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Re: Same ol' problem

To: <tigers@autox.team.net>, "Andy Walker" <awtiger@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Same ol' problem
From: "Tom Witt" <wittsend@jps.net>
Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 22:37:23 -0800
Andy,
 I recall you posting this before, but I don't remember exactly what you
attempted to correct. I'll through some ideas out just inacse it will help.
I assume you have replaced the plug, wire, cap, rotor and points (and/or
ignition sensor if electronic)? I would say that everything electrical being
in order have you tried hooking a spare spark plug to the #4 wire and run
the engine just to see if it is firing (works best in the dark)? If not
check the distibutor cam (if using points) for a flat spot.
Otherwise, I might suspect that the cam (for the valves, not the points) has
gone flat, at least on #4. The leakdown proves that the valves are closing
and seating and the rings appear to be good. However, it does not prove that
the valves are opening, at least enough for that cylinder to make any power.
Have you pulled the valve cover and measured the valve lift, a magnetic base
dial indicator works best, but a closely marked short steel ruler might do.
Assuming you have hydaulic lifters even though the lift might not be
accurate to specs. (since the motor will not be running) at least you can
compare it to the other valves on that side and see if it is close. Plug
that PCV line temporarally and see if that makes a difference (check the
hose too). In fact try that first. Maybe the PCV valve is jammed open.
Although I would think you would have smoke the intake could be leaking
internally and and leaning out the mixture again to the point that you have
no power. Sometimes (above all the other noise)  if you listen in the oil
fill hole you can hear a hiss. All the best to you. Regards, Tom Witt
B9470101
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andy Walker" <awtiger@ix.netcom.com>
To: "Tiger List" <tigers@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2001 9:47 PM
Subject: Same ol' problem


> Hi, guys:
>
> Well, it's me again, still with a dead #4 cylinder in my Tiger.  On top of
all
> the other stuff I've tried, I've now done a leak down test and the
cylinder
> held just fine.  Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, appears to operating
> normally but pulling #4 plug wire off while the engine is running makes no
> difference.
>
> I'm at my wits end with this.  I have a virgin 260 to build for the car
but
> that seems a bit drastic, at least until I know what's wrong with the 289.
As
> far as I know, I could spend thousands of dollars building that 260 and
still
> have the same problem when it goes into the car, if the problem turns out
to
> be electrical.  The car just has nothing on the low end and will barely
come
> off the line.  Could I have the distributor one tooth off?  Could hooking
the
> PCV line up to the vacuum outlet on the #4 runner on my intake be causing
a
> problem?  Could I just be jerking myself off here?
>
> Right now, I'm extremely upset with my inability to solve this problem
with
> the Tiger.  I've never run into anything like this with a small block Ford
in
> any kind of car.  Anybody want a show car Tiger turned "project car?"
>
> Andy Walker
> B382001600

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