MSP problems after changing engine.

[fyang09]

Hi all,

I had a blown rod and I recently just swapped my FS-DET (160k miles) engine to a FS-DE (140k miles) then transferred all the needed turbo to it. The shop I got the engine from told me that the compressions tested good and the engine is in great condition.

After I was done swapping: I got a used Hiboost FMIC kit, HKS SSQV BOV, and an Injen intake. I changed new coil packs, spark plugs, thermostat, radiator cap, added new oil and new 50/50 coolant fluids.

The car starts but the problem is that my MSP is boiling radiator fluids in my overflow tank. White smoke is coming out of the overflow tank, radiator cap, and exhaust. After test driving it, the fluids in my overflow tank rises at least 2 inches over the "full" line. Not only that, my A/F ratio gauge is reading 10.1 (should be 14.7) at idling as it bogs here and there; which isn't normal.

Do you guys have any idea of what the problem could be? Will the alternator belt on too tight cause the overflow to boil and coolant burning? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Matrix]

That sounds weird. So you're running super rich and boiling coolant? How does the car drive otherwise? Is it running smoothly? Double check the thermostat. I've never changed one, personally, but I have heard stories of people installing them backwards by mistake. Not sure if that's possible on our cars but it's worth a check. How does the oil look when you check it? (any signs of coolant in the oil? sludge? discolored?)

Check for vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks. Also check for any possible obstruction in your coolant hoses.
I don't see how an overly tight alternator belt could do any of this.

 

[fyang09]

Thanks, I'll try checking for vacuum leaks again and exhaust leaks. For how the car runs, it drives pretty smooth other than my boost won't go over 5psi and it feels like it stumbles. Maybe boost leak? There is also no check engine light too. As to the engine oil, it looks uncontaminated.

 

[Matrix]

If I were a betting man, I would bet pretty good money on an exhaust leak or vacuum leak causing your a/f issues. Maybe even both. Do you know how to test the wastegate actuator?

 

[fyang09]

Sounds good! I will try that tomorrow morning. I don't know how to test the wastegate actuator too. Mind telling me? Thanks!

 

[01CrznMp3]

Smoke coming out of the coolant is normally a sign of head gasket issues "exhaust in coolant" There are test strips that can be used in coolant to verify. Also just to note...when I built up an engine I found out that the camshaft and crank pulleys are different than a 626 or base model es protege. Make sure those were swapped to the new motor.

 

[Chad92]

Smoke coming out of the coolant is normally a sign of head gasket issues "exhaust in coolant" There are test strips that can be used in coolant to verify. Also just to note...when I built up an engine I found out that the camshaft and crank pulleys are different than a 626 or base model es protege. Make sure those were swapped to the new motor.

head gasket would suck after all that

 

[sessary]

Just wondering if you have resolved this issue. I have just swapped my engine and I am also having the same issues. Coolant overflow into overflow tank. I am also having trouble with initial starting. But, after it starts it runs great and starts easy immediately after.

 

[fyang09]

Just wondering if you have resolved this issue. I have just swapped my engine and I am also having the same issues. Coolant overflow into overflow tank. I am also having trouble with initial starting. But, after it starts it runs great and starts easy immediately after.

Yeah, turns out I had more than one problem. I had a leaking coolant hose which might have been the cause of coolant boiling in my overflow tank but at the same time, I also put in blue devil head gasket sealant and it stopped all of those problems (even white smokes). Switched o2 sensor, coolant sensor and found a vacuum leak which I think was the cause of rich a/f ratio reading. Hope this helps! (thumb)