No-Start After 7M-GE Engine Swap - Distributor Timing and Starter Relay Ground

Engineintermediate✓ OP Confirmed

Problem

After swapping a 7M-GE block and head into an 88 MK3 due to rod knock, the car would crank but not start. The fuel pump would not turn on when the key was turned to 'on', and bypassing with FP/B+ jumper did not activate it either. The fuel pump only ran when the AFM air intake flap was manually held open. Even with the pump running (flap held open), the engine still refused to start. Starter fluid sprayed into the intake also failed to get the engine to catch.

Fuel pump does not turn on with ignition keyFP/B+ jumper wire fails to activate fuel pumpFuel pump only runs when AFM flap is manually openedEngine cranks but will not start even with fuel pump runningEngine will not fire even with starter fluid sprayed into intake

Root Cause

Two issues combined: the distributor was incorrectly timed or installed (possibly 180 degrees off) during the engine swap, preventing proper spark timing, and there was a bad ground connection on the starter relay that affected the circuit-opening relay's ability to power the fuel pump during cranking.

Confidence

Low confidence — Original poster confirmed this resolved the issue

View Original Thread →Posted October 2023 on SupraForums.com