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

Done with install, need help troubleshooting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 06:36 PM
  #1  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default Done with install, need help troubleshooting

I have my LS1 all installed and it starts and runs for 1-5 seconds. It doesn't seem to stumble or anything, just turns itself off. I sent the computer in to speartech (the guy who make my harness) and he said it runs his test engine just fine. So I've ruled that out. The only thing I can think of is if I have a sensor that is messed up or something and the computer doesn't like it.

Is there any way to get the computer to tell me anything about why it's having this issue... maybe through the OBDII port? I tried asking it directly, and it just sits there with a blank stare.

Thanks!

Mike
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 07:08 PM
  #2  
ls1_chevelle's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 1
From: CANADA!
Default

Sounds like VATS.

-Matt
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 07:28 PM
  #3  
billyjo's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Default

I had a vacuum leak on mine when I started it and it did the same thing.

Bill
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 11:19 PM
  #4  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default

according to my computer programmer, it's not VATS. He said that the computer is fine and runs his test engine great.

I'll check for vacuume leaks, but I don't think there is anything that's not connnected.

I checked the wiring, and everything I connected on my harness looks good.

I'm not sure what else to check unless I can figure out how to get a code off the computer.

Would the lack of O2 sensors do anything? that's the only thing I can think of that's not connected yet because I need to get it running before I take it to the exhaust shop. That way I can drive it back and don't have to tow it both ways.

Thanks,

Mike
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 11:45 PM
  #5  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default

I'm trying to brainstorm here... best I can tell, the computer is turning off the computer. Why would the computer do this?

I don't know enough about this to know why the computer would decide within a second to turn it off. Is it possible that I have a bad sensor that would tell it something's wrong?

Where all should I check for vacuum leaks? I can't find anything that could leak other than the two hoses at the back, and the one near the throttle body.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 11:47 PM
  #6  
G-Body's Avatar
sawzall wielding director
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,148
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
Default

The missing o2`s should not stop it from running, they will set a code/check engine light and maybe put it in a limp home mode, but it will run.

I think I read in a different thread that billyjo found a vacuum leak on the intake gasket.

Start with the basics, does the check engine light stay on when its running? You can check for codes, if a sensor is bad or not hooked up a code should pop up for it. How about fuel pressure, do you still have pressure when the engine cuts out?
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2007 | 11:49 PM
  #7  
Stu Cool's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 6
From: Olivehurst, CA
Default

How about fuel pressure?

Pat
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 01:09 AM
  #8  
bczee's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,670
Likes: 6
From: Concord, CA
Default

Get a scanner and check to see if you get a reading from all of the sensors and as you cranking or/and running (or as long as it does run).
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 Jan 31, 2007 | 10:45 AM
  #9  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default

Alright, that gives me a few places to start here.

1.) if I'm going to buy a OBDII scanner, is there a particular brand or model that is recommended?

How about this one? http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...artnumber=3030

2.) I'm going to buy a fuel pressure gauge to connect to the fuel rail and make sure I have consistant pressure.

3.) If I can't find anything from the two above, I'll pull off my intake manifold and see if the gasket looks good. I can't find any leaks otherwise.

Last edited by Thumper33; Jan 31, 2007 at 10:53 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 11:47 AM
  #10  
76LQ9TA's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 244
Likes: 2
From: Montgomery, IL
Default

Do you have a laptop? I bought a cable and program to scan codes and look at several parameters while the engine is running. You can bring up a screen that looks like a car's dashboard. I bought this a while ago for my 96 Impala. It was about $120. The scanners that run on your laptop will have more features for less money than the stand alone scanners. obd-2.com is the place I bought from. I'm sure there are better scanners out now. Spend some time searching.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 03:33 PM
  #11  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

Hey man... I wouldnt rule out VATs just yet. I know you said it ran a test engine... But when I picked up my donor car, I had the previous owner turn vats off with HP Tuners. We did it and thought it was complete. Donor car started right up and ran fine so we thought we had it.

Went to run my engine once it was swapped...no dice.

I went to radio shack and got some parts and built a vats bypass module. Had to insert a pin and wire back into the PCM (i took it out while cleaning up the harness). It fired right up after that. Ive since ordered a professional bypass box...which oddly enough doesnt seem needed anymore. My car runs with or without it... Not sure what the deal with that is.

Here is my thread on the bypass box I built.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/567630-homemade-vats-bypass-box.html

Not saying its your problem...but my VATS system did and is still doing some weird crap.

