My truck started running really rough a few weeks ago. I started checking things and did a compression check and found out I had 0 psi on #1. So I checked the valves and the were out of adjustment, the intake side was not closing. I adjusted it and rechecked compression and I had between 170 and 175 on all cyl. So I put it back together and it ran fine for about 3 days. Then it happened again! So I readjusted them again thinking maybe I had a brain fart and forgot to tighten down the locknut? Put it back together and it ran great again, and today I drove it to work and about half way here it started running rough again, I pulled over to look and pulled off the #1 plug wire and its missing on that cyl again!!! I drove the rest of the way on 3 cyl. Tonight when I get home I'll check compression again but I'm almost sure its the valves again.

This is a 22re engine. Valve adjustment was set from FSM.

Any ideas why its getting out of adjustment?

 

the adjuster is wore out maybe?

get it real clean and try some loctite.

 

Have you found the adjuster loose when you go back in to check it? Next time you're in there, pull the adjusting screw and lock nut completely off and examine the threads. Also, check the threads on the rocker arm. My guess is that they are stripped somewhere. If that's not the case, I don't think loctite is going to help anything.

If the threads are good, and the adjuster is not coming loose, you have a problem with that valve; valve guide; and/or the valve seat.

 

Okay, I just figured it out. First thing I did was recheck the compression and it was still at 170 in each cylinder. So while I'm scratching my head I notice a crack in one of the spark plugs. I replaced them all and it runs great again. Still doesn't explain how the one valves came loose but I'll have to wait and see if it starts running rough again. Hopefully I really did just not tighten that one valve enough...

 

How did the plugs look? Any build up on them? Are they all the same color? Good luck with the valve adjuster. Let us know what happens with it.

 

The adjuster is a 'pointed' screw that contacts the valve stem. if the valve stem is pitted from the adjusting screw pecking at it, you are trying to adjust a screw into a pitted surface but your feeler gauge is flat and doesn't go into that pitted surface.

 

And it happened again.... The plugs look fine. #1 is a little wet cause its miss firing but otherwise okay. That "pointed" screw is actually flat... and it looks good too, so so the threads. I took the set screw all the way out and I can barely fit a feeler gauge under it now? I'm staring to think the valve seat is coming out. Its only the intake side doing this. Once I was at a u pull it ant saw a 22re engine that had the #1 valve seat break to pieces and locked up the engine. I'm thinking this might be the next one I get to see...

 

That is quite an interesting issue you got going on there...keep us updated on this.

 

Well guys, I pulled the engine this weekend. I was right about the valve seat. pulled the #1 intake valve and the seat came out with it! There is no visible damage but the seat somehow came out of the head. I am taking some pictures of this and I'll post them up later.

 

(clearing throat) I believe I mentioned the valve seat first? Ha Ha, just kidding.

I'm glad you found the problem, but I'm sorry it was something as major as the valve seat. At least there wasn't any other damage to anything.

 

Here are a few pics.








And here a couple of the new truck that I just finished putting a 350 in!

 

Well this is turning into a total rebuild... I just ordered a new head, a master rebuild kit, with head bolts, oil and water pump, timing cover, chain, exhaust studs, and rebuilt fuel injectors. Pistons are .030 over and the mains and rods are both .010 under.

I'm going to try and remember to take a lot of pics for everyone.

 

Very, very weird. Explains why you lost compression, but adjusting valve lash shouldn't have had an effect...

Interesting pictures, happy rebuild!

 

Well I've gotten started on the rebuild. I'm just doing a little each night, between work and school I don't have a lot of free time. Here are some pics.
The truck

Main bearings installed

New pistons/rings .75 over

Installed

New timing cover/water pump/oil pump

New head

New head bolts

Head on


My helper

I'm going to try and get some more done tomorrow night. I'm hoping to have it back in the truck this weekend.

 

Everything's looking good! Looks like you've got a great helper.

BTW, the truck with the 350 in it and the insane-o-lift: BITCHIN! That's all I can say. I'm so jealous that I don't have a truck that I could run over cars with! LOL That would just about put a stop to any traffic problems.

 

very nice

 

Well done indeed.

 

Subscribed!

Great work and pics. and that 350 project looks baaaad. Pretty insane lift for IFS (am I right?). What did you do there? Maybe you should start a seprate build thread on that to show what you did

 

The ext. cab has a 4" suspension lift and a 3" body lift. Had to have the body lift to clear the drive train. The tires are 35x16's. It sits really tall though. My Jeep has 5" suspension and 3" body (Another 350...) and is on 36x13 TSL's and the bottom of the ext. cab is higher. I need to get some more pics of these things. I don't ever remember to take pics when I'm building them. I will try this weekend.

 

Here are a few pics of what I got done tonight.
Oil pan installed




New exhaust studs

Rebuilt fuel injectors

Lower intake

The paint scheme