Fuel/Air/Spark problem.

[goober]

Ok. I have read the forums and read threads with similar issues but have been unable to locate any solutions. Nobody has been very informative about their problem as far as only explaining it. I will explain as well. Car is hard to start like not enough gas is being delivered. When it does start it idles rough and sounds like it is misfiring. Feels like it is only running on 3 cylinders till 3000 rpm the boom its ok until you change gears again. No smoke from the exhaust. No mods. No engine codes.

spark plugs and wires are fine. ngk about 2 years old look fine no fouling
brand new distributor, cap and rotor
brand new fuel filter
re-timed engine

i pulled the head off about 2 years ago to check the valves and also removed the intake and injectors and cleaned them. Also I bought new iacv and fitv. New intake gasket, head gasket, vacuum lines, coolant hoses.

My battery light comes on sometimes so I am going to have my alternator checked. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Muckman]

Start with a compression test. Lets see if the cylinders are holding compression.

 

[goober]

Ok. I think i found the problem. I went to change my oil and there was water in there. So I'm pretty sure I have a head gasket leak. I'm gonna go ahead and get a new one. Should I have the head resurfaced? I would like to get a compression test but I am absolutely broke. Is there a way I can construct a compression/vacuum tester?

 

[goober]

actually there is one available at autozone loan a tool. Gonna go get one... hope I am fixed.... i am too broke to pay attention.

 

[Muckman]

Unless you overheated the engine you can replace the head gasket without resurfacing. Now would be a good time to replace the timing belt and water pump though.

 

[goober]

I did overheat the engine. