i too just finished installing rockers

[flamingchicken]

I just finished installing my rockers, but i also put new heads on and everything. heres my problem, it starts up and runs, and drives, but it idles irradically, and when i drive it misses real bad. if i put in in second at like 40 and give it partial throttle it runs smooth, but under a load it misses, ill try to get some video or audio or something. ask as many questions as you need to, i am really bad at giving enough info...

2000 3.8 auto firebird.

[screamin 99]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i would start by scanning for codes and hopefully get a specific cylinder misfire. if not just check your plugs and wires. also make sure the connection to the ICM-ignition control module (this is what your coil packs sit on) is snug.

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

ok, so i would love to get it scanned, but i dont have one, and i cant get it to work (or i dont wanna drive it to work) to get it scanned. kinda sounds like i have a rocker tap, that would cause a misfire, right?

[Archer]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i wouldnt think a valve skipping would cause a misfire
I know on a bike misfire means lack of air, fuel, or spark... valve opening would cause erratic rpms. but as far as misfire, I would do what screamin 99 said. check the obvious. air, fuel, and spark. I know when I did my intake mani (upper/ lower) I didnt get a good connection on my fuel injector, then when I did I didnt get the injector in right, causing a misfire.

as far as codes, I would take it as soon as possible to autozone or where ever to get that checked. it would narrow it down a little better..

I know i didnt answer your question, but it helps.

Archer

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

Thanks. I work for a dealership, so getting it checked wouldnt be a problem, just getting it there without blowing my motor up! lol.

When i say misfire, i mean it studders and stumbles under a load. free rev it sounds okay, but idle, it sounds rough, like a knock. i was test driving it and it missed so bad that the ses light was actually flashing...i cant read the codes without a scanner.

[RadRacer]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

Make sure you got your plug wires on the right cylinders; kinda sounds like my car when I first installed my cam. I mixed up a few wires and the car would idle and sound great, but if you gave it gas, it would stumble and eventually stall.

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i have check that, rechecked it, and then disconnected everything and did it all over again. i even took out my coils to make sure they were connected to the pedestal right... how does everyone change plugs with headers on the car?

[cam98aro]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

im not really sure what you mean when you say it sounds like a rocker tap?

if you are hearing a tapping noise them im willing to bet that you got a bad rocker, or one of your oil passages are clogged, meaning your valve wont be opening up far enough because your lifter is not pumped up.

that will cause a rough idle, and a loss of power feel, but it shouldnt be causing a misfire

how old are your wires? you might have bad ones, i know after i did the intake on my friends rustang it got a horrible misfire because of me taking the wires off, it cracked on the inside. it only did it when the engine was under a heavy load

[Meatyshells]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

did you make sure you got all the pushrods under the rockers?
did you torque the rocker bolts to spec?

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i used intense rocker bolts, and torqued them to 25 ft lbs. tonight i actually pulled both valve covers and checked all of the rockers. i bought some ether and ima make sure i dont have an intake leak later.

BTW i found the tap, it was my coil holder thing gently tapping the valve cover...i hope.

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i took the radiator cap off and it was bubbling, does that mean i have a bad head gasket?

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i found the miss. My buddy came over with his genesis and we watched cyl number 6 miss 118 times in about 6 seconds. the ceramic on one of my plugs was broke, thanks for all the help!

[Archer]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

its always the spark. lol
Glad to hear ya got it taken care of.

[screamin 99]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

so now that the miss is taken care of how do you like the rockers?

[flamingchicken]

Re: i too just finished installing rockers

i nailed it at about 10 mph, it broke loose!! totally impressed. now if i could only get the overheating problem taken care of. Ima put a new radiator in it this week.