Newly rebuilt engine not running well

[badboypolar]

I just finished my rebuild and started it up today and well it runs like crap. I double checked everything and I can not figure out why it is running like it is.

I've replace everything except the lifters, injectors and timing chain. The timing chain looked brand new so I opted not to. Everything else was replaced including bearings and pistons. I also replaced the CPS. Also my oil pressure light is out so I will need to replace it quite soon.

It is having trouble idiling and I have a check engine light on that I will need to check. If I give it some throttle and hold it around 1000 to 1500 rpm it seems to run okay but is still a little rough. I can also hear a loud ticking sound that comes from the valve cover however it gets louder as the RPM's climb.

:confused:

[kowalski]

shoulda done the chain as well. lifters, did you mark each one as to its original position? also did you soak them upside down in oil for a few hours before installing them?

[badboypolar]

I did not soak each lifter in oil upside down. This would probably be the loud lifter tick huh? I also did not mark each position they where in. A big over site on my part during tear down.

Would would be causing my killer idle and generally running rough?

[2002maniac]

Would would be causing my killer idle and generally running rough?

probably a vacuum leak.  double check all the hoses and connections

[Tonyb]

Cam's not in time?

[stuartgallafant]

i didnt mark where my lifters came from either. although, i wouldnt mind getting some newer lighter ones when my engine goes bac together

its very unforetunate that you're experiencing this. as said, it sounds like a vacuum leak. is all the pre-engine side ok? eg, intake manifold (i think in the US they're called headers?)

dodgy AFM or ICV?

[badboypolar]

I was thinking it could be the ICV but I will check for vacumm leaks first. I'm pretty sure the cams are in time.

[badboypolar]

I'm debating whether or not to redo the lifter and cam install. It's a lot of work but that tick is so loud it's almost like the valve is hitting. I'll check the cam timing again but I set those are dead 0 so I don't think it's those unless one of them sliped.

I think my vacumm leak is coming from the bulk head so I'll have to fix that also.

And I'm leaking oil from the front timing cover, and of course I can't see where because the A\C is in the way.

This car is the biggest rebuild ever. I had no idea when I bought it that there was so much wrong with this thing inside the engine bay. I've had to replace damn near everything. On the outside it's cherry looking and the inside is quite nice also except two dash cracks. I don't think I've ever been more frustrated with a car.

[2002maniac]

I think it is normal to have a few issues with a project like this.  You'll be very happy once you get it sorted.

[e9nine]

I think it is normal to have a few issues with a project like this.  You'll be very happy once you get it sorted.

..and don't cut corners. Also be VERY PATIENT with such missions.

[badboypolar]

Well I found a couple of issues so far. The idle valve was installed backwards so air was going the wrong way and the coolant temp (ECM) and oil pressure were plugged in wrong. That cleared the check engine light, however it is still running quite rough and doesn't idle correctly. It also doesn't start correctly and requires roughly 15 tries before it will rough idle. I checked the timing and it looks okay. I am going to zero the timing out again and check the lifters and torque on the cam caps.

I will not cut any corners as this is going to be my race motor so I can not afford to do anything less than perfect. I am just being impatient since it's been two months since I got it and it hasn't run correctly since before I bought it, so I'm a little anxious to get it running.

[nickmpower]

i feel your pain

[Shocker]

Well I found a couple of issues so far. The idle valve was installed backwards so air was going the wrong way and the coolant temp (ECM) and oil pressure were plugged in wrong. That cleared the check engine light, however it is still running quite rough and doesn't idle correctly. It also doesn't start correctly and requires roughly 15 tries before it will rough idle. I checked the timing and it looks okay. I am going to zero the timing out again and check the lifters and torque on the cam caps.

I will not cut any corners as this is going to be my race motor so I can not afford to do anything less than perfect. I am just being impatient since it's been two months since I got it and it hasn't run correctly since before I bought it, so I'm a little anxious to get it running.

Kind of a dumb question but are all your spark plug wires hooked correctly?

[romkasponka]

I just finished my rebuild and started it up today and well it runs like crap. I double checked everything and I can not figure out why it is running like it is. :confused:

You can try to reset ECU. My engine was working like yours when lambda sensor was dead..

[Alpine003]

The timing chain looked brand new so I opted not to.

This is a nice quote, that's all I'll say.