Name all of my engine problems. (Page 1/3)
Carlin DEC 23, 04:03 AM
Hello guys so while trying to get a part for my car a guy named cartercarbaficionado said I should send you guys some photos of my engine. This is so you guys could try to help me find any problems within the photos. I have gathered a few photos of many angles and in spots where it seems either something is broken or missing. If you guys do need more photos or of a specific spot just let me know. Thank you guys for helping me out with the electric problems but now I need to get my engine running. I appreciate all of the help.

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1985 Fiero GT DEC 23, 06:35 AM
You definitely have several broken/missing exhaust manifold bolts, not the most critical, but will be noisy.

your fuel lines are disconnected and hanging in the belt area (picture 15), they will spray gas all over if you turn the key on with an ECM and good fuses. They go into the fuel rail under the upper manifold (red thing that says Fiero).

Your ignition coil is missing.

Air filter housing and rubber tube connecting it to the throttle body is missing.

Throttle cable is not currently in its track on the throttle body (manually open the throttle, realign the now loose cable on the guide on the throttle body, close the throttle again)

[This message has been edited by 1985 Fiero GT (edited 12-23-2025).]

fieroguru DEC 23, 07:10 AM
Missing air filter housing
Missing air filter to throttle body hose
Missing A/C hoses
A/C & Fuel Pump Relay harness not attached to firewall
Missing vac lines to charcoal canister at canister end
Missing cruise cable (I think it is the one in the wrong position & hanging down on the throttle body)
Missing ignition coil
Mud Dauber in IAC port
Missing 3 spark plugs wires
TPS lever looks like it is in the wrong position
TV cable is not routed properly
Air tubes for coil and alternator missing
Missing vac lines to charcoal canister at intake end
Missing/broken exhaust manifold bolts
Dogbone disconnected
Heater hose to water pump disconnected and hose looks to be too short
Missing battery
Fuel lines to filter and tank disconnected and in wrong position

This is what I have so far, but ran out to time to play...
Dennis LaGrua DEC 23, 08:05 AM
Fieroguru hit the nail on the head. Looks like a big project ahead. The first step should probably be replacing the coil, ignition wires, distributor cap/rotor and reconnecting the fuel and vacuum lines.. Everything must be routed and connected properly. Much work and some parts will be needed to get that engine started and running. Maybe mostly top side work but there are many areas that need attention. You seem to have acquired this car from a rather poor mechanic (or prior owner) but with time and work most anything can be fixed. The repairs can be made with new or if on a low budget, good used parts. You will need a repair manual that will instruct you on how to connect and test everything.
Many of us here have started with "project cars" so the info here is usually very helpful. Good luck on the project.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 12-23-2025).]

82-T/A [At Work] DEC 23, 08:09 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

Heater hose to water pump disconnected and hose looks to be too short





For sure... take care of this one first. You should not be trying to start the engine without the cooling system hooked up and properly connected. You'll get the engine running and then within a minute destroy your engine from overheating.
Vintage-Nut DEC 23, 08:20 AM
A Reminder of the Background and History

Carlin is 16-year-old and starting to learn about engines / vehicles

The previous owner pulled the original motor out from the car and started to install another engine.
However, the PO deceased before hooking up the unknown second engine.
After unknown time, the widow gave Carlin the car for free.

Obviously, Carlin has his work cut out....

PS and My Advice:

Before buying parts, check the engine:

*Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick. Empty? Milky? Black? Or Amber to Dark Brown?

*Remove the Spark Plugs

*Crankshaft Test: Manually rotate the crankshaft pulley. Any unusual resistance / noise? Or does the engine turns smoothly?

*Compression Test: Learn to check the pressure in each and every cylinder. Uniform readings are a sign of a healthy engine, while discrepancies can indicate damage.

IF these tests are 'good', you can now start spending your time, effort and money....

And Have Fun!

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 12-23-2025).]

Carlin DEC 23, 02:24 PM
There is quite a lot. I think I might talk to my uncle and dad first about fully pulling the engine to get a good look at it. It shouldn't be too hard since while trying to get the car off the ground my dad said he thinks he saw the engine move. It might not even be connected to the frame. But we have to double check that first.
cartercarbaficionado DEC 23, 07:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by Carlin:

There is quite a lot. I think I might talk to my uncle and dad first about fully pulling the engine to get a good look at it. It shouldn't be too hard since while trying to get the car off the ground my dad said he thinks he saw the engine move. It might not even be connected to the frame. But we have to double check that first.


yeah this is kinda why i wanted you to send pictures, this helps you diagnose and get ahead of alot of the main issues that would have shut you down real fast as you can see the list is long.... now i do have a spare intake rubber tube but honestly these are all getting in bad shape and you should use the silicone type ones, i also think you may be missing the entire air filter can so thats gonna be real interesting.... at least you got the entire forum of....9 active people who will help you out
Carlin DEC 23, 08:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by cartercarbaficionado:

yeah this is kinda why i wanted you to send pictures, this helps you diagnose and get ahead of alot of the main issues that would have shut you down real fast as you can see the list is long.... now i do have a spare intake rubber tube but honestly these are all getting in bad shape and you should use the silicone type ones, i also think you may be missing the entire air filter can so thats gonna be real interesting.... at least you got the entire forum of....9 active people who will help you out



I do need to let you guys know the car did come with a tote filled with parts. The only issue is half of the parts go to different cars. So I'm still missing quite a few. I do believe have the air filter system though. It is in the tote. Tomorrow I was actually going to go through it and organize it. I'm currently at Walmart buying a new tote since the old one is very cracked.
Stingray92 DEC 23, 09:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by Carlin:

There is quite a lot. I think I might talk to my uncle and dad first about fully pulling the engine to get a good look at it. It shouldn't be too hard since while trying to get the car off the ground my dad said he thinks he saw the engine move. It might not even be connected to the frame. But we have to double check that first.



For a vehicle of questionable status I think you're on the right path. Take lots of photos and notes. You'll be surprised at what some PO's or others have tried.

Also if you do move forward pulling the motor please ensure to use quality jack stands and seek guidance from someone familiar with lifting/securing heavy loads.