mbomberz1

I just got done putting new valve cover gaskets on, hooked everything back up related to the plenum and vacuum lines. Started it up, ran good. This is with no fluid/radiator and timing belt exposed. This was a quick test because it sounded a little rough inside the timing belt cover before the work began, so we checked for the noise when it was opened up. Seemed fine. and processed to install the new belt.

I am 99.99999% sure the timing is set right. I have reset and tested it multiple times. Marked it all. Everything is TDC, at 0, not 180 off. Turned the crank multiple times, still centered. Starting it up, idles rough and wants to die. Able to rev it up nice but it drops down and idles real rough at 500 and eventually dies. Keep in mind these are short tests because the radiator isnt in.

- it idled fine before we changed the timing belt, after the valve cover gasket swap. Which would make you think the timing is now off after changing it right? It just cant be..I dont know how many more times i can recheck it.

- Have checked and rechecked all the vacuum lines, cant find anything missing or connected wrong. Altho it does remind me of a vacuum leak, the way its idling. Like when you remove your oil cap when its running.

Here are some pictures. Maybe you see something i dont, i can take more if needed.





Thanks for taking a look!

thook

This is probably real simple. Um.....without coolant, the idle air valve isn't working and you're going to have a bad idle. It needs coolant flow and temperature to open or close. OH! And, not to mention, the coolant sensor.....even more important. Yes, without coolant your engine is going to run badly.

mbomberz1

Thanks for your reply. It turned out to be a stupid mistake, the new gasket between the throttle body and plenum had slipped down and was dangling by one of the top bolts, so it part of it was blocking the air flow, while also causing a vacuum leak where the seal wasn't between the two. Also got it all back together, and its running fine agian. Thanks for your suggestion!

thook

Okay then.