So the last 3 days the old 'velle has been running very, VERY poorly. Choppy idle (stock cam, it's not supposed to be choppy), poor throttle response, and a very dramatic drop in performance. She also has been running about 5 degrees cooler than usual also. As I was letting her warm up this morning I noticed very uneven exhaust pulses (dual exhaust, no X or H-pipe) That is, the drivers side exhaust was noticably slower as compared to the passenger. For some I reason I felt as though it may have something to do with the valves/rockers, also because upon starting her up in the morning you can hear a little tapping goin on. So i pulled off the passenger side valve cover and didn't notice any considerably loose rockers, so i started her up and everything looked good except that the pushrod for the #3 cylinder intake was spinning and none of the others were. Is that weird? Seems weird to me but i just wanted to check. Does this sound like a culprit? Any info is really appreciated!

Yes they do rotate under normal conditions. You say it is runnung cooler than usual, tends to make me think that your not firing on all eight. The Engine isnt creating the heat it normally did. Pull your plug wires one at a time and see if you pull one that "does not" cause a change in the idle. That is the cylinder (or cylinders) that I would be checking first. If number three is is one of them, it may be more than your ignition, but it is a process of elimination, and it would be a good start. Check your plugs carefully also, they can tell you alot. Keep us posted, and good luck!

Yes they are supposed to spin at will. So are the valves. Sounds like a plug wire or spark plug.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jimmy P:
Yes they are supposed to spin at will. So are the valves. Sounds like a plug wire or spark plug.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Valvs are suppose to spin too?? That is news to me, I dont see how.

If you think it is not fireing on all cylenders, and you dont want to get shocked trying to pull off plug wires wile its running, just start it up, let it run for about 15 to 30 seconds and shut it off. Then feel the headers or manifolds, if it is missing that pipe will be cold.

Will

Some engines have valve rotators under the valve springs to rotate the spring and valve.

I wouldn't suggest the "feeling the headers or manifold" method (sorry thr062). An easier and less painful way is to pour a little water on each tube. If the water does not burn off (you'll see steam if it does) then there is you dead cylinder....plug,wire,????

[This message has been edited by CHELKAMINO (edited 12-07-2002).]

[This message has been edited by CHELKAMINO (edited 12-07-2002).]

Bistledink, you can choose which method works best for you. The "feeling the manifold" method could work too, just make sure you get them warm enough but not "too hot" to touch. 10-15 seconds (max) would probably suffice. Only problem is if you have a plug/wire laying down on you, if could fire intermittly, and still warm up "some" making it hard to tell if it's as warm as the others. Just go around and break loose all of your plug boots, and then put them back on, without car running. The rubber on the boots tends to seat to the plugs and make it difficult to pull them off if they've been on for awhile. Get a "good" set of insulated pliers, (they sell em just for this)You dont want to try a "dry breakaway" while it's running and getting hot, (can be a elbow buster).(Most sets of plug wires have a packet of thermal grease to put in the boots to eliminate this). Start the car, and with the insulated pliars pull off one plug "boot" at a time (and replace) till you find the culprit creating a change in the idle. Again, Good Luck!

Sorry,last comment was supposed to read until you find the culprit that "does not" cause a change in the idle"