Valves / timing won't stay set

[Chevk587]

Ok guys I did a new head gasket on my 87 k5 ran good then all of a sudden it was like the timing went out or valves out of adjustment no power rough running smells really rich . Re adjusted the valves while engine running got way better sounded/ran normal noticed it took a really long time for oil to come up to the valves thought it was weird . It sat for about a week came back started back to same problem. I'm thinking it could be an oil issue but even when I let it sit and run nothing is getting better still rough and rich not sure what's going on thought I would ask and see if anyone has had a similar issue.

 

[76k5blazerr]

Did you prime the oil pump before you fired the engine for the first time?

 

[Chevk587]

Did you prime the oil pump before you fired the engine for the first time?

Yes it ran like a champ why would be the cause maybe I didn't do it long enough?

 

[76k5blazerr]

You are supposed to do it for 2-3 mins on full speed of your drill. I don't see that really affecting the way the motor runs though. Did the motor have good oil psi when it was running good? Have you verified that you are not a tooth off with the distributer? Have you checked the timing with a light? Choke not stuck on? Always gotta check the simple stuff first.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Did you have to tighten down the rockers? The locking nuts are only good for a couple uses, after that they don't lock as well.

 

[Chevk587]

Did you have to tighten down the rockers? The locking nuts are only good for a couple uses, after that they don't lock as well.

When I readjusted I loosened them the readjusted nothing was loose I'm concerned about how long the oil is taking to get to the top end is that normal ?

 

[Chevk587]

You are supposed to do it for 2-3 mins on full speed of your drill. I don't see that really affecting the way the motor runs though. Did the motor have good oil psi when it was running good? Have you verified that you are not a tooth off with the distributer? Have you checked the timing with a light? Choke not stuck on? Always gotta check the simple stuff first.

Oil pressure is good , timing was right when I set it the first time haven't rechecked since the problem reoccurred.

 

[toomany]

Is the distributor clamp tight? Were all the rockers loose or just a few?

 

[Chevk587]

Is the distributor clamp tight? Were all the rockers loose or just a few?

I think I see where your going no none were loose if anything tight if they weren't getting oil they would be loose . I'll check the clamp tomorrow and timing.

 

[blazer74]

Did u verify the gasket(s) had all the correct holes.?
Intake gaskets correct?
TBI base gasket?
If the valves weren't staying-adjusted they would be making noise.
You could go back and line all up and restab the distributor. Don't forget to disconnect and reconnect the single timing advance wire to the computer while setting timing.
It was fine before so research your parts and your steps. Wouldn't hurt to check fuel pressure.

 

[Chevk587]

Did u verify the gasket(s) had all the correct holes.?
Intake gaskets correct?
TBI base gasket?
If the valves weren't staying-adjusted they would be making noise.
You could go back and line all up and restab the distributor. Don't forget to disconnect and reconnect the single timing advance wire to the computer while setting timing.
It was fine before so research your parts and your steps. Wouldn't hurt to check fuel pressure.

Thanks guys I'll get back to you
It's just weird the oil takes so long to come up

 

[toomany]

I've had the clamp come loose before. Timing stayed mostly correct. But when the rpm's would come up, the distributor would ride up the came gear and loose contact with the oil pump drive.

 

[rayfin]

How old is this engine???

 

[Chevk587]

How old is this engine???

Ok update for everyone found the problem yesterday I pulled the air cleaner off went to reach for the distributor bumped somthing and it ran fine so I looked around and found a bad wire at one of the injectors ! Usually somthing stupid lol glad I found it . It was driving me crazy!