Ok to start I've been tuning, racing, and wrenching on cars (mostly domestic) for about 7 years now... so I'm not "new" to things... just new to the DSM world. I bought a 95 eclipse RS (n/t) with a 2.0L engine out of a Talon. Anyways... I'm having some major computer issues or wiring issues.

Ok... so we (My boy and me) install the engine... timing is great, everything is hooked up, sensors are working... everything... so we start it... runs like a champ!
Go to drive it... forgot to tighten a control arm bolt... so we cut the car off... and tighten it... car doesn't start back up...
NOT GETTING A "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT at all while turning the key now!

So, figured it was the ECM... Called CritesCores.com out of FL and had them overnight me an ECM... install it, and the "SERVICE ENGINE" light comes right back on, check all sensors and fluids... perfect... start it up! PERFECT, sounds great and runs smooth... a little blueish white smoke outta the muffler but figured it must have been from a few non starts on the old ECM.

**TEST DRIVE TIME**

Well get out on the road, everything is running fine, speed is great, shifting well, everything. Stop to get some gas and the car acts like it wants to die on me. Recovers just fine and I fill up and leave heading back, well the engine starts to tick slightly and jerk about irradically. I look and the TEMP is almost on "H" so I stop immediatly and let it cool down. Limp it up to the parking lot near my buddy's barracks. Next day go to autozone to get a thermostat but it seems way to big with the rubber gasket to work. I'm blowing out nothing but cold air... and the thermostat doesn't fit!!!@!#@!
Finally start it back up, the belts are starting to screech a bit, especially the ALT belt... I slowly rev the engine manually with the TB and the car dies... Not a big deal, but NOW I'm not getting that "SERVICE ENGINE" light again... and nothing is starting, I mean it's turning over, just not starting... I'm BEYOND BAFFLED!!! PLEASE HELP!!!

PS Sorry for the book that I just wrote I just want anyone helping to understand all aspects of what's going on.

RUSTY~

The plugs are gapped correctly, sparking and arching!
My fuel pressure is perfect, actually I'm sitting at 42PSI
I don't have the tools avail. to do a compression test right now, and since the "SERVICE ENGINE" light still isn't coming on I can't run any diognostics...

I called the company I got the other ECM from and they are overnighting me a new one at no charge. So I hope all goes well and it works this time... I still have to get a new thermostat...

Not sure what's going on with the belt, bone dry, too tight maybe? Too loose?

Thanks for the input thus far, keep it comng!

Actually you can pull the stored codes and run diagnostics (the keydance) even if the CEL isn't on.

You really should have a mechanic perform a compression and leakdown test to check your headgasket.

I can't do the "keydance" either... because the CEL doesn't come on AT ALL... not even when you put the key in at first, I mean NEVER! Any suggestions...

Welcome to the Family?

better than some... Greater than most

I have a scanner but for some reason it will not connect... it says "error in linking"
I believe it is because the CEL is not present for any reason!

CEL doesn't necessarily have to be active (lit) to do the keydance. Search the wiki for keydance and you'll get all the instructions. It's worth a shot.

Oil in the coolant overflow tank?

Compression tester is about $30 at Autozone, by the way. It's an essential tool any mechanic should own, imo.

Where are you located? Perhaps there is a 2GNT vet in your area who might have time to stop over.

What thhedawg said.

I'm located in San Diego, CA... but the car is on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in area 24. I'll look into the keydance a little further... also into a compression tester this weekend and I'll keep everyone updated.