stv951

Hello all,

I have a 1978 SC with a 1987 3,2 engine.
We had just put everything together, after a 915 gearbox rebuilt. Since the engine was out I had the valves adjusted, changed the plugs, filters and oil, and cleaned the injectors. We tried to start her this morning after all was put back together, and she wouldn't start. We found out that the loom plug was not ...plugged. So we put it together and tried again. Engine started but run rough (4 or 5 cylinders) After several attempts and various checks, (we took the 5th and sxth plugs out) it as still misfiring and back firing. Even more attempts, and at one stage it turned but it wouldn’t start at all. I could still hear the fuel pump. What have I done ? Could it be flooded ? Could it be the ECU that is gone after the several tries ? I checked the fuses at the front and seem ok. What should I do next ? Please advise, as I am worried

yelcab1

Did you do anything else to the engine?
Was it running before?

Not knowing anything else, I suspect some ignition problems. These DME engine fire up and purr when everything is there, no adjustments necessary.

So, stop cranking now and start checking.

1. Timing and distributor position
2. Iginition wires and their positions
3. Cap and rotor cleaned and or replaced
4. A new set of plugs won't hurt, at least clean them.

Crank again, if that does not do it. Check

5. Positions of all wire connectors (there are 6-7 to check 3 in front, 3 to the sides, and the O2 sensor)
6. Crawl underneath and look at the 3 sensors (head temp, TDC, and RPM) make sure the are in there nice and right.
7. Check vacuum for all the hoses,

Crank, does that do it?
Nope, then you have real issues.

Did you mess with the cam timing?
Compression for each cyl?

Start with that for now.

stv951

Thanks yelcab1. checked the above. Still nothing. Could I have burnt the ECU by cranking unsuccessfully ?

yelcab1

I doubt that, but this is an upgraded unit right? So, who knows what happened during install. I notice you also posted on Pelican and got many responses which I have not read through. I bet there are some good suggestions there.

stv951

yes I got more responses there. I am trying everything I can. Car performed very well before the gearbox rebuilt. Conversion to Carrera 3,2 was done more than 10 years ago.