LA3 Swap/Takes a while for engine to fire when cranking

[turbizzy]

Ok guys, i just did my LA3 swap this weekend along with my cleaned, flowed brown tops, but i didn't install the ACT sensor that many of you argue about. Don't worry, ill do it soon, i at least wanted to get my daily driver working. Then my engine wouldn't start. In fact, it wouldn't even crank. New starter, YAY! Cranks awesome, better than when i bought then car 3 years ago. I guess the Phoenix heat got to it finally.

Anywayz, the car idles perfectly but there are some small minor details that i was concerned about. It seems that whenever i go to start the cold engine, the starter cranks the engine over and over for about 3 secs or more then finally it starts, then theres a faint smell of gas. ??? No black smoke though. Is it too rich to start? No spark right away? Once it is warm, it starts RIGHT away, boom, done. Once it sits for about an hour or so, same thing happens. Any suggestions for me to check? Possibly have something to do with the non - ACT detail?

Also, sometimes when im boosting, sort of the same sympton occurs as did with my PJ ECU that is fried. I will see the boost clime but after about 13 or so psi i just won't feel the pulling anymore like i used to when i first got the car. Its not quite as bad as it was with the bad PJ but im still concerned. It almost seems to fall on its face when i hit that high boost. Could it be too low of fuel pressure, pumps, no ACT? Or could it just be my exhaust system, its the stock 85 system with no cat and a flowmaster 2 chamber (hate it), that sounds really loud when i boost, the ole' air through a straw sound? Is that loud air rushing sound in the exhaust mean theres a restriction or is it just normal to hear that?

thanx, izzy

[kiwi]

Re: Izzy....

Izzy, A healthy turbo should sound like a vaccuum from the engine bay....The exhaust/ well stand behind it with someone feathering the exhaust & check the flow yourself....

[SVOeric]

That sure does sound like fuel pressure--

That is EXACTLY what my car did when the hose between the pump and the tank came loose.

It wouldn't start good, and it would run like crap at anything over 10 psi.

[turbizzy]

Ill check the fuel pressure as soon as i can.

thanx guys

[AT6svo]

FP!

I 2nd the fuel pres. The long starting is prolly due to the fact that it takes forever for the pump to build pressure, the initial key on pump priming is not enough, so it cranks, and as it cranks, the EEC gets a PIP signal, which in turn tells the fuel pump to keep going, at that point its able to build enough pressure.

The bogging at speed is definetly coincides with a fuel pump/pressure related issue.

Pat_in_LA just went through a similar situation on his 85.5. His post is probably a full page down by now.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Re: FP!

Originally posted by AT6svo
His post is probably a full page down by now.

2 pages, LOL!

The short hose between the pump and the pickup had a cut in it.

[turbizzy]

Fuel pressure huh

I havent been able to check the pressure, ive been really busy with school and all but i will, don't worry.

What line are you guys talking about that may have a cut in it? Also, wouldn't fuel starvation cause a ping? I don't hear any pings at all although sometimes it will when ive been driving it for a while and the engine is REALLY hot specially in this P-HELLnix weather.

Basically it cranks for a while before firing when cold (probably due to no residual static pressure left in the lines after not running for a while) and whenever i boost over 11 or so psi, its stops pulling and feels like it falls on its face... even though i can hear and see my boost gauge increasing. Usually by this time i let off the throttle to not blow anything. But no ping, at least not until the needle is to the red (looong stop light, any intersection that involves Grand Ave for you AZ residents) and i go to take off from a dead stop.

One more question, is my stock 85 setup enough for the 35lbers and my LA3 for a stock motor? I will eventually swap in a 255 LPH but for now....

[SVO1]

The line they are speaking of goes from the pump output nipple to the steel line going thru the pickup assembly (about 2-3" long in the tank).

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Unlesss you or a previous owner have already changed it, the 85 has 2 fuel pumps. one transfer pump in the tank and a Bosch pump under the car next to the fuel filter.

[turbizzy]

Checked fuel pressure

Yeah, i still have the stock 85 setup with the dual pumps. Now im curious about that line your telling me about guys, ill have to look at it on a weekend.

Anyway, i checked my fuel pressure at school today, with the key on, it primes up to about 43 psi. During cranking, ignition disabled it reads 39-42psi. Engine running, no vacuum to the fuel pressure regulator it read 45psi. From the spec i got from school, it said the Turbocoupe requires at 39-42psi of pressure. I guess my pressures ok???

However, i didn't do a volume test I forgot! I wonder if the volume is too low? Could also cause this right?

Thanx,
izzy