[John]

Last Fall I spun 180 deg. at my last DE event of the year, and while I believe I got the clutch in before the car started going backward, it all happened so fast I can't be sure. Anyway, I did two more runs and drove the 250 miles to my home without incident, and without thinking about potential damage. The only issue I noticed since was the engine being reluctant to idle, and nearly stalling if I feed gas, for up to a minute or so following a cold start, after which performance seems normal. Before having a chance to look into this, I had to store it for the long winter.

With Spring approaching, I'm starting to think about this again. My question: can bad things happen if the engine is forced to turn backward? Or, since I was in 2nd gear, is it more likely the rear tires weren't rotating, just skidding? I'm wondering if there are things I should look for or have checked before this year's first DE event (the possibility of the timing belt having jumped a tooth comes to mind, but maybe that would have a more noticeable effect).

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

i've spun a LOT of cars, frequently on purpose, and never damaged engine internals - lots of other stuff broken, but never engine internals



if the engine was running when you went backward, then i find it hard to imagine any damage to the internals



your idling problem is more likely a control issue

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Mark]

Idle Stabilizer Valve?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[banditsc]

Seems logical if it the car was spinning some debris at the bottom of the tank could have gotten kicked up and sucked into the fuel system. Possibly fuel filter or beyond there. Throw a fuel pressure gauge on it and watch the fuel pressure when the engine is running rough.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[RS Barn]

I would check timing belt and cam timing to be 100% sure nothing happened there. You need to make sure flywheel mark is centered (underneath) and cam gear lines up with pointer. That way you know everything is alligned at Firing TDC.

Pete

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[John]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.