First start in a day or two

[Peeker]

Planning on my first start in the next day or two. I have the 4.6L DOHC. Engine hasn’t been started in almost two years so I primed the engine today. All fluids are topped off. Just a couple more things I’m considering. First, put power to the fuel pump momentarily without fuel in the tank to make sure pump works. Then I’m planning on adding fuel and running the pump to prime the fuel system. Anything I’m forgetting prior to first start? Well besides someone holding a video camera. Thanks in advance.

[GoDadGo]

Anything I’m forgetting prior to first start? Well besides someone holding a video camera. Thanks in advance.

1. Roll the car out of your garage or workshop.
2. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher on hand.
3. Look for fuel leaks prior to attempting to start your car since you are running an electric pump.
4. Get an extra set of eyes, preferably someone with some mechanical skill, to look for stuff that you aren't looking for.
5. Remember to step OVER your side pipe when you get out of your car to avoid burning the crap out of your leg when you are done.

[Hacksaw84]

GoDadGo made very good recommendations.

Pre-start:
You should be able to check for fuel leaks by running the pump up to full pressure. That is one of your biggest concerns to look out for since it can cause a fire.
I would double check coolant lines/clamps. They make a mess if you missed one.
Wherever you are going to start it make sure that the ground is dry so you can easily see a small drop of a leak.
I know it may sound silly but make sure noting will be in the way of the belts and pulleys. Like a random rag that could get wrapped up.

Running:
The first start is exciting but you should spend the fist min looking over everything with a flashlight to see if you see any issues. This is where its good to have several people looking with you.
When its running check each fuel fitting for a leak especially near the header.
I ran mine for a very short period of time then stopped it and rechecked everything. Coolant, PS fluid, Oil, fuel, etc.
Then re-ran it till the engine got to temp. Then coolant will flow and the fan should kick on and bring the temp back down. Stop and re-check.

Any oil or residue will burn off hot parts like headers as they heat up. It may look alarming. Not that you should ignore it but its probably ok, just double check its not an actual issue.
As far as hurting the motor its nice to know you have the right oil pressure. If not shut off immediately.
Also, it took more gas in the tank than I expected to reach the pickup on the pump.

Just a few thoughts.

[Peeker]

Thanks guys. I got the battery hooked up this evening but have not hooked the computer in yet. I turned the key to ON and the gauge lights lit up and the fan came on. The fan kind of surprised me since mine should turn on once the temp goes up. I did not hear the fuel pump but thought that may have to do with the computer not hooked up. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so may not get to first start attempt till Sunday. Thanks for the advice

[GWL]

Yes, you'll need the computer for the fuel pump to work. I know with my stock EEC IV system if you turn the key on without starting the pump works momentarily and then shuts off. To prime my system you have to turn the key on and off then on again several times to get the fuel pressure up. Then of course check for fuel leaks. There is a way to get the pump to stay on by jumping a wire in the EEC system diagnostic plug in, maybe you have the same possibility.

I'm at the same point you are now. I powered up my system and no fuel pump. You could hear the computer cycle itself but no pump. I started at the computer and worked back to the fuel pump. Brand new pump failed. I have another one coming (only had to pay shipping, having bought it in 2017) but was bummed out about it after ten years working on this project. I'll get it ready for a next week start up but will have to wait till after this hurricane comes up the coast, because yes, I'll roll it outside and hopefully drive it back in.

A little while back I asked the same question about my first start up.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36277-Questions-about-My-First-Start&highlight=start

George

[egchewy79]

You can "rent" a coolant pressure tester from your local auto store. I went to Napa and they charge full price for the kit but refund it whenever you bring it back. Let's you check for coolant leaks before you start. I found several, including the heater return nipple at the water pump

[Hacksaw84]

Thanks guys. I got the battery hooked up this evening but have not hooked the computer in yet. I turned the key to ON and the gauge lights lit up and the fan came on. The fan kind of surprised me since mine should turn on once the temp goes up. I did not hear the fuel pump but thought that may have to do with the computer not hooked up. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so may not get to first start attempt till Sunday. Thanks for the advice

I am not sure on the 4.6 but for the gen1 coyote the fuel pump runs constantly once the key is "On". The Gen2 and I think 3 only runs for a few seconds and then off till you start. Both are controlled by the computer. Also not sure on the fan for the 4.6, mine is controlled by the computer but you do have to wire it that way. Good luck tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.

[Peeker]

I got the computer connected yesterday. Good news is the fan did not turn on. Bad news is the fuel pump never started up. I jumped the pump and with a direct connection the pump did work. I then checked the voltage to the pump and am only getting 7 volts. Why am I getting such a big drop to the pump?

Thanks in advance,

Ed

[Hacksaw84]

I got the computer connected yesterday. Good news is the fan did not turn on. Bad news is the fuel pump never started up. I jumped the pump and with a direct connection the pump did work. I then checked the voltage to the pump and am only getting 7 volts. Why am I getting such a big drop to the pump?

