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View Full Version : My turn to ***** and whine...DRB


243
04-24-2002, 12:28 AM
I can handle the weaving due to a bad steering box, I can handle the washboard ride due to bad shocks, springs and bushings, I can deal with the water leaks when it rains, I can deal deal with the windows that won't roll up and down due to bad window channels...

But I'll tell you what is killing me, the whole **** truck shakes when idling in drive and it is running rich as hell.

I fixed a bunch of vacuum leaks a few weeks ago and the truck was awesome. But then a few vacuum leaks returned. I re-adjusted the idle mixture and it does not seem to help, at least like it did previously. I was getting 22Hg vacuum and I am now around 18Hg. It sure points to another vacuum leak but I have not found it, yet.

I have not checked the EGR valve which is not hooked up, but, is it a possible source of a vacuum leak?

Second problem, running rich at idle. Not a little, a LOT and there is no way in hell I'll pass the emission test in the next couple of weeks...it's bad.

Along with the TFI upgrade, I have a Holley 300Z intake manifold and an Edelbrock 1406. I have recently replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil (MSD Blaster). Last night, I chocked the wheels, started the motor and put it in drive. I then grounded each spark plug by piercing the plug boot at the distributor to see if any plugs were not firing. #3 did not seem to show a change in idle so I switch the #1 and #3 wires, #1 dropped idle speed dropped when grounded but #3 didn't. Common sense tells me that the #3 wire was not bad but it was not getting enough spark through the distributor. I am not sure if a distributor can halfway fail, I pulled the cap and rotor and it appears to be a magnetic pickup system. All of the pieces are intact although the star piece on the distributor was dirty/rusty.

Will a magnetic pickup be affected by the dirty contact area on the star mounted to the distributor shaft?

I am out of money for a while, but I am thinking that a new distributor may be good insurance. I am contemplating an MSD6 box but only if the benefit will show at idle. I will probably have to pull the intake and put new gaskets under it and check for cracks.

Believe me, I'm not looking for sympathy...on the other hand, if you have advice on the distributor or the MSD6 box ect. let me know.

Erix Jeep
04-24-2002, 12:33 AM
Sounds like you are hitting all the likely culprits! Have you checked the accel pump and/or the power valve? Your rich running problem could be due to either of these having a hole/crack in the diaphragm.

On the MSD box, I used to have one on a chevy and LOVED it!

Jeepzilla
04-24-2002, 12:40 AM
The other way to get rich mixtures is to have restricted air flow. Your carb might be fine. Check your air cleaner snorkel for malfunctioning damper doors. They are all vacuum operated,but do wear out. May also be the source of your mysterious vacuum leaks.

Don S
04-24-2002, 04:04 AM
243.....""I have not checked the EGR valve which is not hooked up, but, is it a possible source of a vacuum leak?"" ...Yes it is vacuum controled and effects the emissions....AS far as getting a leagal insp. sticker..... in Houston......Let us all bow our heads and repeat after me..
:eek: .....Isn't the Houston sticker going to be tuffer in a few days?? I hope your rig is a Q-Track...Work on the vacuum leaks.....good luck.......ds..

jeepbob
04-24-2002, 04:30 AM
Your #3 plug may be fouled due to any number of reasons which will cause the rich smell and explain why switching the plug wires did not help. It will also explain the drop in vac. You may even have a bad plug. To check your dizzy, grab the rotor shaft and see if it has side to side play, if it does there is your culprit. Also check for a cracked cap.

243
04-24-2002, 05:13 AM
Erix~

I haven't doinked with the carb other than idle mixture...it is one of the new additions to the Jeep. I will certainly look at he manual and check the valves you refer to.

Jeepzilla~

Basic open element air filter. I do put the factory housing back on for inspections.

Don~

EGR is on the vehicle but the vacuum source is unplugged...plugged back in for inspections.

jeepbob~

I will check the spark plug next.

Rogue
04-24-2002, 11:15 AM
sounds like your float could be stuck open, i wood check compression on #3 cylinder also