OK, I followed the instuctions to back-flush the heater core from the water pump and everything seemed to go perfect. While I was at it I also flushed some coolant from the block - I followed the ALTERNATE procedure from Shoebox's "Coolant Flush and Fill." I removed the thermostat, reconnected everything and ran the hose from the radiator. Again, all went well.

The problem is now after everything is reconnected, when i start my car it will not run under 2k RPM. At first there was a strong odor when i started it but that has since left. I dont recognize the smell.

I am thinking maybe some coolant splashed onto the opti? Is that why it will not idle? Ideas please!

 

Probably something disconnected or not on right. Check the intake elbow to make sure you got it on without crimping the bottom.

 

Another vote for the elbow not being on right.

 

Really? I have the elbow off so i can easily look for any leaks from the water pump. I thought the only problem with that was that i was bypassing the air filter.

I am actually back at school now so unfortunately it will be two weeks before i can work on it again. Thanks for info.

 

Also, I ran it a couple of times like this (keeping it at 2000 - 2500 RPM)...the longest being about 10-15 seconds. All the while the bleeder screws were open but no coolant ever came out. So there's either a whole lot of air in the system or the coolant is not being circulated???

 

You're also bypassing the MAF sensor when you remove the elblow. So basically the cars computer isn't getting the right air flow information and it's trying to correct for the false error.

You should be getting coolant out of the bleeder valve. When I flushed my radiator it did not take long at all before fluid starting coming out. Did you remember to also fill the overfill tank to the correct level?