Upgrade path Issues

[XiKeiyaZI]

So, I've been going down the 2G upgrade path, stage 1 of course, and I'm starting to run into a few issues. Let me start by listing everything done and a few facts.

Step 1 : Intake - Check. Replace with High Flow Filter and Hardpipe.
Step 2 : Boost Gauge - Check. Was in the car when I got it. Relocated.
Step 3 : Blow of Valve - Check. Greddy Type S. Sealed up. No leaks
Step 4 : Boost Controler - Check.
Steps 5,6,7, & 8 : Check, check, check, and check. Full 3in' Exhaust, complete with Tubular Manifold. No leaks. Was 1 when I recieved the car. My local exhaust shop has repaired this.
Step 9 : 02 Housing - No. I will be porting the 02 housing this weekend.
Step 10 : Fuel Pump - Check? I was told it was running a 255 Wally..have yet to confirm this.
Step 11 : Intercooler Piping - No. I have checked the stock piping. No leaks, all is tight. I have an FMIC I'm waiting to install, just need to get my hands on piping.
Step 12 : Turbo upgrade - Check. Running the stock 1G Turbo.

:: Facts ::
Car pulls very hard, has quite a bit of power. It is, however, running just a tad lean. I've checked the system and have no leaks. I've performed 4 BLT's and came back with nothing the 4th time. System is tight and spools up great. The car hesistates from time to time. It's sitting at 12-14 PSI. When decelling, the car likes to sputter and backfire. My pressure/boost gauge shows an 18-20lbs vac. at idle with AC off.

Before I continue with the upgrade paths... what could my issue be with the lean condition? =/ I mean.. come-on.. a stock s14 keeps up with this thing.. something's odd. Compression is 160 across the board, so I know that's not bad. I changed plugs and oil recently. Old oil was pitch black. Swapped in NGK 6es' and gapped at .028.

Ran Codes on car as I have a CEL. At first I thought it was the rear 02. Rear 02 checked out. Turns out to be an EGR solenoid(?) and a Purge control Valve Solenoid. When I got the car, the emissions were hanging loosely everywhere so I yanked everything and sealed it all up, including blocking the EGR like I did in my 1G. CEL was there prior to this. >.< car runs better but that damned CEL...

Any thoughts or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. I'd like to continue my upgrade path, but refuse to until the car is in tip-top condition.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

What I'll likely do in the future is use a scrap MB I have laying around and practice on it. I'm sure I'll come across leaky capacitors in the future. It's been over 2 years since I've done any board modding... and I don't want to mess up something as expensive as an ECU.. =/ So I suppose I'll be sending it in when I order the package.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Uuuh..

UHHHH!

..........My car has no thermostat....

@_@ And the needle stays at mid-level in temp. Cools off, heats up. Needle goes up and down.

Should I worry? Anyone running without a Thermostat? I can't believe I overlooked that.

 

[habitatguy187]

You need to get one so your fuel trims update properly.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

How does a thermostat effect fuel trims? Not a sarcastic question either. Seriously, I'd like to know. o_o

I just did some reading up on it.

Baah. Well, that could bepart of my problem. Either it's keeping the engine TOO COOL, or it's not giving it enough time to transfer the heat from the engine and the engine is ACTUALLY running a bit too warm. Could that be effecting things in any way, such as causing some of the issues stated above?

Also, how would I check for any damage done to the engine during this time? I keep a religious watch on my gauges at all times.. and it's always sort of ate at the back of my mind that my temp needle stays perfectly in line with those wavey lines signifying water.

Guess it's time to do another compression test today and make sure my HG isn't blown? =/ I'm not lossing coolant that I know of..absolutely no smoke.. no coolant in oil.. @__@ Maybe I caught it before it's too late.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Get the lite to get started with, then you can always upgrade thats exactly what im going to do, and a wideband is a no brainer, i cant believe i waited so long to get one. Getting ready to send my ecu off this fall.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Get the lite to get started with, then you can always upgrade thats exactly what im going to do, and a wideband is a no brainer, i cant believe i waited so long to get one. Getting ready to send my ecu off this fall.

Haha. Thanks!

I'd already have it if it wasn't $450ish .. >.< Hell, that's just $200 less than my rent!

Update on Thermostat : I just spoke with a V8 guy here at work. I gave him my car's conditions.. and then said " And I just found out there's no thermostat" and he immediately responded " Your ECU isn't compenstating for the lack of heat. You're getting far less fuel than is needed. It may not be the ONLY thing causing it, but it will hurt fuel trim, gas mileage, cause backfiring, and your heater just plain won't work. Go get a 180-190* thermostat, throw it in, burp your system, and see how much of a difference just a thermostat makes. "

o_o .... sooo... can I assume he was correct?

 

[habitatguy187]

How does a thermostat effect fuel trims? Not a sarcastic question either. Seriously, I'd like to know. o_o

The car won't go into closed loop unless the coolant temp reads over 182* (iirc)

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Ellaborate on closed loop?

So Objective today = Fuel Filter and Thermostat.

 

[habitatguy187]

Ellaborate on closed loop?

The Essential Primer on the Diamond-Star Engine Control Units - Table of Contents


^^^ Should be mandatory DSM reading IMO. Seriously guys, if you haven't read this link, read it, learn it, and pass it on.

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Closed loop is fuel trims for normal driving conditions... no boost.

Habitat beat me too it.. very good link he provided

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Roger Roger!

xD I don't think I can rep either of you any more for a while. I have a DB appointment in 2 minutes.. so plenty of time to read.

Thanks for the link! I'll post back this afternoon with results.

Note : I just finished that Primer. I have to say.. I learned quite a bit. Always a joy to read something and retain it. I now know that I have serveral things that could be causing the lean condition.

I'll try the Thermo first.
Front 02 Sensor.
MAF.

Hopefully one of the first fixes it.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Well wouldn't ya know it?

I got home today and immediately jacked my car up and drained the trans fluid. Grossest colored shit I've ever seen. I've been suffering with a progressively more notchy 2nd gear. I went to Advance Auto and got a roll of cork gasket paper, a thermostat, and 2 bottles of Synchromesh. I filled up the trans, added on the thermostat with a fresh cork gasket (looks professional, thank you!) and fired her up. I added water to the coolant in the system, drained and filled my reservoir, and let it run. I ran it until the bubbles stopped and then put the cap on. I AUDIBLY heard the car idle and pitch change out of nowhere. I checked my temp.. perfect. It went up a hair, then lowered. PERFECT. CLOSED LOOP! THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.

I turned the MBC down to 10... and took her down the road. Backfire was very minimal and barely noticeable, car accelerated as soon as you gave it gas... no stumbling, jumping, bucking.. and best of all ; The Gears are as smooth as butter!

So I took my friend for a ride who has been in the car numerous times over the past week and a half. Turned the boost back to 14ish and took off. His reaction? "Whoa! Did you put a new damned motor in?! "

Hah! I'm so happy! ^^ Now the only issue is the damned CEL for the EGR Solenoid and the Purge Control Valve Solenoid! How do I eliminate that? =/

Thanks for all of the help so far guys! This thing will be in tip-top shape in no time!