Justin
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 04:49 PM
  #12  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default

I bought the OBDII reader software setup here...

http://www.autotap.com/product_family.asp?FamilyId=260

I assume this will tell me if VATS is tripping it.

It should be here in a couple of days... I'll let you guys know how I like it, and what I find out.

Thanks all!
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 06:35 PM
  #13  
Speartech's Avatar
9 Second Club/LS1TECH Sponsor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 33
From: Anderson, Indiana
Default

Try to follow thru with checking the fuel pressure, etc. Regardless of what some of these guys might say, VATS is definitely not the problem so don't keep your hopes up for that.

Does the throttle work properly with the key on? How is your fuel system set up?
__________________

91 Z28 LS2 408CI, LS9 Supercharger, LPE GT7 cam, Yank3000, 3450 raceweight.
Latest numbers: 9.71 ET, 141.42 MPH, 1.40 60' , 610 RWHP Mustang Dyno

www.speartech.com
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 06:44 PM
  #14  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

Haha.. I didnt even catch that it was Speartech that you've been working with. I guess if he says its not VATS then it really cant be VATS.

Didnt mean to step on your toes john...had I realized (read more carefully) I wouldnt have suggested that the VATS may not have been taken out correctly.

Check the basics like was said above... Fuel Air Spark... Go from there. Let us know what you find out!!

Justin
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 06:45 PM
  #15  
Thumper33's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Default

How do I test to see if the throttle works with the key on? it's all electronic. Are you just talking about checking to see if it moves the butterfly on the intake?

My fuel system is a aeromotive external pump going through a factory vette regulator and then up to a single inlet fuel rail. The return obviously then goes to the tank from the reg. I checked the railmaking sure that it's got pressure, although I don't have a gauge yet, so I don't know for sure how much it's getting. I'm going to try to do that tonight. Then I can hopefully rule that out.

I'm not banking of VATS for sure. Speartech told me that he doublechecked that VATS isn't on when I sent it in to get it tested.

Thanks for helping out!

Mike
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 06:59 PM
  #16  
Speartech's Avatar
9 Second Club/LS1TECH Sponsor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 33
From: Anderson, Indiana
Default

That's ok Justin. I know the symptom sounds like VATS but that has been ruled out unless he's using a different PCM than the one I sent him.

Mike. Yes, make sure the throttle blade works properly from the pedal with the key on. That can be an indicator of problems if it doesn't. You should be able to sit there working the pedal back and forth and the throttle body should respond accordingly.
__________________

91 Z28 LS2 408CI, LS9 Supercharger, LPE GT7 cam, Yank3000, 3450 raceweight.
Latest numbers: 9.71 ET, 141.42 MPH, 1.40 60' , 610 RWHP Mustang Dyno

www.speartech.com
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 08:38 PM
  #17  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

When you first fire an LS1...the IAC along with a slight opening in the throttle body keeps the engine idling correct??

Is it possible that his IAC is stuck or carboned up somehow? I dont know squat about the electronic throttles...is that supposed to do something after start up to establish idle?

Man I know how frustrating stuff like this can be. haha. Im really psyched for you to get it up and going...because we've been tinkering with putting an LS1 in my buddies TJ. And I want one in my XJ since Im addicted to LS1s now. So now that more and more jeep guys are turning to the LS1, its getting more and more tempting!

Good luck again man!

Justin
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2007 | 10:00 PM
  #18  
LS1Cobra's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: S. Philly
Default

Check the fuel pressure sensor on the passenger side of the oil pan. If you don't have that oil pressure sensor hook up the PCM doesn't see any oil pressure and will shut the engine off.

John,
This is Vinnie. I was the one talked to you several times on the phone about my 98 C5 PCM. I finally switched to the 1999 and up PCM programmed with a C5 firmware and I got my motor up running. Of course I had to rewire the wiring at the PCM. Thanks for all your help.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2007 | 01:33 AM
  #19  
Rodder's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA
Default

Cobra, the sensor on the side of the pan is oil level, not oil (or fuel) pressure. The LS1 oil pressure sensor is still on the back side of the valley where god and Chevy always intended it to be.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2007 | 07:25 AM
  #20  
LS1Cobra's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: S. Philly
Default

oops...

Last edited by LS1Cobra; Feb 1, 2007 at 02:46 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:53 AM.

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