Thanks in advance,

Ed

That is a tough one for me without knowing the 4.6 wiring. I would start at the pump where you get the 7 volts and work your way back and check at each component to see where the voltage drop occurs. You could just hot wire it for the short time being to get through first start. That way you could check it off and see what else is good or not. A couple more symptoms might point you in a direction too.

If you do hot wire it make sure you either add a switch or make it real easy to disconnect just in case you have a leak. Also make sure your battery is 100%, that could matter although if you are getting it to work directly then prob not the issue.

[Peeker]

The battery is brand new. I did find some info on another site that said that below 3250 rpm the pump operates at a reduced rate by using 7-10 volts vice 12. Again, I am getting exactly 7v. I hooked the pump back up, turned the key on and hear absolutely nothing from the pump.

Also, I pulled the fuel pump relay out of the system and I still get 7v back to the fuel pump.

[Peeker]

First start complete. It took awhile. Initially it sounded like it wanted to start but didn’t fire. Had black smoke coming out of the pipes. Was done for the day. Came in, cleaned up and was trying to figure out why it wouldn’t start. Had a couple guys I was chatting with. One asked me about the firing order. I checked, and they were correct. Was watching a video and something caught my eye. The 96 Cobra motor had the coil packs on the front of the engine. The guy I bought from cleaned the engine up and moved the packs to the back of the engine but the leads going to them got flip flopped. I switched them and it started up. Holy Crap, it’s loud. I think I just realized why guys say no radios. ������

[Mark K]

Congrats! Video?

[GoDadGo]

Congratuations!

The first start is always a nerve-racking experience.

[mlewis]

Congrats !!

I’m getting close, then I saw some PS fluid oozing from one of my PS hoses. I need to re assemble before I pressuruse.

[phileas_fogg]

Congratulations two-fold! First on the first start, & second on figuring out the problem!

John

[Ernie67]

The learning curve is pretty quick on the side pipes!

[Peeker]

Just wanted to say thanks to Art Cuesta from WireDiet. He did the wiring for the car and had everything labeled. Made it real easy for a novice like me to get everything wired up properly. I emailed and called him numerous times during the build and he was extremely helpful.

[Duster]

Congratulations on the first start! I started mine for the first time 10 days ago. What a rush. I hope you got to drive it a bit. I've put about 20 miles on it just running around the neighborhood in go-cart form.

[CraigS]

Sure glad to hear it fired up. Now we are eagerly waiting for first go-kart.

[Peeker]

Did my first “long” run yesterday to let the engine warm up. I watched the temp come up to about 180 degrees. I could not hear if the fan came on but the temp dropped back to about 170-175 indicating the thermostat opened. What temp should the fan come on? Also, I noticed the voltage was at or maybe slightly below 12V. With the engine running, shouldn’t the voltage be above 12V?

[Jetfuel]

Congratulations on such a milestone..
Measure volts at battery terminals when running..13.6-13.9 VDC should be sufficient to keep battery charged

Jet

[GTBradley]

Did my first “long” run yesterday to let the engine warm up. I watched the temp come up to about 180 degrees. I could not hear if the fan came on but the temp dropped back to about 170-175 indicating the thermostat opened. What temp should the fan come on? Also, I noticed the voltage was at or maybe slightly below 12V. With the engine running, shouldn’t the voltage be above 12V?
X2 on what Jet said, although mine indicates 14.5V at the gauge. It appears your alternator is not contributing anything and you are running on the battery alone.

[phileas_fogg]

Some alternators don’t start charging right away. Some require you to blip the throttle to exceed a trigger RPM, and some require you to also maintain a threshold RPM after that.

My alternator doesn’t start charging until something over 1100 RPM if I recall correctly. It certainly starts charging below 2000.

As for the fan temperature are you using the computer to control the fan or are you using a sensor (usually clipped to a fin on the radiator)? If the computer you should be able to look up (and set) the cut on & cut off temperatures in a software table. If the sensor, it’ll depend on which one.


John

[Racee75]

I have the same engine... I saw these numbers for the thermostat and fan :-
The OEM turn on settings, for the stock 195°F thermostat (fully open at 219°F), are 214/208°F on/off for low speed, and 228/224°F on/off for high speed.

Hope this is some help

[Peeker]

I have the same engine... I saw these numbers for the thermostat and fan :-
The OEM turn on settings, for the stock 195°F thermostat (fully open at 219°F), are 214/208°F on/off for low speed, and 228/224°F on/off for high speed.

Hope this is some help

Absolutely helps. I haven’t got near that temperature so no wonder I didn’t hear it.

[Racee75]

Not 100% sure on the numbers... I have an override switch for the fan... for if the temperature starts to make me nervous. In the post above I said I saw these numbers... should justify by saying found these numbers on a must and forum when I was looking