71E resto..update XX, there is fire!!!

al lkosmal · 08-29-2009, 02:01 PM

I started up my rebuilt 71E, on my engine test stand today. It's an MFI engine, but I have Zeniths installed on it, for now. This is my 1st MFI engine and I wanted to get it fired up and debugged, prior to taking on the MFI tuning......one thing at a time. It started up ok, considering the carbs are not synched., etc. Also...the early muffler that I have installed, blew out a bunch of foam insulation and junk out of the tail pipe....must have been a mouse nest or....? Here's a link to a short video of me getting it started....a first for this engine and this engine test stand.....it's short, but sweet......shut it right down, to check out an oil leak, etc.....but...there is fire.

MFI is next........oh, mommy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz-1qBgoqn4

mcaterino · 08-29-2009, 06:04 PM

Awesome. Can't wait for the day. I spent the day fitting floor pans.

Mike

al lkosmal · 08-29-2009, 08:23 PM

Yeah Mike...firing up the engine made my day. After I made that little start up video, I fixed my oil leak and let it run in. Carbs have now been removed and the MFI is being installed. I expect that I'll be tuning the MFI system, next weekend. That's assuming that all my injectors test out ok. I made a pressure tester, at work this week, and I'll be testing my injectors Monday or Tuesday. I'm hoping that they will be ok....they are a bit pricey!

keep me posted on your targa....One of my next things i'd like to do, is buy a welder and learn how to weld. Looking at the work that you, and others, are doing in your garage has inspired me to give it a try.

Regards,
Al

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

sounds great Al, what are you going to do with the zeniths?

al lkosmal · 08-29-2009, 09:21 PM

James,
The Zeniths will be sold.

Also.....I was looking through my stash recently, for some parts, and I think that I may have another compete set and a few more parts, as well.

Regards,

al

kenikh · 08-29-2009, 11:00 PM

Fun vid!

al lkosmal · 08-30-2009, 07:44 AM

Kenik,
It's always a kick, firing it up for the 1st time. It's a short video, but if you look closely, you can see flames popping out of number four, while the engine is stumbling......high drama. MFI is next. I have low, to no experience with it. This engine was originally sidelined at 80K, with an intake/engine fire, so all of my MFI stuff has been recently purchased and is in very good condition. Even though it was all in good condition, I tore it apart and refurbed, as required... new plating, paint, powder coating, etc. I'm reading all the MFI related docs that I have collected.

hows the project coming along?

regards,
Al

Rich Lambert · Rich Lambert's Garage

Al, sweet! There's nothing like the first fire-up.

Well, except maybe the first drive...up hwy 20 for a fall color photo op run.

al lkosmal · 08-30-2009, 06:23 PM

Rich,
One step closer to reality....fall color photo op run is sounding doable.......if the MFI doesn't totally kick my a$$. Still need to refinish the fuchs, etc. Chris mentioned a Seattle place that will anodize them, but I forgot to write it down....I called ASCO and a couple of others but...no dice.

regards,

al

PS: If you drive the Land Rover,,,,,I may be able to keep up with you on hwy 20.

Carrerax · 08-31-2009, 03:46 AM

Great Job Al! Congrats!

dtw · 08-31-2009, 04:51 AM

Al, this is all great news but the lack of photos is...upsetting.

The mad dash to finish mine is on - not sure which one of us will do it first.

Rich Lambert · Rich Lambert's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by al lkosmal

Rich,
One step closer to reality....fall color photo op run is sounding doable.......if the MFI doesn't totally kick my a$$. Still need to refinish the fuchs, etc. Chris mentioned a Seattle place that will anodize them, but I forgot to write it down....I called ASCO and a couple of others but...no dice.

regards,

al

PS: If you drive the Land Rover,,,,,I may be able to keep up with you on hwy 20.

Your car is a lot closer to being on the road than the LR.

Maybe you could get Jeff to show you how to set-up the MFI to leave your mark where ever you go.

Jeff Higgins · 08-31-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Lambert

Your car is a lot closer to being on the road than the LR.

Maybe you could get Jeff to show you how to set-up the MFI to leave your mark where ever you go.

jpnovak · 08-31-2009, 08:54 AM

Great news! It is such a great feeling on the first fire when the engine jumps to life.

Jamie

Plays with cars · Plays with cars's Garage

Nice job! Very cool engine stand and I suspect very handy for debugging a new motor after the first start up. If all goes well I will be doing a first start on a 2.4E rebuild before year end. You were smart by eliminating the MFI variables for the first start.

I was planning to use the MFI for my initial start up so I just sent the pump and injectors down to Fairchild Industries to have them checked out and new seals put in the pump. I'm also debating distributor vs a distributorless system; need to buy parts either way. A little worried about all of the variables with the new motor, MFI, and ignition system. It could go splendidly or I might be troubleshooting for months.

Congrats on getting yours started. If you need any advice with the MFI, I have some experience and have done lots of reading on the subject. Have you considered and Innovative Motorsports LM-1 or LM-2 for tuning? I haven't pulled the trigger but suspect it is in my future.

al lkosmal · 09-06-2009, 08:56 PM

Mark,
I bought an LM-1. Thank you for your offer to help with the MFI. I am reading everything I can get my hands on. I have the MFI installed now and I am testing the injectors, this weekend. Assuming that all works out, I will be firing up the MFI soon....to tune on the test stand. I'm sure that I will need help. After I get mine tuned and ready to ride, you are welcome to borrow the LM-1 to tune yours. Let's see some project pix.

regards,

al

al lkosmal · 09-06-2009, 09:06 PM

Jeff.........is that you .....??? I followed your MFI adventures with mucho interest. Just one of the reasons I decided to try the tuning myself...with a little help from my friends. Spotting can be a good thing. I think some may have occurred when my engine fired up......

Jamie, I have to admit it ....always a thrill, with the possibility of high drama...that's why I'm ducking behind the test stand dashboard.......there was a fine mist of gas rising above the carbs, just waiting to set me on fire. I had two fire extinguishers on the floor..just out of camera.