Engine swap, Starter/flywheel problem

**awesomefullness** · 01-02-2011

Hello all. I am new to the forums. I have a rather interesting question. I attempted my first engine swap ever after my 1997 gp with the l36 blew a rod bearing. I bought an engine from a local auto recycler and switched over the mounts and everything to suit my needs. It did not come with a flywheel so i had to switch over my old one. Now that everything is ready for launch, i turn the key and the engine turns over very rough (it had turned no problem and with no noises by hand) and it would not start up. After a few more tries the starter would only briefly catch and turn the engine, as noticeable in the belts. After a half second or so, it would just spin freely. Along with a few strange cruches and noises later. Am I missing something here? I'm hoping its just a starter issue as it was slightly dropped during removal... how can i be sure? it catches no problem but then takes off on its own. is there a special way to mount them that i am missing? sorry for the long post, just wanted to get all the details in that may be needed. Thank you!

**pur3vil** · 01-03-2011

From reading the other post this appears to have been resolved?

**awesomefullness** · 01-03-2011

Originally Posted by pur3vil

From reading the other post this appears to have been resolved?

well... somewhat. it was an issue that between the buick engine (which i dropped in), and the pontiac engine, 2 of the ignition coil packs are swapped around... so it wouldnt start. i switched the wires accordingly and the starter turns it enough to fire up. once in awhile i have to bump it a couple of times though... not to worried about it right now, I have a bigger issue with oil pressure on a separate thread.

**BillBoost37** · 01-03-2011

Firewall
3/6
2/5
1/4
Radiator

The two wires per coil can go on either of the two posts because both posts fire at the same time. This is why our setup is called waste spark, because it fires two cylinders to ignite one.

**awesomefullness** · 01-03-2011

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Firewall
3/6
2/5
1/4
Radiator

The two wires per coil can go on either of the two posts because both posts fire at the same time. This is why our setup is called waste spark, because it fires two cylinders to ignite one.

understandable... however it was backfiring and making many weird noises until we switched over the wires. unless i had them on wrong to begin with but i triple checked...
thank you regardless. starter was also beat up a bit on its way off the block, so it could be something internal especially since it's 13 years old. Ill bring it to work and throw it on the bench tester maybe and see what its doing.

**BillBoost37** · 01-03-2011

Usually a starter works or doesn't. I've seen nosecones get broken when they get dropped and sometimes they just crack. That'll cause a problem.

Ensure your power and grounds are all clean and hooked up snug.

**awesomefullness** · 01-03-2011

yeah ill double check everything. the starter has no problem spinning, its just it wont stay engaged for very long at all.
ill have another look at my connections anyways

**BillBoost37** · 01-03-2011

Probably the dry bearings starting to hold it back. Start prayin, and don't stop until you pass 1500 miles on the new engine.

**awesomefullness** · 01-04-2011

after i fixed my oil pressure problem it starts without any issue... strange, could have been the bearings like you said Billboost, however I think the one-way drive on the starter is wrecked as a result. for now, it starts on the first try, but ill grab another starter from a junker as a spare for now. thanks!