Again this weekend I didn't get as much done as I hoped to. There were a few tasks, like installing the AC compressor, that took much longer than they should have. I'm getting really close though. Everything is connected on the top side, all accessories and belts are installed, but I still need to install the radiator and fans. Underneath, I need to tighten up the exhaust, connect an engine ground, and figure out where one thick red wire hanging by the alternator goes.

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding the 6 bolts that hold the drive shaft clamp to the flex plate. I know they came with the car (shaft was disconnected when I bought the car), and I'm sure I put them somewhere really safe, but now they are lost... O well, I can start the engine without them, and they will probably show up.

Any thoughts on starting an engine that's been sitting for probably 2 years? Should I worry about lubrication in the cylinders? I did try to prime the oil pump when I installed it, but still thinking about pouring a small amount of oil in the spark plug holes.

 

Don,

I may have to make a quick trip to Houston this weekend I can swing by to give you a hand or blessing.

I assume you did spin the oil pump before installing the belt add some marvel oil to the sump and you should be good to go.

Best Herman

 

Herman,

Sounds good, I should be working on it most of the day Friday and Saturday. Let me know when you finalize your plans. I'll post here if I get it running sooner, but still stop by if you can.

I did not spin the oil pump before putting the belt on. I remember something about using a drill? but I didn't do it. I rotated by hand a couple of times but not enough to pump any oil. So you think I should put Marvel in the sump, not the cylinders?

 

Herman,

After that last post, I remembered why I didn't spin the pump... no oil in the crankcase. I couldn't put oil in the engine because it was out of the car and the lines to the cooler were of course disconnected.

 

Yes put a quart of Marvel in the sump should take care of the lifters and a small amount added to the gas should be fine.

 

With the external cooler cars, when I wanted to circulate oil (whether it was a good idea at the time) with the oil pump on the stand, I hooked the longer oil cooler hose to one side and looped it to the other fitting.

 

So close... Got the fans in (what a pain) and 8 quarts of Mobil 1 in the engine, and pretty much everything installed except spark plugs and coolant.

When I went to connect the computers, I noticed that the plugs are the same and I didn't label them. I can probably pull out the wiring diagram and count the pins used or something like that, but if anyone knows a shortcut...

 

Did you put some oil in the filter? My car usually takes 8.5 qts, and I've seen some take 9.

As to the brain plugs, I understand the conundrum. Look at the pin pattern. On the EZK harness plug, the end away from the metal clip has only 1 pin in each column and then 2 empty spaces. The LH, on the other hand has 3 pins in one column and 7 or 8 in the other before there is an unoccupied space. Now, this is an 89 harness. 88 may be slightly different, but I think this clue will work. You could test for battery power at pin 4 - that would identify the LH. On the EZK, pin 4 is ground. Look in the WSM for the pin pattern.

 

Don, I can't wait to hear this thing fire up! Another great save nearly back on the road! YEE HA!

 

EZK has ground on pin 18 (the absolute furthest pin from where the cable enters the connector on pre'90 S4's).
LH has ground on pin 17 (one pin closer to the cable on the same side as pin 18).

oh - after suffering this confusion once, I stuck some masking tape on one connector and labelled it LH

 

Uhm, with regards to the brains and plugs. Dont worry about it, the plugs are different.

Just try the plug, if it fits great, if not use that plug on the other brain.

 

Oh, that's right. I forgot that the plastic tabs on the end of the plug housing are different so they can't be fit into the wrong brain. Duh.

 

Hi Don, in a post just above you say you haven't yet put the plugs in? I think I'd be inclined to wind it over a few turns by hand with the plugs out - just to be sure!!, then to wind it over on the starter with the plugs still out. This will get the oil circulated and at least some oil pressure while there is zero compression and all but zero pressure on the big end and main bearings. But I'd have the plugs connected to the leads, with the plugs earthed, just to avoid any nasty electrical problems from the high voltage system (this may be unnecessary, but I tend to be cautious on this stuff).

And then I'd put the plugs in and turn the key in earnest.

Just my thoughts...

Good luck.

 

If you do this remove the fuel relay #25

 

Bill,

The dipstick is not showing full, so it will hold another .5 quart for sure. I didn't put oil in the filter.

Colin,

Great to hear the plugs are different. I couldn't see any differences visually last night, but will look again tonight.

Herman/Dave,

I was planning to spin the engine with the starter, with the plugs out, to get some oil circulating. I thought this would also pump up the gas pressure some and I could look for leaks. Obviously I wouldn't be cranking it for a long time, so would this really cause any harm? (do I really need to removed the fuel pump relay?) It wouldn't be spraying any gas in the cylinders until all the lines fill up. If I remove the coil wires, there wouldn't be any sparks, but fire extinguisher will be on hand just in case.