R32 Gtr Thats Been Sitting For 3 Years,need Help To Start

[deprived777]

Hey,

so i've had this gtr sitting on my front lawn for about 3 years. I stupidly bought it without seeing it. the guy said it was running etc.

but when it arrived here on the tow truck,i tried to start it ( needed to get it off the road into my drive way ) , the battery was dead. so tried to hook up a random battery from another car.it started briefly. and ran very rough and wouldn't idle and would die after a few seconds.also have a suspicion one of the injectors wasn't working,the plug on one of them is loose and comes off too easily, and when i tried doing injector test using vipec software that one wasnt making any ticking noise like the others ( now only one makes a ticking noise during the test years later). then realised the fuel tank was empty ( rookie mistake,just wanted to get it up the drive way,was very dark too and couldnt see much) and my mate that was connecting the battery hooked it up wrong and sparks went everywhere.

car hasn't started ever since. it used to crank but wouldnt turn over.

now,obviously im a complete NOOB and got way in over my head buying a car like this.

would really appreciate some help.

specs of the car :

RB26

T04R Single Turbo kit

Stainless Manifold,

60mm Tial Wastegate

Tomei 260 Poncams

Tomei adjustable cam gears

Sard 800cc Injectors

Sard 280ltr Fuel Pump.

Gates timing belt.

R33 oil pump

Braided fuel lines

Vipec ECU

i know this is all a little vague but i'm not very mechanically minded. have just ordered some tools, such a car jump battery charger,noid lights,compression gauge,fuel pressure regulator with gauge,test light ,multimeter and some started fluid to attempt to figure this out.

please ask any questions that are necessary to get to the bottom of this.

any pointers,tips etc. much appreciated

also ,forgot to mention that i accidentally reset the ecu settings and i have no idea how to set anything up ,but i tried using the stock computer and it still wouldn't start

[GTofuS-T]

Hey,

I can't really help you in detail, I'd recommend flat-bedding it to a reputable workshop, but some basic things that come to mind:

and my mate that was connecting the battery hooked it up wrong and sparks went everywhere.

- You've probably blown many fuses from this, so check them all

- Start motor could be seized, may need a hit with a hammer, may need a new one,

- fuel is obvious, but pump could be seized or lines could be clogged, injectors could be clogged, (some or all of these can be cleaned or tested?)

multi-meter will be your best friend in troubleshooting

If you've reset the ecu, chances are once you get it ticking over it still may not even start, or it may run very rough, someone with Vipec experience may be able to confirm this (base map?), either way you'll need a tune pretty quick.

[deprived777]

thanks for the quick reply. all the tools i've ordered off ebay so when ever they come i'll start looking over in detail.i did look at the fuses years ago and all looked to be ok,but i never tested with a multi meter.but that should come any day now. my first thought was blown fuses though.

ok dumb question number 1. where is the starter motor located ? i should probably just do a search but i've spent hours reading up on how to diagnose an engine that won't start, so far i've learnt to check for spark,then check compression,then check fuel etc.

i would love to have it looked at a workshop but i haven't had work in awhile so money is tight atm lol. i just want it started so i know its worth getting on the road

as for Fuel pump, it does prime for a few seconds when ignition is on. would it do that if it was seized?

not sure on how to clean injectors but i'll look into it. injectors should be easy to take out i would assume?

[deprived777]

one more thing that just popped up from memory,when i did start it when i first got it ( when it started,barely,ran rough then died) it was making loud screaching noises,assuming was timing belt. not sure if that has anything to do with it.i might take the timing belt cover off and take some pics if needed

[breaker1845]

Sell the car. Could cost you lots of money and time to get it running. If you don't have any idea of what you are doing that could be an interesting experience as you might cause more damage.

If you want to get it running and working, going to cost money and there would be many things you'd look at doing if the car has been sitting for 3 years.

[deprived777]

if i was going to sell the car i would like it to be running first.selling it as it is i wont get shit all for it lol. i'll just go step by step and if i still cant get it running i'll wait till i have some money coming in and get someone to take a look. but for now i think its worth a shot trying to figure it out.

my aim is to know what im doing before i attempt anything,thats why i'm asking questions on here.

any advice is welcome

[Stixbnr32]

becareful 3 years of sitting - how is the oil situation?

How rusted up are the fuel lines and fuel tank after sitting there with no fuel in it.

I heard of a GTR that sat for some time and new fuel lines need to be run plus fuel pump etc. Before a tune and it was going again.

I would say.

1) Fuel tank replaced

2) Fuel pump

3) Fuel lines

4) check fuses

5) Dont start it

6) Replace oil

7) Make sure engine has not seized.

8) Take to someone who knows the ECU.

Sounds like you have alot of work to do

[KiwiRS4T]

To be honest if you have no budget and don't know where the starter motor is it will be all uphill for you.

