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Engine Swap Problems

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Old May 16, 2006 | 11:01 PM
  #1  
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Default Engine Swap Problems

I just replaced my stock 1981 engine with a used GM crate engine #10066036 it has about 5000 miles on it, and was running in the car I pulled it out of.
I hooked everything up, new spark plugs and gaskets, and set the timing to 8 degrees advanced.

The engine backfires a lot at higher RPMs, idles pretty low, and will die when it's not warmed up. When I put the car in gear it doesn't seem to have enough power to move, then it surges, peals out and then almost stalls.

Also my coolant and oil temperature guages don't move, I had to use a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer for my coolant temp.

Check engine light is always on, I'm gonna try and check the codes on that.

Any ideas why this stuff isn't working?
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Old May 16, 2006 | 11:11 PM
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Get a vacuum gauge hooked up and see if advancing the timing increases your vacuum. You may need to do some adjusting on the carb for the new engine. Are you sure all vacuum lines are connected or plugged?
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Old May 17, 2006 | 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Ben Taylor
Also my coolant and oil temperature guages don't move, I had to use a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer for my coolant temp.
Did you wrap the threads with teflon tape?
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Old May 17, 2006 | 12:07 AM
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I'll have to go find a vacuum guage and try that out.

I used pipe thread compound on the threads, it's worked for me before without any problems.

I connected the D and E terminals on my data connector to get my check engine codes, the light stayed off, and the mixture control solenoid on my carb started clacking.
Anyone have any ideas on that one?
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Old May 17, 2006 | 12:47 AM
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Didn't have a vacuum gauge, but I did find a leaky hose, I put some tape over that and now there are no backfires, it idles fine, no check engine light and I was able to drive it around. It just needs some small timing and carb adjustments now.

But, my temp guages are still not working.
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Old May 17, 2006 | 08:05 AM
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No sealant or anything on the threads of temp sensors. They need metal to metal contact.
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Old May 17, 2006 | 08:43 AM
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with Jughead, by their very nature pipe threads "should" seal without any sort of sealer, other then that is everything grounded properly ? Peace,,,Moosie
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Old May 18, 2006 | 01:39 AM
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Ok, I removed some of the pipe thread compound, and the sensors are working now, thanks for the help guys.
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