Where might I find the fuel pump fuse on the mk3? I'd rather check for this and make sure that's not my problem before I go replacing the fuel filter and/or pump.. also, is this fuse the same thing as the fuel pump relay (which I think is located above the right front wheel well just under the hood?)

Also, what is "normal" oil pressure... this is the first car I've owned where I have a guage for oil pressure and within the two weeks of driving the car, I've noticed it'll go up around 40 psi when I start her up cold... within a few minutes, she's down to 10~12 psi and will build up to 20~25 with engine use/revs... Does this sound normal? too low? Maybe there's something I can check for or do to help keep the pressure up a bit more? Looking at the TSRM, it sounds like i'm running at the minimal threshold for oil pressure, but I also think: "It's nat. aspired... not a turbo, so the pressure shouldn't be towards the high end." but I'm no mechanic... two yrs of HS auto shop (one 9th and other in 12th grade) over a decade ago, I'm not as sharp on the subject as I'd like to be.

Fuse/ OIL PRessure
 

Thanks Bill UK for checking that out for me.

The OIL pressure climbs to about mid scale or 40 PSI when cold which is were it has always been for this model. Rev it up and it goes to maybe 50-60, Hard to tell with these gauges. I am going to install a color after market gauge pod from CDI called the vGauge which will give me more accurate temp and pressure readings. Suction mounts to the windshield.

The fuel pump was disabled by pulling the EFI fuse in the fuse pod. Labeled EFI 15 AMP

My solution tot he dipstick problem was JB WELD. Mixed a little of that and now it don't move. Added a little RTV on top for insurance.

startup update
 

Update on initial start – it was not a dream, car actually starts again!.

Ran it for about 15 minutes to get the thermostat open and get some water circulating. No bubbles in the coolant, no leaks on the asphalt.

Did two separate runs of 2 miles each with a cool down in between. Really smooth, just like it was off the show room floor. Has that nice new engine smell.

Got a few extra bolts left to locate. How many extra bolts do you need to still call it successful rebuild?

dam that came out realy nice man congrats how long did it take u n i bet ur happy ass hell

time
 

Total project was about 2 months working nights

10% Disassembly
15% Assembly
20% Figuring out what to do
55% Cleaning/painting parts

Costs about $1500
50% Machine shop work
30% Parts
10% Cleaners and rags
10% Beer

Things I should have done.

Purchased a high quality rebuild kit - most of my gaskets were cheap paper and I had to repurchase the head gasket,

Tell the shop NOT to paint the head.

Take a lot more pictures on disassembly

Use a lot more plastic bags for bolts and parts – label them with more detail.

Win the lotto so I could have bought more beer.

grats man :D I'm envious... mainly cause my ride is parked w/ a bad fuel pump and I'm not inclined enough to even replace that... let alone rebuild the engine... it came out very perty and clean... sorry to hear about the painted heads :\

so you didnt have to take the head to the machine shop? will the replacement gasket be fine with just taking the block to the machine shop itself? sorry if im jacking your thread but this has been extremely helpful for me. thanks so much

Head Shop
 

No - head was in shop for cleaning and resurface then I took it back once all the valves were removed to do the porting. Then - back to the shop to have the valve seats done, valves installed, and then adjusted with shims. Total machine cost for the head was $450.

You want tot do the porting before the valve seats are done so you don't mess up the seats. Critical since they determine adjustment and timing.

If you really want to do it right and can afford the time - take both head and block to machine shop so both surfaces can be done clean.

Then new head gasket will be fine - remember I used studs and tourqued down to 90 ft-lbs.

and you said the block was 400?

thanks so much for your help