testing engines off car

[Bernard Littau]

> Oops. I have no clue what happened in the last post....
>
> I meant to say "I'm told the car was sold to the parts guy because the
> clutch was slipping and the owner didn't want to do that major PITA clutch
> job."
[snip]
> > An 86 5kt engine is available to me cheap, but the car is being
> parted out
> > and no longer runs. I'm told the car was sold to the parts
> >
> > How do I test it? Any way to test the turbo?
> >
> > The distributor has been sold. Do I need it or can I use my 4kq dist.?
> >
> > The ECU is still there, and will come with the engine.
[snip]

If the starter motor is still there, you can compression check the engine --
this is likely more informative than it "running", too.  Remember to pull
all the plugs and open the throttle wide open.  I like to do 5-10
compression strokes, but whatever you do, do the same for each cylinder.  Do
1-2-3-4-5-1.  If the two 1's are not the same, you may have a declining
battery, which you need to factor into the results.

You can test the turbo by pulling off the intake hose and checking the
impeller for ease of rotation, and shaft play both, laterally and axially
(that is side-to-side, and towards-and-away-from-you :-)  Some lateral play
is OK and normal for a worn, but not worn out, turbo.  Visual inspection
should show no oil seepage, or damage to the blades.

The 5kt (MC) uses a single window hall sensor, the 4k uses a five window
hall sensor, so no, you need a 5kt distributor, around $225 new the last
time I checked.

You will need the ECU, and the ignition control unit, too.  Make sure you
get the complete harness along with all the sensors, the intercooler and its
temp sensor, and all the wastegate stuff, and the whole airbox, fuel
distributor and all the injector plumbing.

Sounds like you are thinking MC transplant.  Good luck!  I'm not that brave
yet.

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq
'86 4kq