11-22-2004, 12:55 AM
Finally started the Z today. First time since October 1st.
Original battery didn't have enough juice to crank it over, so I pulled the Optima Redtop out of the Lightning. Cranked it several times to build up some fuel pressure. Then, I was confused as to why the damn thing would crank and run but then stumble and die within 5-10 seconds. Gave up for the evening - but around 9pm, I realized I hadn't connected the throttle body intake hoses. I guess seeing the naked throttle bodies for 2 months made me forget that there were hoses to attach there. Apparently air the ECU doesn't know about is NOT a good thing
Oops. So I dragged Jess back into the garage and she helped me put the stupid intake hoses on. It fired right up and we let it run about 30 seconds. All pulleys/belts seem to be fine, the only issue was a loud ticking from the top of the engine. My suspicion (shared by .RJ and Maeng) is that the lifters haven't been properly lubricated (2 months without oil) - once the engine runs for awhile and warms up hopefully the noise will subside. We didn't let it run very long tonight because I haven't put the new radiator on - I just wanted to check things out and NOT have to drain the coolant again if something was wrong. So close to having it back on the road...
Also got a new used exhaust (Stillen quad-tip) and a turbo-timer waiting to be installed, AFTER the car is running correctly in the current configuration of course :roll:
Original battery didn't have enough juice to crank it over, so I pulled the Optima Redtop out of the Lightning. Cranked it several times to build up some fuel pressure. Then, I was confused as to why the damn thing would crank and run but then stumble and die within 5-10 seconds. Gave up for the evening - but around 9pm, I realized I hadn't connected the throttle body intake hoses. I guess seeing the naked throttle bodies for 2 months made me forget that there were hoses to attach there. Apparently air the ECU doesn't know about is NOT a good thing
Oops. So I dragged Jess back into the garage and she helped me put the stupid intake hoses on. It fired right up and we let it run about 30 seconds. All pulleys/belts seem to be fine, the only issue was a loud ticking from the top of the engine. My suspicion (shared by .RJ and Maeng) is that the lifters haven't been properly lubricated (2 months without oil) - once the engine runs for awhile and warms up hopefully the noise will subside. We didn't let it run very long tonight because I haven't put the new radiator on - I just wanted to check things out and NOT have to drain the coolant again if something was wrong. So close to having it back on the road...Also got a new used exhaust (Stillen quad-tip) and a turbo-timer waiting to be installed, AFTER the car is running correctly in the current configuration of course :roll:
My two feet.