No ECM = troubles?

[k belknap]

While attempting to thwart off an overheating problem by changing the thermostat, I stumbled across a broken electronic connector. It was obvious to me that it mated up against a broken connector on the passenger side of my carb. Following the other end of the wire, I discovered it connected directly to the distributor. I looked up this wire in my Haynes manual and discovered it to be the Electronic Control Module. The book did not happen to mention what this was or did other than it replaced the vacuum system from earlier model 'Vettes. My limited exposure to backyard mechanicing draws me to the conclusion this piece has something to do with ignition advancement. The only reason I looked around the carb to begin with is that my idle has suddenly decided to jump from 1,000 RPM to 2,000 RPM, causing a heck-of-a-problem with engine temp. and dieseling. Could this ECM problem be a direct correlation? If not, what could have caused the RPM problem? Lastly, is there an Edelbrock carb that I could use to replace the original Holley 4150 until I can get this RPM problem straightened out?

Thanks!!

Kevin

[Bill Baird]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

What year Corvette are you working on? None came stock with a Holley and an ECM.

Bill Baird

[Bill Baird]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

What year Corvette are you working on? None came stock with a Holley and an ECM.

Bill Baird

[k belknap]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

I screwed up! It's actually a Rochester Quadrajet. I believe it's a E4ME (or something close to that). After shutting the car this morning (after letting it get good and hot), I saw a nice stream of fuel come out of the carb while it was dieseling. I'm taking a wild guess that this EMC is some sort of anti-dieseling valve.

K

[k belknap]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

I screwed up! It's actually a Rochester Quadrajet. I believe it's a E4ME (or something close to that). After shutting the car this morning (after letting it get good and hot), I saw a nice stream of fuel come out of the carb while it was dieseling. I'm taking a wild guess that this EMC is some sort of anti-dieseling valve.

K

[Joe L.]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

Kevin----

There is an Edelbrock carburetor available to replace your original Rochester QuadraJet. I do not know the price of this carb, but you can expect that it will be very expensive. The last I checked, GM/Delco still had available new Rochester QuadraJets for 1981 model applications. GM list price for these carburetors is well over $1000. You might be able to buy one through The Last Detail at a somewhat reduced price.

Other than the OEM Rochester carb and the Edelbrock QJ clone (actually manufactured by Weber USA), I know of no other carburetor available which would be EMISSIONS LEGAL for your application.

[Joe L.]

Re: No ECM = troubles?

Kevin----

There is an Edelbrock carburetor available to replace your original Rochester QuadraJet. I do not know the price of this carb, but you can expect that it will be very expensive. The last I checked, GM/Delco still had available new Rochester QuadraJets for 1981 model applications. GM list price for these carburetors is well over $1000. You might be able to buy one through The Last Detail at a somewhat reduced price.

Other than the OEM Rochester carb and the Edelbrock QJ clone (actually manufactured by Weber USA), I know of no other carburetor available which would be EMISSIONS LEGAL for your application.

[k belknap]

ECM troubles = sold car! :~(

Thanks for the info, Joe. To be honest, I think I'm gonna give up on this car. I just don't have the nerve to stomach the problems. It runs great...really great; the interior's in great shape; the transmission shifts hard and true. But between the overheating (running at 230 with a 160 degree thermo.), the dieseling (and the subsequent fuel shooting out of the carb), and the speedometer not working...I can't take much more. Perhaps if I can find a reputable Corvette mechanic in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area that will help me I'll keep it. Otherwise.......anyone want to buy an '81 Vette?

Thanks!

K

[k belknap]

ECM troubles = sold car! :~(

Thanks for the info, Joe. To be honest, I think I'm gonna give up on this car. I just don't have the nerve to stomach the problems. It runs great...really great; the interior's in great shape; the transmission shifts hard and true. But between the overheating (running at 230 with a 160 degree thermo.), the dieseling (and the subsequent fuel shooting out of the carb), and the speedometer not working...I can't take much more. Perhaps if I can find a reputable Corvette mechanic in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area that will help me I'll keep it. Otherwise.......anyone want to buy an '81 Vette?

Thanks!

K