Running Like POO!

J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Hey fellas, my Sy isnt running so hot right now. The idle seems low and kind of sporadic and the engine runs kinda rough and stumbles. It feels like a pretty big lack of power too. Ive done new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. FP at idle seems fine. Im not really sure where to start looking for the problem. I have datamaster and will run a data log tonight and try to post it up. I never posted data before so Im not sure how. The only thing I can think that I havent checked is my timing. Ive had the truck just about a year now and from all the posts Ive read about the outer ring of the balancer slipping and causing the timing mark to be off, it doesnt seem worth it. Is it worth replacing the balancer just as a preventive maintenance part? Just to know for sure timing is good? Or will some of the values in my TTS data show that timing might be an issue? Thanks for any help you can give me!
 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Running Like POO!

timing gun will tell you if your balancer has slipped - way cheaper and easier than replacing it - that's your first start.

Did this happen gradually or all of a sudden?
 
J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Re: Running Like POO!

Gradually I think. Ive had it for about a year and drove it occasionally, but right now Im having some issues with my other car and Ive been using it as my daily driver. Maybe Im a dummy, but how will I know if the balancer has slipped or the timing just needs to be adjusted?
 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Running Like POO!

have you used a timing gun before?
connect the trigger lead to the ~1 plug on front of the engine on the driver side and run ther engine.

It should be 0 degrees withther tan wire under the dash disconnected.

there are two notches in the balancer -if the left most one is at 12 0'clock position looking from the front of the truck then the second one is in the 2 O'clock position roughly.

You want to be taking timing off the second mark, the one that goes past second - spins clockwise as you look at it from the front.

There is a 0 timer on the block , kind oif a saw toothed edge.

See when the trigger goes off and you'll know if it is timing.

Double check which mark is on the balancer - not sure I was right.
 
Baythan

Baythan

SY2TY2SY2TY
Re: Running Like POO!

JUGGERNAUT said:
. FP at idle seems fine.
Click to expand...

What do you mean "seems" fine?? Have you run a gauge on it? I just went through this with my truck so that would be the first place I look. When did you purchase the Walbro? (there was a bad run of them not long ago)

Change the fuel filter lately?
Check vacuum lines too.

Good luck.
 
J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Re: Running Like POO!

Thanks for the replies.

FP at idle is fine. I have a rail mounted guage so I cant monitor it while driving. I bought the pump in Oct, new in the box, but I bought it from another member so I dont know when it was originally purchased.

I have used a timing gun before but not for a long time. My other car is a 95 Impala SS with the optispark distributor. Timing is all controlled by the computer, no checking and adjusting like with these engines. Ill give it a try tonight. I guess my question was more directed towards the balancer slipping. Will I know for sure if it has slipped or if the timing just needs to be adjusted? Thanks!
 
J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Re: Running Like POO!

Also, Im only getting 200 miles out of a tank of gas. I cant imagine thats normal for a stock truck.
 
Fighting5thSVT

Fighting5thSVT

Active member
Re: Running Like POO!

You might as well wait until the weekend is over....all of the Guru's are at Nat's-- having more fun than us.
 
WyoSyclone

WyoSyclone

Active member
Re: Running Like POO!

Everyone is at Nats so it will be quiet till beginning of the coming week..... I just looked at your file and a few things pop out at me....
#1 - you're running a lot of boost! 23.2lbs on a stock motor is way too much unless you really know what you're doing with a tune. I think your sig says your motor is stock... if so, I'd get the boost back down to ~15 till you get some things straightened out. You'll want to go through the wastegate rod adjustment procedure.
#2 - doesn't look like your intercooler system is working too well. I see a peak of 172 degrees f, which will cook your motor in a short amount of time.
#3 - you've got a code42 (electronic spark timing) fault.... need to go through the reset procedures on that one to trace it down. It's hard to believe you're running that much boost with those high IAT's and not getting a lot of knock....

Your ECM is probably trying to protect your motor by pulling timing based on the IAT temps and boost..

I'd suggest getting your boost down and your intercooler fixed before you go WOT again! Do those two things then post another uni.


OOOPS, BIG EDIT.... I just remembered about setting the 2-3bar preference in DM back to "OEM"... you're running 14.5lb boost, which is dead on the money for stock..... so, that means your big problem is the intercooler temps... get that fixed and the ECM may start adding timing back in.... I would still do the compression check however.
 
Last edited:
WyoSyclone

WyoSyclone

Active member
Re: Running Like POO!

Also, since it is running bad.... I'd get a compression check done just so you know for sure you haven't dropped a cylinder... if you can't do it yourself take it to someone that can... I really hope you didn't toast a cylinder with the boost and IAT's you're running
 
J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Re: Running Like POO!

I ordered a new intercooler pump, I guess thats a start. Ill do a compression test as soon as I can. Thanks for the help WyoSyclone!
 
J

JUGGERNAUT

New member
Re: Running Like POO!

The shift point are all good. Im gonna try and do the compression test this weekend. Whats the best wat to check for vacuum leak?
 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Running Like POO!

Start the truck and when it is running spray some carb cleaner/ sure start around the intake. If the idle increases the you got a leak. What is your vacuum at idle? Got an aftermarket boost gauge on there? Should be about minus 14/15 psi depending on what speed your engine idles at.

When I say intake above, I am also referring to the lower intake, not just the TB.

Let us know.
 
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