C1 FI prolonged ldle

[Richard S.]

I was using AC43 plugs and experienced mis-fire and fouled spark plugs, no problem with AC44's. My concern is that during the winter months I will not be able to drive the FI for months at a time and will have to resort to letting the car idle for several minutes each week. Will this "rich" fast idle operation over several months result in more fouled plugs? I have not tried the AC45's.

[Michael W.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

One of the worst things to do is start a car's engine just to let it sit and idle. There is no need or benefit.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

This Mike agrees 100% with that Mike. However, don't let a fuelie sit a year or so, because the fuel can cause the spill plunger to gum up and stick.

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

Winter storage has been discussed a zillion times on the TDB including preparation, which is simple with an admonishion to NOT START the car until you are ready for spring driving.

The best spark plug heat range for all vintage Corvette engines for normal road driving is AC heat range 5 or equivalent in another brand.

Duke

[John D.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

Richard, AC 45 or AC46 with a good coil. Ethanol shelf life is quite short. Leave it sit all winter and you will be out major bucks getting the FI rebuild. John

[Richard S.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

John, I use VP 110 octane with lead and It should have a shelf life in excess of one year.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

During the "non driving" periods (typically winter), I periodically start my FI engines, and then MANUALLY set the fast idle cam on the highest step and let it run AT LEAST for a while after it has heated up enough to open the thermostat. When the thermostat is open, the engine is usually at full operating temp. I then let them run for at least 5min, push it off the fast idle cam so that it slows to a normal idle and turn off the key, cover it up, walk away.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 FI prolonged ldle

i do as Tom does with my c-1 and c-2 FI's during the winter. i try to repeat the start-up every 2 or 3 weeks. mike