stanleywatson

I totally rebuild this engine. I adjusted the rockers the right way( 18-22 ft lbs) But when I start the engine, it doesn't seem to run on 8 cylinders.
New sparkplugs and wires.
It seems that the left side of the engine ( hearing from the exhaust) is not running well. It won't idle at all.
The No1 at TDC and put the distributor in ( No1 sparkplug wire at 1 o'clock)
It's turning anticlockwise. Vacuum of distributor I put on the carb.
While running I turned the distributor, but it didn't get any better. At least, not that it would run smoothly.
Maybe not important, but the engine has "Dove" cylinderheads.
Anyone any suggestions? I also thought maybe I put the distributor 180 degrees wrong, but then it wouldn't run, would it?

Rlzegers

Paul will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm a little confused. Can you explain the process you used for adjusting the rockers? What type of valve lifter are you using, hydraulic or solid? Is it a flat tappet style or roller? I suspect the valves weren't adjusted properly because the rocker arms aren't tightened to a specific torque as they are adjusted one by one for the proper lash. If you have non adjustable style rockers there could be a pushrod length issue. If there isn't enough lash it could cause the symptoms you describe.

Hope we can help.

Ron

stanleywatson

Hello. The lifters are hydraulic. I marked the crankshaft pulley with A,B,C which I found in the manual. On A, adjust cylinder in or exhaust ... I turned the nut unto the shoulder
and then torqued it to 18-22 ft lbs.

stanleywatson

Additional info.

I removed the sparkplugs and I noticed that 3 from the left bank looked
like new. The 4 on the right bank are showing signs of combustion.
The resistance of the wires are ok.
So it has to be a fuelproblem I think. I didn't mentioned it runs on LPG.
I cranked the engine with the valvecovers off and it looks ok. The funny thing is that it's the left side which is giving the problem. So I don't think it
has nothing to do with the pushrods.
So I'm a bit stuck.

Rlzegers

So when you cranked the engine it sounded normal? What I mean is did it sound like there was even compression pressure on all cylinders while cranking? If it sounds even (although a compression check would be much more accurate) it likely isn't a valve train problem, and fuel is definite possibility. I have no experience with LPG so I'm not much help there either. If you have a timing light you might check the cylinders that don't seem to be firing. That should tell you whether it's a fuel or ignition problem.

Good luck

Ron

stanleywatson

When I cranked the engine, it sounded pretty normal. No ticks an clicks.
Today I'm doing a compression test, but I think ( hope) that will be ok.
If that's ok, I will try to run it on normal fuel. But 3 like new sparkplugs
on one side, seems a little strange to me.
I will let you know.

Rlzegers

Please do. I'm really curious. Good luck!

Paul Kane

yes, start with a compression check and confirm that the internal engine components are giving cylinder pressure readings that are even and as you expect them to be. Once that is confirmed, you can look to spark and fuel.

Paul

__________________

stanleywatson

Succes!!!! I did a compressiontest and that was giving me my eureka.
Four cylinders gave a zero on my tester!!!!
The owner told me he had been working on his cylinderheads. He grinded all
of his valves. And now you get it, now my pushrods are too long.
But he is still a fool. He wants it low budget. My advice is to measure every
pushrod and order the right ones.
Now I loosened the nut and locked with another one. I checked the valve lash and it seems to be ok. It runs perfectly!!! But for how long???
The moment the engine was running, he got in and drove of. With a weak battery. At the trafficlights the engine stalls and stopped running. And then you have to push. Some time later he put in a new battery and the next thing happens.....the start won't engage!!! Ha,ha.
Sorry for my sarcasme, but that's not the way I want to build an engine.
So,guys, thanks for your help!!!

stanleywatson

Still working on that Mercury from ...! Now some "details".
It's running very rough on idle. It looks like it's missing a cylinder.
But at higher RPM it's running very smoothly.
I checked the ignition timing. With the vacuumhose off and plugged.
To make it a little easier, I explain it a little strange. On the crank the timingmark is on 11 o'clock. But when I use the lamp, my timingmark lits up at 9 o'clock. Way off. To far to correct it with the distributor. The no1 cylinder on my distributorcap is on 1 o'clock. I checked the no 1 cylinder with my finger on the hole to find the TDC. Then I put my distributor in, with the rotor towards no1 on the cap. Strange that it is so far off.???
But while running, it doesn't matter how I turn the D. It won't run any smoother. I got new plugs and wires. But still I have the no6 cylinder that has a sparkplug that looks unused. But compressiontest is ok.
I still have some other issues, but I think this is enough for now.
Thanx!!!