new here but always browsed these pages and see a lot of useful info here.so heres my issue i rebuilt my 22re 4cyl 1992. top end and bottom all redone. bored.new pistons, bearings, valves, etc. all redone. upgraded cam as well. header to. so since we fired it up once it was back in i had this popping sound in the exhaust. like a sputter now and then, but only at idle. so i have about 500 miles on it now. still does it. idles smooth then a sputter.smooth then sputter. i think avalve is sticking or out of adjustment. so i check for exhaust leaks and found none. an i did the papertowel at the tailpipe trick and it does suck into the tailpipe each time it sputters. so its a valve right? prob just needs adjustment? maybe to tight? i doubt its bent or anything but i guess its possible? i was going to have the valves adjusted at 1000 miles. so if it is just out of adjustment will driving it cause worse issues? piston damage? again its only at idle. driving it there is no problem at all. i beleive maybe timing may have to be adjusted alittle also. i planned on a show this sunday and will prob go about 300 miles round trip. but i dont want to mess anything up worse.
any info i appreciate it. thanks.

 

When you get to 1000 miles, check and retorque the head bolts, and then readjust the valves.

 

thats exactly what i was going to do. i just dont want to mess anything else up and make more work, OR have to pull that head off again!
any other suggestions let me know.

 

You can always check and readjust the valves now, just to play it safe. But when you have the head retorqued you will need to have the valves readjusted again.

 

would a aftermarket cam cause this?

 

bump. looking for any other info.
thanks for any suggestions, this whole thing is a bit of a pain and aggravation. after a rebuild i thought i wouldnt have issues.

 

took the valve cover off to day. checked the valves out. bumped the key a few times and made the came turn a few times. nothing unusual nor did an valves stick up.