Some things you could do (not necessarily enough to get it going):

Disconnect the fuel line and run it into a bottle and turn it on to see if a good supply of (fresh) petrol comes out. Then remove the filter and cut it open to see how much cr*p is in it.

Remove the coils and give them a good clean (search for instructions). Remove the spark plugs - they will probably need replacing - other wise clean and regap. With the spark plugs out try and turn the motor over by hand (or with the starter if it works). When and if you get the starter working do a compression test.

Remove the injectors and get them cleaned and tested (this will cost - there is no way round it).

Try and track down the last person to tune the car - they may still have the tune on their computer and may be able to reload your Vipec (if it hasn't been fried).

There is lots more you could do but these will take you a while!

[deprived777]

all part of the fun lol

before i put fuel in it i'll pull fump out and look in the tank and see what it looks like.or do i really need to pull out the fuel tank? if its rusted or whatever could it just be cleaned?

not sure how to check fuel lines. i'll google that lol.

i bought some fuel injection cleaner thinking that will clear out the injectors of theres anything clogging them up? least i hope thats what it will do.

how do i go about making sure the engine isn't seized ?

the car had fresh oil the day before i got it. i checked it at the time and it was definitely new oil. i checked it just now and the oil is fairly black but not completely.smells normal if that makes a difference.wasn't all that thick.

any little things i can do now before all the tools etc. come ? i could probably check the fuel pump if thats worth doing before checking spark etc. ?

[deprived777]

cheers kiwi lol yes definitely an uphill battle.just haven't googled starter motor yet. focusing more on the spark and checking fuel related problems so far.

i think the first thing on my to do list is to have a peek into the fuel tank. its on empty, must of evaporated over time. but ill see if it looks filthy or what not. anything else to check while fuel pump it out ? probably not much point till i have a multimeter ?

[MJTru]

I agree with above. If you dont have experience then its even more costly.

[GH05T]

fuel tank wont be rusted as its plastic in a gtr but the lines could be. fuel, just lik eoil and brake fluid will start to hold water/ separate, congeal so on. it then rusts the components around it. everything will be ceased to a point. you are best to strip the motor down atleast to the point of all pumps, lines, coilpacks, plugs belts ect and turn the engine over by hand to see if you get resistance.

this is way before ecus and fresh fuel ect. do a major major service and inspection at very least.

[deprived777]

ok well here's another dumb question. how do i hand turn it? i have an idea but i like to be sure i'm doing the right thing. is it enough to disconnect the cas,spark plugs and injectors to hand turn it ? i feel like a dumbass asking what are probably obvious to most. only one way to learn

[mr skidz]

Oh dear, you really have bought the wrong car

[deprived777]

i know lol, the car i had before that was much simpler.although it was turbo also. u13 bluebird attessa.

i did say i was a total noob when it comes to the mechanical side but i want to learn so i get this bitch started !!

i had a quick look trying to find the starter motor but its fkn hard too anything looking similar to the pics of a starter motor i found on google. is it near the oil filter by any chance ? closest thing i found was somewhat close to it but its hard to see it.

also about the turning engine by hand. fill me in please. i dont want to be a noob anymore lol

[deprived777]

as for turning the engine by hand,i turn it using the crank pulley? which i'll look for tomorrow.i have a big radiator and there isn't much room.will make it a pain.

EDIT: ok so i went outside and had a quick look. if that is the crank pulley (under the fan ) then it looks like i'll have to take off the radiator. will the fan have to come off too ?

is there another way of turning the engine by hand ? might sound stupid,but would putting the car in gear and jacking up the rear end and turning the rear wheels turn the engine over ?

Edited October 21, 2015 by deprived777

[GTRPSI]

Oh dear, you really have bought the wrong car

I agree, in GTR circles we have a saying, "Anyone can afford to buy a GTR but very few can afford to keep it".

Ill start the offers at $6K

[deprived777]

i know,i have learnt the hard way lmao but i don't completely regret getting it. best way to learn is through experience. and the gtr's are my all time favourite cars so its worth the hassle in my eyes

keep the help and tips coming guys

[GH05T]

Mate get learning. Good on ya for trying. But get as much help as possible. Read heaps but i would get a mechanically minded friend or a mechanic to guide you. Pay them for their help but do as much as you can yourself. Remember pulling shit appart is easy. Putting it back together is hard. Harder the less knowledge you have.

But hey baptism by fire why not.

Baptism by gtr fire..... keen.

My gtr cost me 2000 in its first month and thats didn't even take me off the road

I havnt had any major issues yet but their not cheap for anything.

[GTSBoy]

Here's a tip ref the starter motor and the crank pulley.

Some things are easier to do/see/access from UNDER the car. You need good chassis stands or a hoist.