cegan09

So i'm close to done with reassembly (finally, its taken me forever), and hopefully I'll be turning the key within the next week or 2. so, what things should i be quadruple checking before doing so.


Exhaust goes on tonight
All hoses are connected, and vacuum lines are 90% done.
Things like the radiator, coolant and oil should happen this weekend.
A final run through checking all bolts is in process.

I'm so damn excited

75ohm

Timing marks and tension, balance shaft belt timing...

Crank pulley bolt spacer on correctly and crank bolt tightened?

Plug wire order...

Cam tower bolts torqued evenly?

All AFM, IAC, TPS, Temp, connections on?

Speed and ref sensors connected correctly?

Check the timing again... and again.

75ohm

Got oil?

white924s

I can't speak to anything 944 specific, but from my experience with student-built racecars, when starting an engine for the first time, here's my "idiot list"

make sure that there's water and oil in the engine
make sure that all the engine mounts are bolted in
double check wiring to spark plugs and injectors
have a fire extinguisher and a friend or two there watching for leaks
before you crank it, make sure that the fuel system can hold pressure (ie prime the rail, run the pump, but don't crank the engine). Fuel leaks are pretty easy to catch before an engine is running, but leaking fuel is pobably the biggest hazard in starting a new engine
Are you sure that the cam is degree'd properly and belts are tensioned correctly? Double check now if you have any doubt

And, last but not least, crank it up and watch for leaks, listen for ireggularities, and hope for the best but be prepared to have to chase down a half dozen items that you didn't see before (it happens to everyone, whether they want to admit it or not)

cegan09

Thanks guys.

Don't have oil yet, but I'm buying it this weekend along with other fluids.

This won't be a racecar, not now at least, just my fun weekend car.

Does the fuel pump come on when the ignition is turned to ON? (not started yet but turned to ON)

white924s

I think that it should come on then...it does on most cars.

Spidey944

FP is only on when cranking/running.

Before starting, pull the DME relay, hook up a battery charger, and crank it over until your oil pressure jumps to 5 bar. Then put your DME relay back in, and fire it up!

Will Feather

damn dude soo close!

m73m95

how long has the fuel been sitting in your tank? If its over 4 or 5 months old, I would drain and get some fresh go go juice in there.

Its easy to jumper the connections under the DME relay...if there's only a few gallons in the tank. You don't want to risk over heating the pump.

cegan09

I've thought of that, and yes, i'll be draining the old fuel for new stuff before starting. Assuming the gauge was working when i got the car it was reading just about empty, so there shouldn't be much in there.

yellowline

Or just mess up the plug wire order like I did

speedtek

I would leave out the spark plugs and turn over the engine by hand to make sure nothing is binding before using the starter.