Hey folks, My engine has developed a miss that I have isolated (by pulling plug wires at the distributor) to cylinder #2. The plug is getting spark, but the plug is wet with gas when removed, and the header is cooler than the others. I will next pull the valve cover to inspect the valve-train. Whatcha think, broken valve spring, or pushrod, or rocker, or all three? No strange noises from the engine, just rough running from not hittin' on all 8 holes. Thanks! -Bill

 

Before you tear it apart run a compression test on #2 and as many of the others as you like. If #2 is abnormally high or low you know something's up with that cylinder.

 

if the plug is wet with gas then you wouldnt have a problem with the valve train would you? i would look at the distributor cap first, maybe a bad wire?

 

Thanks for the replies. I know (99.9999%) its the #2 cylinder because I performed a cylinder power balance test. I think I have ruled out ignition, I even put a new plug in that cylinder, I ohm'd the wire, it was one of the lowest(!), I stuck a spare plug in the #2 wire, grounded it, and fired the engine, it sparked like a champ. It still seems like an ignition problem, but... Yes, it seems like at least the intake valve opens, or the plug wouldn't be wet with fuel. Maybe the exhaust side...I haven't really thought it all through. I WILL find the problem, just thought I would bounce it off of you folks. 'Been thinkin' about that 383" short block anyway..... -BIll

 

i would recomend a compression and leakdown test. It would seem that you have fuel and spark. You may have a problem with compression on #2.

 

Yep, I agree with the compression diagnosis, at least for now. The heads are the latest component in the combo. Bill

 

Broken intake rocker stud. Fortunately (??) at the threads on the rocker end. -Bill