Headers/clutch install = car wont start....HELP!!!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Amherst NH
Headers/clutch install = car wont start....HELP!!!!!
Okay so I just finished installing a new spec clutch and LT headers. Also changed the spark plugs and ignition cables. Went to start the car and got nothing at first, tried three times and just cranked. Finally got it to turn over but it just struggles for about 3-4 seconds and dies. The only thing out of the ordinary about the install is I have not connected the O2 sensors and the passenger side AIR tube is not connected, in case you couldn't tell I got TSP headers.....
Im just not so sure that those three holes could be enough to keep the car from starting. I am pretty sure I am getting gas because if I pump the pedal a few times before cranking it starts up stronger but still dies. As soon as I touch the gas during start up it dies.
None of the fuel lines were touched during the install. I used LS1howto for the headers and Dope for the clutch install. Are any of the wires you would disconnect for these installs related to fuel/ fuel pump?? Anyone out there with suggestions please respond ASAP.
Im just not so sure that those three holes could be enough to keep the car from starting. I am pretty sure I am getting gas because if I pump the pedal a few times before cranking it starts up stronger but still dies. As soon as I touch the gas during start up it dies.
None of the fuel lines were touched during the install. I used LS1howto for the headers and Dope for the clutch install. Are any of the wires you would disconnect for these installs related to fuel/ fuel pump?? Anyone out there with suggestions please respond ASAP.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 7
From: Valencia CA
Pushing on the throttle is not giving it gas (it's only an airblade....the injectors provide the fuel delivery).
The engine is looking for input from the O2 sensors which its obviously not getting (you comment that they are still disconnected).
You need to hook up ALL the former connections and then try to fire the engine. You will likely have much better results.
Tony
The engine is looking for input from the O2 sensors which its obviously not getting (you comment that they are still disconnected).
You need to hook up ALL the former connections and then try to fire the engine. You will likely have much better results.
Tony
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Amherst NH
So not having them hooked up is probably what is keeping it from starting then?? Will I also need to bypass the other two O2 sensors in order for it to start?? I was hoping to get it to my buddies welding shop so I could move the O2 sensors and not have to drill holes in my new tunnel plate...
Last edited by nightman06; Jun 13, 2008 at 08:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Amherst NH
Im pretty sure I hooked that wire up but maybe its not tight enough for a solid connection. Is there a possibility with these symptoms that I could have fouled up one of the plugs, or plug wires? As in, not all cylinders are firing?
I want to reposition the O2 sensors so they fit in the tunnel as opposed to drilling holes in my 3/8" tunnel plate. Its an issue with the headers I purchased.
I want to reposition the O2 sensors so they fit in the tunnel as opposed to drilling holes in my 3/8" tunnel plate. Its an issue with the headers I purchased.
Last edited by nightman06; Jun 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Pushing on the throttle is not giving it gas (it's only an airblade....the injectors provide the fuel delivery).
The engine is looking for input from the O2 sensors which its obviously not getting (you comment that they are still disconnected).
You need to hook up ALL the former connections and then try to fire the engine. You will likely have much better results.
Tony
The engine is looking for input from the O2 sensors which its obviously not getting (you comment that they are still disconnected).
You need to hook up ALL the former connections and then try to fire the engine. You will likely have much better results.
Tony
You need to hook the O2's back up.... I hooked mine back up crossed the wrong way, and my car had similar symptoms but not as bad, so I can only imagine not hooking them up at all does not surprise me that you are having trouble.
I would also double check the Wires running to the starter and make sure they are hooked up properly, and as someone else said, check the ground to the engine in the back near the firewall.
It's really easy to knock something loose, or wiggle it just right and it upsets the electronics of these cars. I accidently cut my oil pan sensor line when I did mine
I would also double check all the new plugs you put in, and wires leading to the coil packs..make sure everything is buttoned down.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Amherst NH
I used the stock O2's with extensions and its starting now. I am still having trouble starting it though I need to give it gas while I am cranking it over, otherwise it just cranks. I can hear my fuel pump engaging when I turn the key but it wont fire off on its own like usual. Once it starts it idles fine.
