idrivejunk
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - Almost a daily driver
When you get tired of the small cab, dump the whole mess into any el Camino.
When you get tired of the small cab, dump the whole mess into any el Camino.
Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - Sold.
- Thread starter BrandonHall10
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idrivejunk
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - Almost a daily driver
Oh and I would settle for $40 dash cam 1080 vid.
Oh and I would settle for $40 dash cam 1080 vid.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - Almost a daily driver
I almost did a Malibu. If anything happens to the S10 shell, the motor will live on in something else...
Noted.
I did put some gas in it for the second time today. According to my math, I'm just over 16 MPG (right now). With a 19 gallon tank, I should get over 300 miles before empty. Considering my fuel gauge still doesn't work, I'm going to use 250 to be safe. I'm sure it will get better over time, but at least I have some idea now.
I almost did a Malibu. If anything happens to the S10 shell, the motor will live on in something else...
Noted.
I did put some gas in it for the second time today. According to my math, I'm just over 16 MPG (right now). With a 19 gallon tank, I should get over 300 miles before empty. Considering my fuel gauge still doesn't work, I'm going to use 250 to be safe. I'm sure it will get better over time, but at least I have some idea now.
BillBooost37
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Wait.. why doesn't the fuel gauge work?
The original S10 likely didn't go through the pcm, so let's get that wire and bring it back to the cluster where it belongs. If need be.. I'll pull out ESI and get this working. I want a fuel gauge sir!
Wait.. why doesn't the fuel gauge work?
The original S10 likely didn't go through the pcm, so let's get that wire and bring it back to the cluster where it belongs. If need be.. I'll pull out ESI and get this working. I want a fuel gauge sir!
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
You want to help me work through this?
Here's what I know so far... The gauge in the cluster does not run through the PCM. The only thing that affects the gauge after the level sender in the tank is the buffer module under the dash:
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f213/how-to-wire-the-fuel-gauge-in-a-97-a-492739/
When I first completed the swap, the fuel gauge would read max full. Bad ground, right? Right! Attached the ground at the buffer to engine harness ground and now the gauge reads max empty. No change when I unplug the connecter at the tank. Still reads max empty with key on.
I should also mention that, although the gauge does not run through the PCM, the level sender does also supply the PCM with fuel level information (for DTE and mileage calculations, I assume). Fuel level return, circuit 1589. When I check the fuel level using the Aeroforce gauge, it also reads "empty" at 6%.
I honestly cannot remember if the gauge worked when I first got the truck. I literally only drove it 11 miles to get it home, and I was severely distracted by all the noise the old engine was making.
I do have this one picture of the cluster from before I started the swap
This is exactly where the gauge sits now with the key off. I believe the truck is not running in this picture. I'm tempted to believe the sending unit in the tank is broken, and was from day one.
You want to help me work through this?
Here's what I know so far... The gauge in the cluster does not run through the PCM. The only thing that affects the gauge after the level sender in the tank is the buffer module under the dash:
http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f213/how-to-wire-the-fuel-gauge-in-a-97-a-492739/
When I first completed the swap, the fuel gauge would read max full. Bad ground, right? Right! Attached the ground at the buffer to engine harness ground and now the gauge reads max empty. No change when I unplug the connecter at the tank. Still reads max empty with key on.
I should also mention that, although the gauge does not run through the PCM, the level sender does also supply the PCM with fuel level information (for DTE and mileage calculations, I assume). Fuel level return, circuit 1589. When I check the fuel level using the Aeroforce gauge, it also reads "empty" at 6%.
I honestly cannot remember if the gauge worked when I first got the truck. I literally only drove it 11 miles to get it home, and I was severely distracted by all the noise the old engine was making.
I do have this one picture of the cluster from before I started the swap
This is exactly where the gauge sits now with the key off. I believe the truck is not running in this picture. I'm tempted to believe the sending unit in the tank is broken, and was from day one.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Okay. Here's what I confirmed yesterday afternoon. All checks made at the buffer module under the glovebox.
