This is a real stumper

[eclipsepunx]

Ok i just replaced the engine in my 95 GS and finally got everything together so I try to start the car. Turns over perfectly but no fire. Checked battery, fuses, ignition coil, plugs, plug wires.(plugs are actually new but checked anyway) Then I tested the harness to the distributor and it has no power. The harness has been spliced and had some crimps on it and I never noticed that before but then again it use to work so I pulled the crimps off and checked the actual wires just to make sure it was the wires and not the plastic harness itself or just a loose connection. Anyway i'm stumped. I have power to everything else. How do I go about checking this to get power back to it? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

There are grounds on the left side of the engine bay and on the right side, they are small and have 3 or 4 black wires coming off of them. On OBD II cars a loose or ineffective ground can cause crazy things to happen. I had a loose ground for the body controller on a neon and you could jiggle it and make the lights turn on and off, the windshield wipers wipe and other fun stuff. Check for both of those grounds and check their contacts, they gotta be clean with a metal to metal contact.

 

[eclipsepunx]

so would you say that this is definitely a bad ground then?

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Oh no, I am not saying it is definitely anything till you tell me what definitely fixed it. If you want definitely then I am gonna have to come over and check it out. Ha.

 

[eclipsepunx]

how long will it take for you to get here?

Man I tried to leave you some good feedback for being so helpful but I guess i;m too much of a noob.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

4.5 hours according to mapquest. If the Colt were running and I were in the mood for a cruise I'd be there to help but unfortunately the Colt is down and I gotta spend time fixing my stuff before I can drive to help others. Thanks for the feedback. Keep looking and trying things. Do you have an extra coil handy?

 

[eclipsepunx]

Just went and checked all grounds: tranny and near strut tower, 2 on fire wall, and the one you were talking about. all look good and getting same result. No extra coil. A guy at work was suggesting that but if I tested it and it tested good and i tested the wire and it isn't good would it really make a difference. I mean if I thought going and buying a new one would fire it up I would leave now and go get it.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Understood. Is the car producing a CEL?

 

[eclipsepunx]

Well it started. not sure why but I don't care. It started Exhaust manifold got hot instantly though and produced some smoke. Car has been sitting for a year though due to lack of funds. Could it be residue burning off? I don't know if it is overheating because the temp gauge on the dash isn't working. Is this something I should worry about?

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Normal for the exhaust manifold to burn off the residual grease left from hands that installed it. Congrats.

 

[eclipsepunx]

Got the temp sensor working Everything is cool now. Just have to take it back to the tranny shop and get my clutch lined up right and I will finally have myself a DSM DD again!