2nd Gen Engine Swap Question
 

I took a motor I have out of a '90 convertible and put it in my friends '89 coupe.

Each car is totally stock and both are automatics.

Install went great and went to start car.

It started easily.

After a few days, when first trying to start the car, it "clicked" like the starter went bad, but then after 3 or 4 turns on the ignition, the car fired right up.

After driving for a few weeks, the problem has gotten worse, it now takes a dozen or so ignition turns.

Some added info:
1. I checked all wiring to starter. I don't see why the starter could be the issue, but if it is, so be it.
2. At install, I was not able to properly do the timing on the motor. CAS was not moved , so I didn't worry about it after seeing the car start.
3. TPS screw may have been turned. "Whoops".


Any ideas boys?


*R8R*

Mine does the same thing. I assumed it was the shitty reman starters I've been using so I continuously swap them. Some are better than others.

Unless it's a coincidence, I did notice an improvement when I borrowed a friend's good used non rebuilt starter.

With that said I still suspect something else like a relay but the local parts store doesn't have one. I've been meaning to snatch one up next time I'm at the scrap yard.

Moving this to the 2g section...

The engines are basically identical, so the swap has nothing to do with it.

If we're talking about a NO START condition, it's either the starter or the circuit for the starter itself.

Swaps tend to screw up engine GROUNDS, so double check those.
There is a main engine ground that normally bolts to on the of the starter bolts - lots of people do not put that back properly.
Also, check the ground terminal at the battery - swaps tend to bend and twist these wires, and corrosion tends to make this connection brittle.


-Ted

Thanks Ted,

I did check all grounds, connections and everything you mentioned. Made sure not to crimp wires and triple checked everything on install.

The car isn't doing a No Start.
I can hear the starter trying to engage when I turn the key. Power is everywhere, just won't turn over.

It's as if I'm just "bumping" the motor over.

That's why I thought timing may be off.

I seriously doubt that it has anything to do with the timing. It is more likely a problem with power/ground to the starter motor or a bad circuit in the starter itself, if it is engaging but not turning. Try pulling the plug wires and give it a try. If it still does the same thing, it's definitely not the timing. Check your voltage at the starter to make sure you are getting full power to the starter when you hit the key. If you have full power it is probably the starter. You didn't mess with the inhibitor switch and the stock wiring did you?

I did not alter the car or wiring in any way.

Voltage was checked everywhere.

Which plug wires do I pull? All 4?

That's what I would do. If there is no spark to the plugs it can't be fighting itself trying to start. At least you will know whether spark has anything to do with turning over or not.

I pulled all 4 and it still does the same thing.

That means new starter?


Also, just to reiterate, the TPS screw was turned.

I looked at how many threads were visible on my cars' screw and adjusted this one the same.

In the automatics, I presume this also tells the car when to shift, and my test drive showed close to the same shift points. I could be wrong.

I did notice that this car almost dies when coming to a stop. With foot on the brake at a light, the RPMs are under 400.
Mine seems to have more, like around 600 and doesn't sputter when going in to gear from park to drive.

Just throwin that out there...

Sounds like you need a new starter to me. TPS wouldn't cause problems with turning over. It might be a factor in idle and run problems though. Recheck all your vacuum hoses. Idle problems and dying are usually caused by a vacuum leak somewhere.