I'm looking for some help here guys. I recently changed head gaskets on my 89 350 and since then, I can't get the thing to run properly. Lately, she's been backfiring through the TBI and the exhaust. The rockers are tapping a bit. On occassion, I'll hear a loud,sharp, scary popping sound, like something snapping. She idles decently, with some backfire. Once she's put in gear, she sputters and dies.
Is this a valve problem? too tight/loose?
Or a timing problem?
Or both?

Thanks in advance,

Tim Moore

Maybe a little of both. I think you should go back and reset both ign and valves.


Chevota

I had the same problem on my brothers mustang when I changed the rockers, pushrods, lifters, and valve springs.[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif[/img] But I quickly found out that you are suppesed to tighten up the rockers untill the quit ticking and then give them 1/4 of a turn. [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] But it was to late I knocked the timing off and had to reset it B/C it had some backlash from the rockers not being tight enough. This maybe your problem. [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

94 GMC 6" superlift 3" body

Chevota,

Doesn't that sound like a vacuum leak?
Was it doing it before you changed the Intake Gaskets?
If so, are you getting a check engine code?

If it don't fit force it, and if all else fails get a bigger hammer!