Pin A - 12v with key on; True
Pin B - 5v with key on; True
Pin D - Resistance FROM in tank sender - See below
Pin M - Chassis ground; True
Key OFF resistance at buffer module
From in tank sender - 278 ohm / 0.278 kohm
Feed to cluster gauge - 43.2 ohm
Key ON resistance at buffer module
From in tank sender - 0.00 ohm
Feed to cluster gauge - 0.00 ohm
Also confirmed stepper motor function by cutting the ground to the buffer module. Gauge swept to max full.
Typically, yes. For whatever reason though, the OP gauge would "settle" at 40 with key off. Then return to zero with key on, and then adjust to actual OP with engine running. Even now it's sitting on 20 after not running the truck for 2 days. In that picture the MIL and/or the seat belt light are not on. Either one should be illuminated if the (old) engine were running. Plus, you can just barely see the volt gauge. With engine running, it reads dead center. However, the most convincing piece of evidence is, I now remember taking that picture. Garage door shut, engine was off.
Okay. Here's what I confirmed yesterday afternoon. All checks made at the buffer module under the glovebox.
Pin A - 12v with key on; True
Pin B - 5v with key on; True
Pin D - Resistance FROM in tank sender - See below
Pin M - Chassis ground; True
Key OFF resistance at buffer module
From in tank sender - 278 ohm / 0.278 kohm
Feed to cluster gauge - 43.2 ohm
Key ON resistance at buffer module
From in tank sender - 0.00 ohm
Feed to cluster gauge - 0.00 ohm
Also confirmed stepper motor function by cutting the ground to the buffer module. Gauge swept to max full.
Typically, yes. For whatever reason though, the OP gauge would "settle" at 40 with key off. Then return to zero with key on, and then adjust to actual OP with engine running. Even now it's sitting on 20 after not running the truck for 2 days. In that picture the MIL and/or the seat belt light are not on. Either one should be illuminated if the (old) engine were running. Plus, you can just barely see the volt gauge. With engine running, it reads dead center. However, the most convincing piece of evidence is, I now remember taking that picture. Garage door shut, engine was off.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Still working through the fuel gauge issue. I think the next step is checking wires at the tank. To get to them I either need to lift the bed or drop the tank. I'm opting to lift the bed. A lot easier to do that by myself, incrementally. If I take the time to lift the bed, I'm surely going to upgrade the pump. My plan is to order a cheapie Ebay module, then retrofit my AEM 50-1200 into it. So that's on the backburner for now.
In the meantime, I'm working on mounting a cheap Sunpro tach. Thinking right below the headlight switch is a good enough spot. Not exactly "line of sight" but it's an auto trans so I'm not really relying on it for anything other than checking cruise and burnout RPM's.
Picked up some side work on my father in laws Grand Prix. Lower intake gasket, SC coupler, fuel filter, VC gaskets, TB clean, MAF clean, and trans service. Should pay enough to buy the CalTracs, a tonneau cover and some other odds and ends. That starts next week.
Took the truck to pick up dinner tonight. Found a good burnout spot on the way home so I figured I'd give it a shot. Dropped it into 3rd and rolled into it. Tires didn't hop at all, so I stayed in it. NICE cloud of smoke and the smell of burning rubber I've been craving for too long. Ground speed caught up with wheel speed at about 40 and I was outta there. That's what it's all about!
Still working through the fuel gauge issue. I think the next step is checking wires at the tank. To get to them I either need to lift the bed or drop the tank. I'm opting to lift the bed. A lot easier to do that by myself, incrementally. If I take the time to lift the bed, I'm surely going to upgrade the pump. My plan is to order a cheapie Ebay module, then retrofit my AEM 50-1200 into it. So that's on the backburner for now.
In the meantime, I'm working on mounting a cheap Sunpro tach. Thinking right below the headlight switch is a good enough spot. Not exactly "line of sight" but it's an auto trans so I'm not really relying on it for anything other than checking cruise and burnout RPM's.
Picked up some side work on my father in laws Grand Prix. Lower intake gasket, SC coupler, fuel filter, VC gaskets, TB clean, MAF clean, and trans service. Should pay enough to buy the CalTracs, a tonneau cover and some other odds and ends. That starts next week.
