Engine swap troubles
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to share that I completed my first engine swap over the weekend, learned lots, but ran into issues at startup and was hoping someone with expertise can help me out.
I swapped in an engine block from a manual 2011 Mazda 3 (2.0L) into my 2013 (also 2.0, blown engine, auto trans). I was told by the yard and a couple of local mechanics the manual block and auto trans should work no problem.
Everything went well, removed the clutch and plate from the block and replaced with flex plate and torque converter from the auto trans. Note: I did not pre-fill the torque converter prior to install, I was told it is not a must. The engine started and runs super smooth, however, the car will not move. I noticed that the trans fluid level did not get any lower after turning on the car - this leads me to believe that the torque converter is not accepting fluid and is spinning empty - does this make sense?
I've tried:
- removed the trans again and made sure the torque converter is fully seated before reinstalling
- dropped the pan and replaced the trans filter as the fluid was VERY dirty and I thought it could be a clogged filter
- tested the solenoids, all within resistance specs
Questions:
- Does anyone have any experience with auto trans onto a manual block or vice versa?
- Could this be electrical related? the manual had different sensors and it is confusing the ECU?
- Does the car not moving sound like a symptom of an empty torque converter?
Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Reply With Quote
