Exactly! Just because the injectors are clicking doesn't mean they are going to be flowing the correct volume. There are screens inside the injectors that may still be clogged. Proper even fuel flow is sooo important it's not even funny.

 

When I do start it, how much and how long should it smoke before all the assembly lube and such is burned away.

Also, how much should I expect to top off the coolant?

I am paranoid about coolant seals. Can they go bad just from sitting? My motor was rebuilt a long time ago.

Thanks again for all the help guys,
James

 

Thanks for this thread! I had the same exact problem getting my '93 VR to start. I just put in a fresh engine and got everything back together and it wouldn't start. I check for spark and fuel at the line and they were both good, but I had no fuel on the plugs after cranking. I too have the rats nest in place with all of the emissions still hooked up, what a PITA it is to have to pull everything back apart to get the fuel rails out.

I applied voltage to the injectors while cranking the engine over and, you guessed it, no fuel. These are a freshly cleaned set of injectors that have only been sitting around for a month or so. After removing, tapping on them, and reinstalling them, they came to life. I did this with all four and tested that all four squirted fuel before I started reassembly.

Nothing like doing things the right way (sending injectors off to be cleaned) and still having to waste about 8 hours redoing the job twice. I would suggest to everyone that they test the injectors while in the fuel rails to make sure they are squirting before putting things all back together, I will always be doing this in the future.