Ca18det Issues

[authentic-acet]

I just picked up a s13 hatch with a ca18det. It needs lots of work and the previous owner needs to get shot and then some. I'm in the process of repairing the hacked up harness and downloaded a manual. Slowly I'm finding my way around and getting accustomed to the setup. I have a few questions though:

1.) Driving home from Columbia in 5th gear, the car wouldn't build more than 4psi of boost and then felt like it was cutting off. It was rather gentle but was sputtering so I had to downshift to 4th in order to accelerate. What could that be?

2.) The car has a hidden source that drains the battery overnight. I'm still in the process of locating it but: The day I picked up the car, the electronics worked in it, all except speedometer. Now I jump start the car and it starts perfectly fine but zero of electronics work. No headlights, blinkers, windows, heater, speedo, tach, gauges. Nothing. What would that be?

Thanks a lot for all the input.

[comatoseculture]

That sounds like a serious electrical hack job. What could be wrong is the previous owner made life hard for you. Pin pointing the problem is near impossible without being there. Best of Luck to you in finding a electrical expert locally to help you.

[authentic-acet]

Man you're telling me. Since I don't have the money to pay people, I guess I'll have to become a wiring guru myself.

The guy also disconnected most of the plugs on the transmission, I'm guessing the middle two to bypass the governor but that's so stupid.

[comatoseculture]

indeed. Best of luck to you, and for sure arm yourself with the FSM and anything else. There are def. people on here that can help, should you have a specific issue. I'll help if I can. GL

[CA18Magic]

I just picked up a s13 hatch with a ca18det. It needs lots of work and the previous owner needs to get shot and then some. I'm in the process of repairing the hacked up harness and downloaded a manual. Slowly I'm finding my way around and getting accustomed to the setup. I have a few questions though:

1.) Driving home from Columbia in 5th gear, the car wouldn't build more than 4psi of boost and then felt like it was cutting off. It was rather gentle but was sputtering so I had to downshift to 4th in order to accelerate. What could that be?

2.) The car has a hidden source that drains the battery overnight. I'm still in the process of locating it but: The day I picked up the car, the electronics worked in it, all except speedometer. Now I jump start the car and it starts perfectly fine but zero of electronics work. No headlights, blinkers, windows, heater, speedo, tach, gauges. Nothing. What would that be?

Thanks a lot for all the input.

Crap man that sucks. Did you not know all of this before buying it? Test drive etc?