So this is my first car - replaced the engine and it started, but I'm not done

[myfirstcarproject]

Hi - This is my first car and I am working on this project with my Dad. I bought an 1987 Cabriolet with an engine that sucked up water and seized up. Then the car sat for 1.5 years. I looked around for this type of car but my funds weren't enough for a really nice one - so with my Dad, I decided to purchase this one. So on August 6, I became the owner for $450. I then found a replacement engine for $380 w/64K miles on it. (A golf 86 that sat for only 3 months at the auto parts yard).

Today I am hoping some one can suggest what we need to do next.

We had to swap most of the external engine parts – but we conquered and the engine is now installed. The engine fired up – ran with high rpms and smoked like crazy. It was all good. But – it quit then. So we stopped had some dinner and started again the next day. My dad checked out the spark plugs, wires by removing and cranking the engine. The next thing he changed was the fuel filter. We added 5 gal of premium gas with some Seafoam. The engine fired right up and ran for a few minutes then quit again. The rpms were 2700 and it sounded good – except for an exhaust hole requiring some welding.
Now it won’t start. My mom has read through the forum and says vacuum or electric – my dad got some new o rings for the injectors and thinks it “fuel”. We just started this with water in the cooling system. New oil and filter though --- and I didn’t put in the new air filter yet. Any suggestions?

[sehaare]

was it idling at 2700 RPMs or did you have to give it gas enough to make it run that high? 2700 is way high for an idle.

[myfirstcarproject]

Overall we had the engine running a five times but not for more than a minute. My dad thinks it is too much fuel delivered. He's cleaned the fuel lines, injectors etc. but when the engine tries to fire, if it doesn't catch the spark plugs are drenched with fuel -- sometimes more than others. He is now going to look at the fuel block unit and clean that out. Does anyone relate? If I need to buy new injectors - where is the least costly place to purchase? Thanks

[87Cabriolet]

Start with checking and fixing all vacuum leaks.
http://www.cabby-info.com/images/Eng...7CISVacuum.png

Injector Orings are also vacuum leaks and should be replaced, which is also a good time to check injector spray patterns and clean if need be. You may be able to remove the injectors without the tool.
http://reflectionsandshadows.com/cis-injector-cleaning/


Don't go tearing apart that fuel distributor, I speak from experience. The best way to "clean it" is to flush it out with gas and if need be do the procedure listed in the link below. If the plunger is stuck/sticking you can bet you will have way too much fuel.

http://www.vintagewatercooleds.com/t...MAF/cismaf.htm

Also check that your timing and firing order are right on. See if the air intake boots have cracks causing massive vacuum leaks. Make sure the airflow plate moves freely.

[AZrabbit]

No guarantee.....but with the engine running that high of an rpm two things you ould check is where the idle is set to as well as the oil level. My car was overfilled one time with oil, and it smoked and ran high rpms and would die. Drained the oil ran like a champ. Glad to hear another new vw owner though. Good find! Hope to see some pics

[rabbitnothopper]

VAC LEAKS..................

means youre running LEAN
not rich.

[myfirstcarproject]

Last night we got my "herman" the german running! It was the air plate - it was stuck. So the fuel system is terrific! Now onto some other items. I don't have reverse lights -- so I have to find that plug (remember we replaced the engine) and the new radiator is working - but only the top half - not sure if that's a thermostat or a water pump... More research. Also some exhaust leaks meaning the welder has to come out.... Maybe next week I can be on the road.... Not bad for my first car --- just bought this Aug 6 and I have a very limited budget.... Thanks for all your help!

[mouser98]

kudos for saving a cabby and troubleshooting and fixing it. how about some pics?