Posted by David Paulus on July 06, 2000 at 12:11:03:
Hello all,
I have been driving my M-37 (stock 230 engine) for most of the July 4th week. It was running quite grand. On the 4th I was in a parade, and it worked fine. Then, on my way home, engine began to idle rough and occasionally backfire. Power was down, and I needed a bit of choke to keep it running. I thought, ahah, another vacuum leak.
I checked engine vacuum, 19". Occasionally the engine stumbles, and the vacuum drops to 17". So far I have pulled the number 1 plug, looks fine. Points, cap and rotor are all serviceable.
Could it be a sticking valve? My plan now is to check all plugs and compression test each cylinder. If something is up I will pull the head. (Do you need to replace the head gasket any time the head is pulled?) If a valve is sticking, hiow does one unstick it.
Any comments or advice, are, as always, greatly appreciated.
regards,
David Paulus