I just finished rebuilding the engine and putting it in. I've got everything hooked up and I've already started it up once or twice. Well today, it was rainy outside and humid. On start up it smoked like crazy. Could this be because of the condensation that could be in the exhaust?

Also, I would like to know what happens when you first start up the car. How long will it be before it will start up immediately? I'm still having some trouble with cold and hot start.

How much coolant should I pour into the neck at least? I've used 2 gallons of water and 1 gallon of coolant. I thought it was supposed to hold about 4 gallons?

All help is appreciated.

 

Shouldnt hold much more than 2 gallons, shouldnt smoke too much after it has ran for 25-30 minutes. Shouldnt be difficult to start.

 

if you really put 3 gallons of coolant into the motor something is, uh, wrong. i suggest you pressure test the system.

howard

 

Well, I found a couple leaks >.>

Does it sound like I have the symptoms of a blown coolant seal already?

 

Depends on where the leaks are.

 

I thought rebuilt engines on initial startup are supposed to smoke because of the lube??

But yes there are days when i dont use my car for a couple of days where condensation makes the car smoke more than usual, but when the car is fully warm, it disappears.

But if you're having cold/hot starts and coolant leaks somewhere, then yes theres def a problem.

 

Well, I'm starting (hoping) to think my cold/hot start problem is because of too much fuel and too much premix. I'm running pretty rich right now.

I'm single turbo right now, and I'm hoping nothing is wrong with the engine.

 

Compression test, and pressure test the engine. A comp tester is $25.00 and a pressure tester is about $70.00 from several reputable rotary shops.

 

Maybe I went a little overboard with the assembly lube, anti-seize and hylomar, but I'm pretty sure Astronauts saw the smoke plume on my first start-up. Went away pretty fast, but...

 

Smell the smoke. Smoke from lube and anti seize smells different than coolant burning off.

 

smoke from the lube smells "good" not like brurnt water or burning fuel etc...its a very distinct smell...the fd motor i just rebuild, smoked BAD for about 20 min on the first start up, i used about half a bottle of royal purple max-tuff..man that assembly lube is awesome!

 

I drive my car once every week or so. Depending on the weather, it "steams" for a few minutes, I feel the exhaust with my hand and it's very moist/humid feeling. My 2nd gens did the same thing during the winter.

 

do you notice a drop in your coolant level? if you have to keep adding coolant then you most likely have a leak somewhere

 

Actually Sgtblue is being humble. It was his smoke cloud that got congress working on the Cap & Trade legislation.

 

pressure test for vacuum/boost leaks. search about this, it's a cheap tool that you can either buy or make yourself. but you need some kind of basic air compressor at least.

rent a coolant system pressure tester from Advance Auto to test for coolant leaks.

Also, can you post a detailed list of modifications, emissions reduction, etc?

 

Atkins Rebuild Kit (stock ports)
T04Z (water and oil cooled)
Koyo radiator (convered to vmount)
Greddy Intercooler (converted to vmount)
HKS SSQV BOV
Greddy Pulley Kit
HKS Twin Power
9 heat range spark plugs all around
Straight through 3 in exhaust to St. Mays Shotgun Exhaust Catback (2x 2.5in outlets)
Tial Wastegate
750cc/1200cc injectors on CJ Motorsports Rail
Aeromotive FPR
Apexi Power FC
Greddy Profec Spec B - 2
Innovative Wideband
Water Temp Gauge
prosport Boost and Oil pressure Gauge
Dual Oil Coolers

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.