Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

ls1 guru needed cant get her started

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 19, 2014 | 08:55 AM
  #1  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default ls1 guru needed cant get her started

ok guys heres what i got.

5.3l l33
ls6 intake and cam
ls1 throttle body
vats deleted/ basic swap ready tune the on PCM. nothing fancy
50psi at the fuel rail
good spark on all plugs
24x crank sensor
120psi compression on all cylinders(engine is fresh rebuild)
no codes
i even tried a little starter fluid
all my bat 12v and ign 12v have been verified

i did use the map sensor from the l33, but i am gonna swap it for the ls1 today, because i read about a guy having similar issues.

the engine will sputter and pop but i can get her to run. i have been through the harness a bunch and check all my grounds. i have attached a vid showing the compression test with spark plug firing. i was thinking maybe my timing was off.

also cylinders 2&4's plugs are black and the rest look like the pic i attached.

i am running out of ideas on this and any help would be awesome!

sorry about the link ls1tech would not just let me put up the vid.

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/sl...NAME=snapfish/


Last edited by drift donkey; May 19, 2014 at 09:07 AM.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 09:00 AM
  #2  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

here is a link to my facebook for the vid. damn internet cant get **** right.

https://www.facebook.com/paul.irwin.3726

Last edited by drift donkey; May 19, 2014 at 09:06 AM.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 09:03 AM
  #3  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

fucken hell that didnt work either. sorry guys
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 09:07 AM
  #4  
ls1nova71's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,406
Likes: 211
From: Liberty, MO
Default

Stuck fuel injectors is a real problem these days with the crappy fuel we have. Did it start on the starting fluid?
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 09:47 AM
  #5  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

no start on the fluid. i precleaned the injectors so i am thinking its a sensor telling the pcm to do craziness
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 10:27 AM
  #6  
cam's Avatar
cam
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 67
From: in the garage
Default

check the injectors with noid lights. Your sure the timing set is installed correctly? Verify the sensors share the same pinouts as the harness/pcm plugs with a continuity test. Crank relearn maybe
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 10:47 AM
  #7  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by cam
check the injectors with noid lights. Your sure the timing set is installed correctly? Verify the sensors share the same pinouts as the harness/pcm plugs with a continuity test. Crank relearn maybe
Got the pinouts for sure. I have checked them at least 10 times. Timing set is installed as per FSM. If the new map sensor doesn't work I will check the injectors next. I can't do a crank relearn, because the engine will not run:/
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 10:54 AM
  #8  
01WS6/tamu's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (37)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,121
Likes: 75
From: somewhere in TX
Default

Crank relearn has nothing to do with engine starting and running correctly.
Check for fire
Use noid light to check for injector pulse on all 8
Verify fuel pump is powered while cranking
Use a scanner and fuel pressure gauge to perform drop test on injectors.
Unplug MAF and try starting with maf dead it reverts to basic speed density.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 19, 2014 | 11:28 AM
  #9  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 01WS6/tamu
Crank relearn has nothing to do with engine starting and running correctly.
Check for fire
Use noid light to check for injector pulse on all 8
Verify fuel pump is powered while cranking
Use a scanner and fuel pressure gauge to perform drop test on injectors.
Unplug MAF and try starting with maf dead it reverts to basic speed density.
I positively have fire. Been checked multiple times.
Unplugged the maf and engine still wouldn't start. That's why I'm thinking the map from the l33 is my problem. Just popped the new ls1 map in and will try for a start.
Gonna check injectors as well.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 11:31 AM
  #10  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

**** forgot to mention I am also running 36lb injectors. though Im pretty sure that shouldn't be an issue.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 11:49 AM
  #11  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

I think I am getting a backfire through the intake. Wtf does that mean?
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 12:39 PM
  #12  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Well the new sensors didn't work. I replaced the crank and map. I also removed the valve covers a visually checked that both valves are closed at tdc when they are supposed to.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 12:50 PM
  #13  
hrcslam's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 4
From: Maricopa, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by drift donkey
here is a link to my facebook for the vid. damn internet cant get **** right.

https://www.facebook.com/paul.irwin.3726
Something isn't right with your video. The spark should happen right after the jump in compression. And it's not happening every time either. It should be compression jump then spark immediately after every jump in compression.

Also, your compression stopped jumping after the first couple of compression strokes and continued to climb gradually. That shouldn't happen either. It should jump a few times and peak out. It shouldn't continue to climb when it's not on a compression stroke, could be your gauge though.

Also what system are you using for spark ignition? Stock 5.3L Gen 3 GM, or distributor, or something different?

Last edited by hrcslam; May 19, 2014 at 12:59 PM.
Reply
Old May 19, 2014 | 12:54 PM
  #14  
1989GTA's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
Default

This is what happened to me. The ground wires from the ignition coils were not grounded properly. The engine would sometimes start and run but not good. It sometimes would not start. Sometimes would backfire. I had assumed I had spark because at times it would somewhat run.

In frustration we ran a temporary ground wire from the coils to a ground point and viola it ran like a champ. After that it was easy to find the real source of the problem.

Also recheck and make sure you have the proper firing order.
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 02:33 PM
  #15  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by hrcslam
Something isn't right with your video. The spark should happen right after the jump in compression. And it's not happening every time either. It should be compression jump then spark immediately after every jump in compression.

Also, your compression stopped jumping after the first couple of compression strokes and continued to climb gradually. That shouldn't happen either. It should jump a few times and peak out. It shouldn't continue to climb when it's not on a compression stroke, could be your gauge though.

Also what system are you using for spark ignition? Stock 5.3L Gen 3 GM, or distributor, or something different?
I am using the coils from the 2005 Silverado.

As it turned out my pushrods where to long by 0.14":/ I just put in the correct length pushrods and got it to fire, but it won't stay running and backfires.

Do u think it could be the coils from the Silverado? I am gonna go over the wiring again:/
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 02:34 PM
  #16  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 1989GTA
This is what happened to me. The ground wires from the ignition coils were not grounded properly. The engine would sometimes start and run but not good. It sometimes would not start. Sometimes would backfire. I had assumed I had spark because at times it would somewhat run.

In frustration we ran a temporary ground wire from the coils to a ground point and viola it ran like a champ. After that it was easy to find the real source of the problem.

Also recheck and make sure you have the proper firing order.
I will try the ground.
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 04:37 PM
  #17  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

Well tried the growned, double check my fuel pressure during cranking and its at 48psi give or take, also check injector wiring with a noid light and they are flashing.
I still have no codes.
I am gonna double check my compression, but I have to spark plugs that don't look like any fuel has reached them. I might have been sold some **** injectors off the for sale area on here:/ can u say "**** off"
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 05:12 PM
  #18  
ls1nova71's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,406
Likes: 211
From: Liberty, MO
Default

If it were an injector problem it should have fired off on the starting fluid.
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 08:20 PM
  #19  
drift donkey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Default

I verified injectors are squirting compression looks good except on the 2 cylinders that have clean plugs. Those 2 still build to 120psi just slower then the others. I am gonna do a leak down test tomorrow.

I'm really think its timing. Maybe its my harness. I did convert an lt1 harness to ls1. I used a G Vin 2002 camaro schematic and verified with the guy that flashed my PCM that all the pinouts are same.

Or maybe its bad plug wire or coils going out.

Or is there a difference between the can sensors on a ls1 and a l33?

I am running out of ideas.
Reply
Old May 24, 2014 | 08:32 PM
  #20  
1FastBrick's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,723
Likes: 629
From: JunkYard
Default

Is the computer tuned for the 36Lb injectors?

Are you sure you have the correct tune for the for the harness your running?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:16 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE