Anybody ever get a Code 42 and what did you do to fix it?

Is the intake manifold a 1 peice or 2 ?

Anybody know what transmissions (rwd and fwd) will bolt up to the Vin C ?

What are the common problems for this engine/Transmission?

What kind of failures have you had with the "C" engine?

Know of any tips and or tricks for working on these engines/Transmissions?

Thanks

If you check in the tech info, you will be able to diagnose your codes. Just look around a little, you'll also find some other good information.

The intake manifold is one piece.

The only tranny I know that will bolt up to our block [without modification] is the TH-440.. which is the transmission GM put on from the factory, from 87-91, however there were several versions, gear ratios, and main harness connectors that changed in those years, and it is quite a task to find one for your year, without changing the ECU, and fabbing connectors.

Main problem with out trannys.. heat. These suckers will benefit from a transmission cooler like no tomorrow. There is nothing that causes more failure then heat. However, lack of maintaining the tranny can kill it too.

The failure I have experienced is the intake seal.. so my baby leaks about 1 quart per 3,000 miles. The engine is pretty much bullet proof.. a few people here have seen 300,000 on the factory engine/trans.. and I believe there were some higher mileage ones too. This is a huge variable, if you don't take car of the engine.. then you will run into problems sooner, and chances are bigger ones then you could imagine.

Get a really wide range of metric sockets and wrenches. Along with a Factory Service Manual for your year. Taking great care of the engine/tranny is the first step. There are many performance oriented things you can do to our engines.. that are fairly bolt up type stuff.

Plastic and rubber deteriorating is the biggest problem I am facing.. so if you have touched your vacuum lines [they are fine untouched, but if you work on the car, like I do, you have to move them around occaisonally], just replace them. Mine like to fall off, and just leak no matter what. You can make your own, just by going to your local auto parts store and getting 25 ft of vacuum line in the size you want [I don't know the size, but it is one up from 3/8"].

Enjoy your wonderful bonnie, with the wonderful engine.


-justin

Code 42 indicates a problem with the spark signal between the Ignition Control Module (under the coils) and the Engine Control Module (computer). This is usually a bad harness connection at the ICM or bad wiring. There is a page long troubleshooting chart in the factory service manual (everyone with a car this old should have one). If just cannot find, http://www.reatta.net/docs.html has several complete service manuals online and the drivetrain sections are almost identical.

I know of one gentleman who has replaced the 440T4/4T60 transmission with a Getrag 5-speed and hydraulic clutch. I believe he used a modified Fiero 2.8 flywheel though there was a RWD 3800 with five speed available in the Firebird/Camaro.

Has anybody installed the series I, II, or III ignition module and coils on their C engine in a bonneville,, my radiotor on one end and alternator on the other looks as if they would not create enough room for the longer unit?

I recently purchased an OTC 2000 and a Factory manual and am learning about these engines. I have the GM 89 cartidge and was wondering if the Pathfinder II would let me clear codes from the OTC 2000 unit instead of having to disconnect the battery every time I work (play) with the engine. I can't seem to fimd this feature on the GM 89 cartridge, anybody have a copy of the original recording software that was availible for the OTC 2000?

The factory manual gives the Average scan values for the engine at idle, does anybody happen to have a screen shot of their values at various other RPM,*?

Is the Oxygen sensor an 18 mm unit on these models? I am trying to fabricate an exhaust pressure gauge.

My engine stays right at 220 on the factory temp gauge anybody running a cooler thermostat with cooler results?

Thanks

the only thing I can answer right now, is the ICM from a series one will bolt up, series two you need the bracketry, and right now i'm in that predicament, and I am kinda doubting it will bolt up. Just get one from a '93 and you are golden .


-justin

I have the triple coil unit on our '88 and '90 and everything clears, just have to fasten the plug wires out of the way of the second fan.

I do not think the earlier OTC 2000 cartridges have the clear codes function but my 1993 3in1 Pathfinder does.

If you have the cable for the PC, the OTC sends the signals for a DEC VT100 terminal or a plain text printer (hit F2 twice and you get a selection) to your com port. Hyperterminal will work sorta but it does not work very well and Windoze really does not like the signals (just had to rebuild one PC because it got XP so it would not boot. Is now a dual-boot W98 and XP because I can open W98 just in DOS and use an old terminal program.

Holy Crap!

220 just isnt right man. i only run up to 180 with the AC off <cooler with it on, go figure> i think the thermostat for the bonneville is 160. the only time time i have ever gotten close to that hot is climbing mountains with low coolant. you might want to look into that.

Stock is 195, Many of us change that to 180. 160 would be too cold.

YES. THAT WOULD BE A PROBLEM.

If the gage is pinned, the engine would shut off, and the SES light would come on. With the engine running [idling of course], and the temp climbing.. put your hand on the upper radiator hose.. is it hot? Is your radiator full?


-justin