engine not running right

vtec this · Post by **vtec this** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:17 am

i recently put my engine in, after replacing the rod bearing. i did not have to split it to replace it. the engine ran fine until the other day. the pistons were hitting the heads. i guess it was because the head spacers "crushed" and lowered the head height more than i wanted. i used a caliper to figure out deck height before reassembly (.027), then i added 030 head spacers. that should have given me sufficient spacing, but appearantly it did not. so, last night i remove the engine and heads and install another head spacer to bump the head space to 060, reassemble the engine, install it, and it still runs like it is firing on three cylinders. i was wondering if anyone can diagnose this problem. also, i have a plug in the number 2 carb where there used to be lead...it popped out, and fuel drained everywhere, that is when it started running bad. i also am wondering if this plug is in too deep, and is causing insufficient amounts of fuel to be delivered to the cylinder? they are dual 44 idf's. thanks
mike

2332 baja · Post by **2332 baja** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:11 pm

First have you checked for the usual problems.
Clogged idle jets
Vacuum leaks at the carb/intake, & intake/head gaskets

If so, try screwing the idle mixture screws in one at a time and see if one doesn't affect the idle. If so, you found the problem cylinder. Now, is that the cylinder that uses the repaired portion of the carb? If so, that could definitely be your problem. If not, double check your plug wire routing, clogged idle jets, and especially vacuum leaks (spray wd40 around the gaskets and wait a minute to see if it idles up. If none of this reveals a problem you could always switch the carbs and see if the problem follows the carb or stays with the cylinder.

Also, do you hear a leak (kinda like an exhaust leak) when the engine is idling or revved? If so, you may have a leak around one of the head gaskets.

I'm sure there are other things but it's late and that's all I have for now. Good luck and let us know what you find.

2332 baja · Post by **2332 baja** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:12 pm

O,,, almost forgot an obvious one. Double check your valve/rocker adjustments. One could have backed off causing a valve not to open properly.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:07 pm

right on the money about all of those things. the repaired part that i put the silicone plug in had sucked up a piece of silicone. it is the part at the bottom of the float bowl where fuel is pulled into the jet stack. i blew it out, and put the carb back on, it fired up and ran great. only other thing is that there is a vacuum leak somewhere. i have to do the wd-40 thing. also, it is time to adjust the valves. i think i am also having some ignition problems too.
thanks. i will keep you informed about its progress.

thanks-mike