Took the truck to pick up dinner tonight. Found a good burnout spot on the way home so I figured I'd give it a shot. Dropped it into 3rd and rolled into it. Tires didn't hop at all, so I stayed in it. NICE cloud of smoke and the smell of burning rubber I've been craving for too long. Ground speed caught up with wheel speed at about 40 and I was outta there. That's what it's all about!
BillBooost37
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Kinda sounds more like your buffer is bluffing you. If the sender wire is reading resistance at the module then the output should not be 0. I think the purpose of the buffer is to not show sloshing in the tank.
Kinda sounds more like your buffer is bluffing you. If the sender wire is reading resistance at the module then the output should not be 0. I think the purpose of the buffer is to not show sloshing in the tank.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
I'm going to pull the circuit board out of the module and jump the "to" and "from" pins. This will feed the gauge directly from the level sender in the tank. How it reacts will either confirm or rule out the buffer as the problem.
Precisely.
I'm going to pull the circuit board out of the module and jump the "to" and "from" pins. This will feed the gauge directly from the level sender in the tank. How it reacts will either confirm or rule out the buffer as the problem.
Precisely.
cheatah faheatah
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
If I take a certain off ramp near me (270*) at high speed, it will trigger low fuel indicator.....even though it more than 1/2 a tank...lol. Need more buffer.
If I take a certain off ramp near me (270*) at high speed, it will trigger low fuel indicator.....even though it more than 1/2 a tank...lol. Need more buffer.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Tachometer is mounted. Will wire it up tomorrow.
Tachometer is mounted. Will wire it up tomorrow.
Below Average Joe
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
I love how basic this truck is.
I love how basic this truck is.
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Me too.
Tach is wired up, and it works.
Maybe took a little longer than it should have, but there's a reason for that. I added pigtails to the "add-a-fuse(s)". Provisions for future gauges. Three on the 12v keyed source tap, and three on the illumination tap. Next time I add a gauge it should be quick and fairly painless.
I had to loosen the inner fender to feed the signal wire from the PCM through the antenna hole and grommet. It's tight in there.... Anyhow, when I did that, a bunch of junk fell out.
Yes, including the bolt. No, I didn't lose it during the swap. Pack rats and previous mechanics, leaving me all kinds of surprises!
Me too.
Tach is wired up, and it works.
Maybe took a little longer than it should have, but there's a reason for that. I added pigtails to the "add-a-fuse(s)". Provisions for future gauges. Three on the 12v keyed source tap, and three on the illumination tap. Next time I add a gauge it should be quick and fairly painless.
I had to loosen the inner fender to feed the signal wire from the PCM through the antenna hole and grommet. It's tight in there.... Anyhow, when I did that, a bunch of junk fell out.
Yes, including the bolt. No, I didn't lose it during the swap. Pack rats and previous mechanics, leaving me all kinds of surprises!
Scottydoggs
Killa Bee
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
looks like a body bushing bolt, or a starter bolt. thats a bit larger then the classic "my car ate my 10 mm socket again"
looks like a body bushing bolt, or a starter bolt. thats a bit larger then the classic "my car ate my 10 mm socket again"
BrandonHall10
Solving problems
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
I thought about doing that.... A lot. Don't really have a solid reason why I didn't. This just seemed quicker and cheaper. Probably not easier.
It surprised me when it hit the floor. That's for sure. I'm thinking alternator or AC compressor because it was on the right side of the engine bay. Either way, not a problem anymore!
I thought about doing that.... A lot. Don't really have a solid reason why I didn't. This just seemed quicker and cheaper. Probably not easier.
It surprised me when it hit the floor. That's for sure. I'm thinking alternator or AC compressor because it was on the right side of the engine bay. Either way, not a problem anymore!
cheatah faheatah
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
Automotive equivalent of the human appendix...lol
Automotive equivalent of the human appendix...lol
BillBooost37
New member
Re: Project LQ4 - V8 S10 - 100% Road legal!!
how's the fuel gauge situation looking?
how's the fuel gauge situation looking?
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