[Corey]

I can say with 100% certainty that the engine turns. It even tries to start, but isn’t quite able to catch. I’ve began to tear into the engine to remove the head and take a look at things. Will update when I have more.

Thanks for the tip on the Timing belt. Based on what I know of how an engine works, I figured the timing belt was something I really need to make sure I got right.

[Corey]

I can say with 100% certainty that the engine turns. It even tries to start, but isn’t quite able to catch. I’ve began to tear into the engine to remove the head and take a look at things. Will update when I have more.

Thanks for the tip on the Timing belt. Based on what I know of how an engine works, I figured the timing belt was something I really need to make sure I got right.

[Corey]

Not an expert here, but have you checked the thermostat? I’m pretty sure a bad thermostat can cause overheating.

[Corey]

Not an expert here, but have you checked the thermostat? I’m pretty sure a bad thermostat can cause overheating.

[Corey]

Note: The engine doesn’t appear to be seized. The starter runs, and it sounds like the engine turns. I haven’t been able to check it by hand yet.

[Corey]

Note: The engine doesn’t appear to be seized. The starter runs, and it sounds like the engine turns. I haven’t been able to check it by hand yet.

[Corey]

Update:
— Replaced fuel pump. Car is now reliable while driving on the freeway and dying is no longer an issue.

— Radiator will be replaced when money comes in, which will fix the no-reserve-tank issue.

— Car will occasionally “Diesel” after shutting off the ignition. I don’t think this is a compression issue. More likely it’s a high alcohol content low quality fuel problem, or a dirty carburetor, as it’s never been serviced since I’ve had the car. I’ll be running a can of seafoam through the engine and fuel system.

All in all, this little car is a trooper.

Thanks for all the help guys. 🙂

[Corey]

Update:
— Replaced fuel pump. Car is now reliable while driving on the freeway and dying is no longer an issue.

— Radiator will be replaced when money comes in, which will fix the no-reserve-tank issue.

— Car will occasionally “Diesel” after shutting off the ignition. I don’t think this is a compression issue. More likely it’s a high alcohol content low quality fuel problem, or a dirty carburetor, as it’s never been serviced since I’ve had the car. I’ll be running a can of seafoam through the engine and fuel system.

All in all, this little car is a trooper.

Thanks for all the help guys. 🙂

[Corey]

Compression test came out fine. All cylinders were between 160 and 175 psi.
My fans don’t kick on though. Watched the temp gauge slowly climb from normal running temp to nearly overheating without the fans kicking on once. I’ll be checking the fuses. It might be that the fans are dead from being soaked by the puking radiator.

As for the ignition system, would that cause a complete lack of fuel pressure while maintaining the presence of consistent spark?

[Corey]

Compression test came out fine. All cylinders were between 160 and 175 psi.
My fans don’t kick on though. Watched the temp gauge slowly climb from normal running temp to nearly overheating without the fans kicking on once. I’ll be checking the fuses. It might be that the fans are dead from being soaked by the puking radiator.

As for the ignition system, would that cause a complete lack of fuel pressure while maintaining the presence of consistent spark?

[Corey]

Update time!

Valve cover gasket replaced. No more oil leaks! Yay!

Replaced blown heater hose, no more coolant leaking from the rear of the engine. Yay!

Tested alternator: Good. Yay!

I haven’t had a chance to pull the main relay to check the fuel cutout problem… It hasn’t failed while I’m fixing the other items yet, but I haven’t driven it any distance.

Flushed and re-filled coolant system. Best I can do until I can get a new radiator. Couldn’t find the block drain, so only flushed from radiator. Will be flushing a few more times between engine cooldowns. I am opening the bleeder valve to bleed the air out as I fill.

Problem is… when the car warms up, it starts foaming the coolant and turning it dark brown again. The more I work on this, the more I feel I’ve got a bad head gasket… Are there any good guides to replacing this should I finally come to that conclusion?

[Corey]

Update time!

Valve cover gasket replaced. No more oil leaks! Yay!

Replaced blown heater hose, no more coolant leaking from the rear of the engine. Yay!

Tested alternator: Good. Yay!

I haven’t had a chance to pull the main relay to check the fuel cutout problem… It hasn’t failed while I’m fixing the other items yet, but I haven’t driven it any distance.

Flushed and re-filled coolant system. Best I can do until I can get a new radiator. Couldn’t find the block drain, so only flushed from radiator. Will be flushing a few more times between engine cooldowns. I am opening the bleeder valve to bleed the air out as I fill.

Problem is… when the car warms up, it starts foaming the coolant and turning it dark brown again. The more I work on this, the more I feel I’ve got a bad head gasket… Are there any good guides to replacing this should I finally come to that conclusion?

[Corey]

I have a jack and jack stands, but thats about as high as it goes. I can get a mirror. Tools are limited, but I can mcguyver something. Lol

[Corey]

I have a jack and jack stands, but thats about as high as it goes. I can get a mirror. Tools are limited, but I can mcguyver something. Lol

[Corey]

Go figure. More and more problems popping up now. Car now blows coolant out the back of the engine when it’s been running stationary for a while. (the coolant blows out the back after being shut off. While running there’s a low hiss and the engine pulses slightly.) I can’t tell if it’s coming from the hose or elsewhere. About to my wits end on this little beast.

I’ll pop out the Main Relay and take a look at it. If I can resolder it I will. One problem at a time eh?

[Author]

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