Idle problems

[sc1956]

I had compression in the 80's when I bought the thing, and after setting valves had 130. A valve job later and I've got 160.

[jwoodsmall]

The speedo says 75,500 and the car doesnt look like it has any more than that. The alternative is that it has 175,500, but overall I dont think so. How much of a job is it to set the valves? Sounds like I should try that first. If that doesnt fix the problem where do I look for a short block?
Jim

[Joe Vandatta]

To determine whether the rings or valves are at fault, squirt the equivalent of a spoonful of heavy oil into the combustion chamber. Crank the engine to distribute the oil.
Repeat the compression test. The oil will temporarily seal the leakage past rings. If the comp. remains the same the rings are okay but the valves are leaking. If the comp. increases substantially there is leakage past the rings.
Good luck,
Joe

[sc1956]

To get the best instructions for valve lash adjustment, goto Google, and search for valve lash Walt. You'll get a good instruction.

[nomadbird]

Stephen,

You're trying to get him to Walt Nuckels page? http://hometown.aol.com/waltnuckels

There is a link at the upper left hand corner of the page.

Tom D.

[fmoench]

Sounds like you might have an air leak in the fuel line. or #1 plug is loose.

[jwoodsmall]

Went to Walt Knuckles web site and what a great amount of info. I installed a new vacuum advance and it seemed to help but now I am going to use Walts method to see if valve lash mighat be a problem as well. Sounds like the "Y" block needs adjusting more often thant other engines!
Cant tell you guys what a great help you have been and the "T" Bird forum has been VERY helpful for me on many items.
Thanks again.
Jim

[jwoodsmall]

The one thing that I hadn't checked was the timing. I put a timing light on it and it was severely out of time. Now it idles smoother than it ever had. I had put plugs etc. but had never checked the timing! Simple solution but effective.