensor? Tempted to go with a carb setup.

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

the starter could possibly be offsetting the amperage going to everything else make sure everything is tight on the starter also make sure that u wired everything up correctly as well

 

Everything is tight. On the mini starter it has three terminals. 1ea small one which is hooked to the ignition. Then the fusible links and pwoer cable are hooked to one side of the solenoid.

 

hmm i don't know then.. sorry can't be more help

 

Pull the code on the CE light. It may tell you what is wrong.

why did not the exhaust shop put in a 02 sensor bung?

 

The shop used to be reputable. Then they changed owners in the middle of my exhaust job. The mechanic that was working on it quit and I am in the Army stationed in GA but I am temporarily working in DC with our wounded warriors (amputee's). At the time my wife picked the car up from the shop. I was so friggin pissed off that I am in search of another mechanic. I bought the sensor and bung just need some one to install.

I am wondering if the timing chain stretched. My son said that he is starting the car everday now and it is starting fine. Would the O2 cause this loss of power. Next time I am at home I have a fuel pressure gauge to install. I'm thinking maybe fuel pump as well. My son is going to change the negative cable today. So I am going to try that. I feel like an Army tank mechanic. Trouble guessing. Change everything until it runs right.

 

Well after countless hours of reading old threads I decided to change the ignition switch and neutral safety switch. I am convinced that it was the neutral safety switch. When I took that rascal out it was worn down. However, after we pulled the ignition switch out it was well on its way to the crapper. I took it apart (do better seeing how thing operate) and the little brass contacts were worn way down and the dust and crap had corroded the terminals. It was a good thing we changed what we did when we did. Now she fires up everytime. Knock on wood, it will continue to do so.

Now my next project is to find out why lake Michigan is in my trunk when it rains. I am talking inches of water. Almost to the point of why is there glass there, it damn sure isn't stopping anything.

Thanks for all of the tips and advice. It is deeply appreciated. You all rock!!!!!