I bought this car knowing that it didn't run. The previous owner bought it pretty much in it's current condition from someone who had it sitting in a field where some rodents nested in the engine compartment. Along with the damage that the rodents did, someone previously hacked off the wires for the starter.
I am trying to fix each item step by step. First, I am trying to get the starter to engage and turn the engine over. But, I am not sure what wires go where on the starter. I have the Bentley manual, but I can't decipher the wiring diagram and the starter photos look different than the starter in my car.
If anyone can give me any advice on how to start, I would appreciate it. I can take pictures of what it looks like.
I would begin by taking the spark plugs out, and spraying some lubricant (even WD-40) so the cylinders arn't totally dry when the pistons start to move. Leave the plugs out, so when the starter turns the engine, there won't be too much load on the bearings until there is oil pressure again (an oil change first wouldn't be a bad idea).
Next, turn the engine by hand, a few revolutions, using the power steering pulley nut or crankshaft, so you are sure nothing is jammed. Before running the starter motor, disconnect the power to the ignition coil and take the fuel pump fuse out.
The wiring to the starter is usually simple; a big cable from the batteries' "+" terminal, and a small wire from the ignition switch. The starter will run if you connect those two together, which you can do with a "remote starter switch" if the regular ignition switch isn't working. Try that, and after a few seconds you should have oil pressure.
At this point you can replace the plugs, and reconnect the coil and fuel pump. Try to run the engine now, but I wouldn't be surprised if the fuel system is gummed-up and needs attention.
I managed to find out that my starter was bad, so I replaced that and now I am trying to replace the plug wires. My problem is that I don't know what wire connects to each plug in relation to the distributor cap. I know the firing order, but I don't know which cylinder is 1 versus 5 and I don't know which spot on the distributor cap corresponds.
I think that if you draw a line through the clips that hold the cap on, the rear clip will aim toward the back of the head. The other clip more to the front of the engine is the one you need. #1 is just clockwise from that clip, I think it is on a tall tower(2 elevated or long towers on a Bosch cap) Sorry I can't be more exact, I just gave away all my old 4kq parts including 2 distributors with wires and looms.
Ok, well I tried what you said, budpalumbo and I don't think I got it right.
I've attached a picture explaining how I connected the wires. Tell me if this is correct. I'm assuming that cylinder 1 is closest to the firewall and 5 is the closest to the bumper.
Also, can you tell me where this plug connects to? (in the second picture)
Message was edited by: 2ManyToys
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