Replaced Valve Cover Gasket, Now Timing Seems Off.
A few days ago I changed my valve cover gasket because it was leaking. I marked all the spark plug wires and replaced them in the same order, but when I started it up, it ran real rough. I haven't taken it for a spin yet, but it starts up and then idles rough. Could it be one of the hoses? My valve cover was stuck pretty good so when I yanked it off, I noticed I slightly teared the short hose to the right of the PCV valve. Can anyone tell me what that hose is for or called so I can ask for it at the auto parts store. And any ideas as to why my cars running rough? Thanks.
-I just took it down the block, it runs f*cked up and the check engine light came on as soon as I put it in drive, any ideas =(
Last edited by badcompany87; 04-11-2010 at 04:14 PM.
That hose has caused a Vac leak. Post a picture and we can help you more.
__________________ Corolla Number TWO OLD: Corolla 1- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 225k Miles orig. motor, 129k trans. - TOTALED. NEW: Corolla 2- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 161k Miles on motor and trans.
The Following User Says Thank You to Rip The E Brake For This Useful Post:
Hey, thanks for responding. At the top of the valve cover, the second, shorter hose to the right (marked with electrical tape) is the one that tore. Hope this helps. Thanks again.
Last edited by badcompany87; 04-11-2010 at 07:14 PM.
If it indeed did tear, it can make it run rough, I would replace, and clamp it with small hose clamps... that is just simple vacuum line, which can be replaced with standard fuel line from an auto parts place.
__________________ Corolla Number TWO OLD: Corolla 1- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 225k Miles orig. motor, 129k trans. - TOTALED. NEW: Corolla 2- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 161k Miles on motor and trans.
The Following User Says Thank You to Rip The E Brake For This Useful Post:
If it indeed did tear, it can make it run rough, I would replace, and clamp it with small hose clamps... that is just simple vacuum line, which can be replaced with standard fuel line from an auto parts place.
Hey, I replaced the hose and bought all new clamps, and it got a little better. But it still sucks. I drove it around the block and after a couple hundred feet the check engine light started flashing. It's not that bad when it idles, but in reverse and drive it's terrible. Do you know what else it could be?
Hey, I replaced the hose and bought all new clamps, and it got a little better. But it still sucks. I drove it around the block and after a couple hundred feet the check engine light started flashing. It's not that bad when it idles, but in reverse and drive it's terrible. Do you know what else it could be?
Are you sure you installed the new valve cover gasket properly? It's not leaking any and is sealing correctly? Cracked valve cover maybe?
Are you sure you installed the new valve cover gasket properly? It's not leaking any and is sealing correctly? Cracked valve cover maybe?
This... make sure you tighten the bolts ONLY TO SPEC. I am unsure of the torque spec off hand, I am sure Phat, 1z, Rican, or Bitter would know off hand.
If you over tighten them... it will crack and cause a leak... make sure its all sealed... and make sure you use a real gasket and not just RTV
__________________ Corolla Number TWO OLD: Corolla 1- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 225k Miles orig. motor, 129k trans. - TOTALED. NEW: Corolla 2- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 161k Miles on motor and trans.
The Following User Says Thank You to Rip The E Brake For This Useful Post:
Your spark plug wires are on wrong, it's completely misfiring.. or it's running on 3 cylinders.
Either way it sounds like you might have put them on wrong since it's the only thing you touched really that would cause this.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Ludapower For This Useful Post:
If it ran OK before you went to work its definitely SOMETHING you messed up.
Since the obvious is removing the two vent lines, you addressed that problem with a new hose. Does the other hose need replacement too? Listen for vacuum leaks OR temporarily plug the lines at the manifold and see if it runs OK.
Next is spark plug wires. From your photo it cant be determined if you got the wires mixed up but usually you cant because of the lengths. Did you disconnect at the cap? Then you may have gotten them wrong.
Lastly look for anything you may have disturbed when you were working. It could be a hose or an electrical connector. Did you unplug anything that didnt get plugged back in?
Work smart!
-SP
The Following User Says Thank You to speedy25 For This Useful Post:
The distributor cap is marked with each cylinders number.
Remember, on the header, from left to right,
4,3,2,1.
and make sure the wires that run away from each spark plug, are on the top right corner of each plug, you got 4 and 2 right, but not 3 and 1.
Go buy a Haynes manual while your at it.
__________________ Corolla Number TWO OLD: Corolla 1- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 225k Miles orig. motor, 129k trans. - TOTALED. NEW: Corolla 2- 96 4AFE, AE101 w/ 161k Miles on motor and trans.
Last edited by Rip The E Brake; 04-12-2010 at 09:54 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Rip The E Brake For This Useful Post:
you put the plugs in wrong or the wires are crossed . better check the plugs and hope you did not F-up the gapping when you put them back.
I don't think he removed the plugs at all since there is no need to when removing the valve cover. Definitely just sounds like misplaced ignition leads.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Kiwi-Corolla For This Useful Post:
Hey Nation, yeah I figured it was me since it ran perfect before I touched it. I did replace the old gasket with a completely new one and I put sealant between the valve cover and the gasket. I didn't remove any spark plugs or touch the distributor, I simply pulled the wires by the boot from the valve cover. As far as only tightening the cover to specs...I failed. I tightened it till it seemed snug. I will loosen it and re-tighten it to specs hopefully some time after school tomorrow. If I start it and it still sucks, then something must have moved under the cover. I have a Haynes manual and replaced the wires exactly how I found them. I checked the firing order a thousand times. I don't think any parts are bad, it was something I did. As far as the PCV valve hose, I checked that and it's fine, and I even replaced the clamps on the hose. I'll post an update sometime Tuesday night. Thanks again for all the help.
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