Running Lean?
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Running Lean?
I have a little issue-now turning into a big issue.
My 302 has always run superb! Now it's got a little power/torque issue. It happens when I'm going up a hill. It starts up it just fine (Manual trans) then ~5 sec or so after I start up it, it starts ticking and loses some power instantly. I usually have to end up slowing to ~40, sometimes it slooowly gains a little power back, but usually never back up to what it should have.
I have a developed problem now where the #8 cylinder makes a tick sound all the time. It's more of a gassy exhaust sound and it can be heard through the tailpipe too. (Dual exhaust H pipe with headers) That #8 spark plug was loose for a couple days, but i found it, tightened it, then the spark plug fouled, and the entire electrode from the sparkplug was missing when i pulled it. The prong was burned/melted down a bit. I replaced it, and the new one is fine, but very oily already. All the other ones are very dry and hot looking. I think it runs lean in general, but the piston rings are bad on #8 (Causing the oily plug)? I also think exhaust valve is messed up on #8 (causing the sound).
I also have low pressure in-tank fuel-pump issues. I think I have too lean of a mixture, possibly due to low fuel pressure... Just a side note.
One thing I've always loved about my engine is it has always run strong and fired right up, without a hesitation or spit/sputter or any hint of weakness-ever. Now it has been slower to start. (Batt is fine) but it cranks for longer than normal. Just recently it has started this bad habit of dying on the road. If I'm under power, it will die and then the wheels turning (manual trans) will kick start the engine right back up. If I've got the clutch in, or it in nuetral it will die, like i turned the key off. Then it wont start right back up, but I have to let it sit for ~1min, then it fires again.
New plugs
New wires
New distr cap
New distr rotor
I am replacing fuel filter and possibly O2 sensor next.
Any thoughts or tricks to try before I set to tearing down my motor?
Thanks
My 302 has always run superb! Now it's got a little power/torque issue. It happens when I'm going up a hill. It starts up it just fine (Manual trans) then ~5 sec or so after I start up it, it starts ticking and loses some power instantly. I usually have to end up slowing to ~40, sometimes it slooowly gains a little power back, but usually never back up to what it should have.
I have a developed problem now where the #8 cylinder makes a tick sound all the time. It's more of a gassy exhaust sound and it can be heard through the tailpipe too. (Dual exhaust H pipe with headers) That #8 spark plug was loose for a couple days, but i found it, tightened it, then the spark plug fouled, and the entire electrode from the sparkplug was missing when i pulled it. The prong was burned/melted down a bit. I replaced it, and the new one is fine, but very oily already. All the other ones are very dry and hot looking. I think it runs lean in general, but the piston rings are bad on #8 (Causing the oily plug)? I also think exhaust valve is messed up on #8 (causing the sound).
I also have low pressure in-tank fuel-pump issues. I think I have too lean of a mixture, possibly due to low fuel pressure... Just a side note.
One thing I've always loved about my engine is it has always run strong and fired right up, without a hesitation or spit/sputter or any hint of weakness-ever. Now it has been slower to start. (Batt is fine) but it cranks for longer than normal. Just recently it has started this bad habit of dying on the road. If I'm under power, it will die and then the wheels turning (manual trans) will kick start the engine right back up. If I've got the clutch in, or it in nuetral it will die, like i turned the key off. Then it wont start right back up, but I have to let it sit for ~1min, then it fires again.
New plugs
New wires
New distr cap
New distr rotor
I am replacing fuel filter and possibly O2 sensor next.
Any thoughts or tricks to try before I set to tearing down my motor?
Thanks