944S motor swap stalled with a problem

iobound · 04-12-2006, 11:40 AM

I just installed a 1987 944S (2.5ltr) motor in my 1988 944. Everything seemed to bolt up and connect up fine. Except I went to start it today for the first time and it cranks but the fuel pump doesn't start pumping. I figured my DME relay went south. To check it I bypassed the DME relay by removing it and jumpering pins 30-87-87b. When I do that the fuel pump runs but the car still won't start.

I figured that I had no spark so I checked the coil and I have 12 volts at the #15 and #1 posts. I also have 12 volts at the injector for cylinder #1. I also have 12 volts at the DME relay terminals 30 and 86.

I'm stuck.

Has anyone done this engine swap before and can steer me clear of the bumps?

FYI, before I started any of the work above I checked the timing and it's spot on. I checked and regapped the plugs and they are fine also.

Thanks in advance!

iobound · 04-12-2006, 01:24 PM

To figure out this problem I need a Vulcan mind link with SoCal Driver :-) Can anyone arrange that :-)

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Huh? What? OK! OK! I'm a wake!

I take it you used the entire harness and dme and ignition module and coil and stuff from the donor 'S' car?

iobound · 04-12-2006, 03:56 PM

Hey Socal Driver, thanks for getting involved. I need you. The answer is yes. I got everything from the bellhousing to the airbox including the dme, and ignition module. But I DIDN'T get the coil. I'm using the old coil from the 2valve motor. Is that my problem?

Zero10 · 04-12-2006, 04:23 PM

Isn't there something fancy about the S's coil wiring?... I thought I remember reading that somewhere.

iobound · 04-12-2006, 04:33 PM

Ouch! My PET shows a different part number for the 'S' coil.

I hope that's the problem. The good news is that one of our fellow Pelicaners sold me the motor and he's been great about making sure I get all the parts I need for the conversion. I can probably pickup the coil from him right away. I'll wait to hear from SoCal Driver to be sure this is it.

Zero10 · 04-12-2006, 04:45 PM

I'm not sure it's the coil, but I think there is something else mounted near the coil that needs to be connected?... I dunno, I can't find the thread that mentioned it, and my memory is too weak.

KY944S · 04-12-2006, 04:47 PM

Try the Ignition module. It is mounted right behind the drivers side headlamp. It is easy to get to with the lights up.

iobound · 04-12-2006, 04:52 PM

No worries. I know about that part and I already installed it. I think it's called an ignitor. It's a small box that is mounted in the space underneath the cruise crontrol motor on the passenger side just behind the shock tower and in front of the battery compartment.

Thanks for thinking of it. Keep the ideas coming! I'm anxious to drive it again. My wife's Volvo wagon is killing me :-)

iobound · 04-12-2006, 04:54 PM

KY944S, this is news to me. What's it look like?

KY944S · 05:08 PM

It is a small rectangular (black) peace mounted to a peace of metal, mounted to the wheel well behind your drivers side head light. It has one plug running to it. It supplies the power to your coil (tells it to fire).

KY944S · 04-12-2006, 05:09 PM

Pic added

iobound · 04-12-2006, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the pic. I definately don't have that part. Also, there are no spare wires on the driver's side of my 'S' motor. I'm thinking that the ignitor module that I mounted underneath the cruise control performs the same function as your module. My motor is from an '87'. What year is your 'S' motor? That might explain the difference.

carsontc · 04-12-2006, 05:56 PM

all the S models have the external ignition 'Final Stage' module

Todd Holyoak's conversion wiring chart is alway's a big help:

http://members.rennlist.com/tholyoak/944_engine_swap_wiring.htm

iobound · 04-12-2006, 06:15 PM

Great chart. So, it looks like I'm short a module. I've got some reading to do.

Thanks!

Zero10 · 04-13-2006, 09:16 AM

There we go, that's the thing I was talking about!

iobound · 04-14-2006, 08:01 AM

I have the black ignition module coming. I should have it this weekend. But I'm not 100% sure if that's all I need. I think Todd's chart indicates that I need to make a small wiring change. But I'm not a Pro. Can someone confirm if I need to make any wiring changes.

THanks in advance!

gtroth · 04-14-2006, 04:40 PM

Hmm... I bet your car doesn't have the aluminum plate that the ignition control module (ICM) mounts to, does it?. I don't suppose you ordered that too? And you'll want to use heat sink compound between the ICM and the mounting plate.