Barn Find -1990 Eclipse GSX

[eclipse_16g]

This is the Build Thread for Barn Find -1990 Eclipse GSX. Reply below.

 

[Pjj]

Following

 

[eclipse_16g]

Hey everyone, here is the first update on my 1990 Eclipse GSX barn find restoration project! My son’s back home and we’ve hit the ground running, starting with getting the car cleaned up. Sitting in a garage for 25 years has left quite a bit of dust and buildup on the car. Also, during his absense I went ahead and worked out the paperwork issues as this car did not come with any documentation, I was able to sort through the DMV hassles and get it registered. (CT is one of the less complicated states to register a vehicle over 20 years without all documentation.)

First Wash: We took advantage of the last hour of daylight to give the car its first basic wash with the intent to just get that base layer of dust and grime that had built up so we went with a basic soap soak and power wash to knock off the majority of it. The car’s already looking better, but we’ve got a few more exterior washes planned before moving to the interior. Eventually, we’ll complete a clay bar session and paint correction to get that original paint to shine again.

Interior Cleaning: The interior’s got some surface mold from sitting so long. We tested cleaning the driver’s door with basic interior cleaner and a detailer, and it’s coming off easily which is a great start. We’ll keep working through the interior to get it spotless before moving on.

Next Steps: Mechanical Prep Once the car’s clean inside and out, we’re diving into the mechanical side. The goal is to inspect, replace parts as needed, and eventually attempt to start up the engine. (Engine status unknown.)

Here’s the checklist we’re following:

• Visual Inspection: Check for leaks, timing belt condition, animal damage, and debris in the intake/exhaust.

• Replace spark plugs and wires.

• Test the coil.

• Change engine oil and filter.

• 1 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder, let it soak for a day, then hand-rotate the engine to distribute oil.

• Remove valve cover and lubricate the valvetrain with oil.

• Flush and replace coolant.

• Replace thermostat.

• Hand-rotate the engine (in neutral, using a breaker bar/socket on the crankshaft pulley).

• Drain fuel tank and lines, replace fuel filter, and refill with fresh fuel.

• Replace battery.

• Attempt to start the engine with the new battery.

• Drain and replace brake fluid.

• Replace transmission and differential fluid.

We’re excited to bring this car back to life and we'll keep sharing our progress as we progress. Any tips or feedback are greatly welcomed, especially for the engine start prep work.

I've attached a few before and after pictures from it's first wash below.

 

[pauleyman]

I wouldn't even attempt to start without a fresh timing belt. Its just too old.

 

[Pjj]

@Stella Check this out

 

[eclipse_16g]

I wouldn't even attempt to start without a fresh timing belt. Its just too old.

I actually bought a full gates timing belt kit that will go on eventually, along with head gasket and studs. For the first start though just to make sure the engine is good I had planned to inspect the belt that's on there now, and replace it if need be. I appreciate the recommendation, and who knows maybe I will just replace it prior anyway.

 

[92AWDHX40]

I think that is the right email

 

[eclipse_16g]

Update #2

With the little time available each day we've been chipping away at the to-do list. So far this week we’ve:

• Flushed and re-filled the cooling system.
• Changed the oil.
• Replaced spark plugs, & wires.
• Detailed most of the interior
• Basic engine bay wash

Notes:

Timing belt looks good enough to start the car just to ensure the engine is in running condition.

When finished the interior is going to be in excellent condition, not many flaws to be found.



The focus this week will be on engine start preparation:

New battery, drain fuel, replace fuel filter, lubricate cylinders, inspect intake and exhaust for nesting.



Hopefully we’ll have a startup video ready by the end of this upcoming weekend.

 

[Pjj]

do a belt before start up, belt may look good but first fire with the stress and stretch it may shred....

 

[CrackedDSM]

Look at how clear that center grille piece is. It looks brand new! Insane.


I also will echo the “change the timing belt” posts. Would suck to have it fire up and purr like a kitten, only to immediately shred the BS belt or timing belt and need a complete rebuild.

 

[eclipse_16g]

Glad to be back, thanks for sticking around to check in.

A few updates as I've slowly been bringing this Eclipse back to life. Since the last update, I've:

1. Replaced the timing belt & all belts, pulleys, tensioner (OEM), & water pump.
2. Relaced the battery.
3. Lubricated the cylinders & cams.
4. Turned the engine over a few times.
5. Replaced the fuel filter, and filled with 5gal of 93 with cleaner additive.

From there I attempted a first start, with no luck..

Troubleshooting:
1. Pulled the ECU & MPI relay to inspect for wear, both in excellent condition.
2. Pulled the fuel line from the rail, and it is not getting fuel when turning the car over.
3. Tested the plug to the fuel pump and it is getting power.

Currently:
1. Working on pulling out the fuel pump and testing it with power, and most likely just replacing it anyway.

Issues:
1. Although the trunk is in mint condition, the top of the sending unit is in rough shape, all bolts have stripped off despite soaking in PB for 48 hours.
2. The outer interior portion of the A/C/ compressor was found disconnected from the compressor. I purchased a matching bolt, but seems I can't get the bolt & thread to meetup with the limited space available to tighten it back in place. For now, the A/C belt will not be installed.

Questions for the community:
1. Looking for remedies to fixing the broken off studs on top of the sending Unit.
2. Connecting the A/C interior portion to the compressor workarounds.
2. Any other troubleshooting areas for not getting fuel to the rail?

 

[Turbski91]

I’m sure the inside of that gas tank is not too pleasant after sitting for 25 years. Mine looked like it was filled with sand after only 15 years of sitting in a garage let alone a barn.

 

[eclipse_16g]

Ok now that I’ve I’ve replaced the fuel pump with a Walbro 190lph.

1st start was successful, kind of.
Got it to idle on its own, but the alternator belt would not stop screeching. After double checking that it is tight, I observed while it’s running to find the alternator pulley seized up. Also no check engine light, double checked the OBD port with a voltmeter.

Also, a lot of mouse scrap blew out of the exhaust, and a there’s now a pinhole in the metal fuel line outlet outside of the sending unit.

The new plan moving forward:
-6An line to bulkhead to reducer to stock fuel line.
-Replace sending unit top stud/nuts to secure it properly.
-replace the alternator.

Then I can address the blown brake, and clutch lines.

Question:
-Based on the condition of the original fuel pump, should I pull the gas tank and replace/or attempt a full clean out?
-Are there any alternator source recommendations?

 

[faqinshiet]

the hanger and pump in my galant looked the same and when I emptied the fuel tank it had red and brown sediment. So I dropped it off at a radiator shop and they completely stripped the outside and inside of the tank. I painted the outside with epoxy paint.

 

[ist dwa]

Free piece of advice. STRIP the whole car down and rebuild everything. All you are going to do is expose 1 little thing at a time and get frustrated. Pull the motor, regasket it and replace the needed parts. Replace all fuel/brake lines, etc. It's much easier this way.

OH and to fix the gas tank studs. Leave the sender in as a guide, drill new holes, tap them with a 5mm tap and then thread new bolts from inside the tanks OUT to make a new stud. Use SS studs as to not have this issue again. Use black RTV on the bottom side of the head of the bolts as gas magically wants to leak through them.