Impending doom
#1
11-16-2011, 02:25 PM
Impending doom
I've had my 2004 ZR2 2-door since it was new and never had any problems with it. But now it feels like time is catching up and a number of things are getting ready to fail all at once. I don't know where to spend my limited funds to stave off the end.
First of all, I have a strong smell of anti-freeze in the cabin, but can't find any wet spots and the heater and defroster work fine. A heater core won't cost much, but is hell to take out and install the new one.
Then it's the AC, which squeeks and hesitates intermittently but still cools very well. I unplugged the clutch so it can freewheel, but now I have no AC working.
The battery goes dead when it sits a while and the voltage meter shows a slight discharge when it's running. Plus, it hesitates a couple turns before it starts, then runs just fine.
I replaced the serpentine belt and tightened all the wiring connectors and it felt better for a while, but still starts hard, smells like anti-freeze inside, and registers a discharge. The spark plugs and wires are the only things I've never replaced. Other than that, I've kept it serviced.
Any thoughts from those wiser than I?
First of all, I have a strong smell of anti-freeze in the cabin, but can't find any wet spots and the heater and defroster work fine. A heater core won't cost much, but is hell to take out and install the new one.
Then it's the AC, which squeeks and hesitates intermittently but still cools very well. I unplugged the clutch so it can freewheel, but now I have no AC working.
The battery goes dead when it sits a while and the voltage meter shows a slight discharge when it's running. Plus, it hesitates a couple turns before it starts, then runs just fine.
I replaced the serpentine belt and tightened all the wiring connectors and it felt better for a while, but still starts hard, smells like anti-freeze inside, and registers a discharge. The spark plugs and wires are the only things I've never replaced. Other than that, I've kept it serviced.
Any thoughts from those wiser than I?
#2
11-16-2011, 03:03 PM
I've had my 2004 ZR2 2-door since it was new and never had any problems with it. But now it feels like time is catching up and a number of things are getting ready to fail all at once. I don't know where to spend my limited funds to stave off the end.
First of all, I have a strong smell of anti-freeze in the cabin, but can't find any wet spots and the heater and defroster work fine. A heater core won't cost much, but is hell to take out and install the new one.
the core might have a small seam leak and it is evaporating off...dash has to come out.
Then it's the AC, which squeeks and hesitates intermittently but still cools very well. I unplugged the clutch so it can freewheel, but now I have no AC working.
that squeal might be the compressor on its way out...not a priority going into winter....depends where you live.
The battery goes dead when it sits a while and the voltage meter shows a slight discharge when it's running. Plus, it hesitates a couple turns before it starts, then runs just fine.
try a local auto parts store that will test your battery and alternator for free...its one of those. guessing alternator
I replaced the serpentine belt and tightened all the wiring connectors and it felt better for a while, but still starts hard, smells like anti-freeze inside, and registers a discharge. The spark plugs and wires are the only things I've never replaced. Other than that, I've kept it serviced.
Any thoughts from those wiser than I?
First of all, I have a strong smell of anti-freeze in the cabin, but can't find any wet spots and the heater and defroster work fine. A heater core won't cost much, but is hell to take out and install the new one.
the core might have a small seam leak and it is evaporating off...dash has to come out.
Then it's the AC, which squeeks and hesitates intermittently but still cools very well. I unplugged the clutch so it can freewheel, but now I have no AC working.
that squeal might be the compressor on its way out...not a priority going into winter....depends where you live.
The battery goes dead when it sits a while and the voltage meter shows a slight discharge when it's running. Plus, it hesitates a couple turns before it starts, then runs just fine.
try a local auto parts store that will test your battery and alternator for free...its one of those. guessing alternator
I replaced the serpentine belt and tightened all the wiring connectors and it felt better for a while, but still starts hard, smells like anti-freeze inside, and registers a discharge. The spark plugs and wires are the only things I've never replaced. Other than that, I've kept it serviced.
Any thoughts from those wiser than I?
plugs and wires....depends on your mileage.
#3
11-16-2011, 05:33 PM
Make sure your battery cable connections are clean at both the battery, alternator, and starter.
If you have a voltmeter or Multimeter, check the battery voltage with the engine off. Should be right around 12V, +/- a volt.
Also check the battery with the engine idling. Should read 12.5 volts minimum (up to 14 volts). If less than 12.7V or over 14.5V, your alternator/voltage regulator is bad.
If you have a voltmeter or Multimeter, check the battery voltage with the engine off. Should be right around 12V, +/- a volt.
Also check the battery with the engine idling. Should read 12.5 volts minimum (up to 14 volts). If less than 12.7V or over 14.5V, your alternator/voltage regulator is bad.
#4
11-16-2011, 06:59 PM
My thanks
I'll start with the cheap and easy and then ramp it up when I have to. Heater core is a must and so is an AC compressor, then. I'll follow your lead on the electrical. Plugs are 108,000, so I'll replace those and the wires anyhow.
Glad I have the Vettes for backup, but they're not much good in the Oklahoma winters and you can't do work out of them.
Glad I have the Vettes for backup, but they're not much good in the Oklahoma winters and you can't do work out of them.
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