i missed a ground on the thermostat housing. the fuel pump works now. however (I haven't yet set the timing), when i turn the car on the RPM's go WAY up, even if my foot's not on the pedal.

and there's a loud knock in the engine that was there before i did the head gasket. piston slap maybe?

any idea why the RPM's go up? what can i do about the knock?