Engine Removal, Rebuild, and Re-installaion

[Jamesp]

Engine has beem installed in the car, cranked, failed to start, members of this forum identified a valve timing issue, engine removed, retimed, and who knows, maybe it will start when it is installed again. I've learned a lot, and if this motor fails, a 911 motor goes in, or maybe I branch out to an LS1. The main thing is to keep on learning.

[Jamesp]

It's alive!!!! bu wa! ha! ha! ha! ha!!!!, Got the engine re-installed and cranked it up. Cranked and idled smoothly at first, then the idle fell off and got thready, a little gas to keep it going and then 3 bangs and I shut it down quick. I was sure that was curtains and the CEL came on. It threw an O2 sensor low voltage, a "random misfire" and misfires from both sides of the engine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I fired it back up. Much less drama this time. It was still searching for idle, and all the oily hand prints were buring off the engine. So I shut it down and cleared the codes. It fired right back up again and I let it get warm at idle, took it to 2000 rpm (very smooth) then back to idle for a bit, 2500 rpm then idle for a bit, 3000 rpm, then idle all smooth. Idle was much improved but not perfect. Gauges seemed proper, no warning lights and no more CEL. BUT, when I put it in gear, and let the clutch out, it made a noise like clashing gear teeth. My thought was it sounded like the flywheel just touching the starter gear. It did that twice and then quit. Ideas?

[PhilNZ]

"When I put it in gear, and let the clutch out, it made a noise like clashing gear teeth. My thought was it sounded like the flywheel just touching the starter gear. It did that twice and then quit. Ideas?[/QUOTE]

Just to clarify. Gearbox can be engaged/disengaged ok, all gears are selectable with engine running and clutch in, but when clutch out bad noise and no drive to wheels?

[Jamesp]

Turns out when you let the clutch out, the car moves, and you may, or may not turn the steering wheel. If like me, you are low on power steering fluid, you may or may not get the clashing noise directly in your right ear. Affter topping up the power steering fluid, the problem was resolved.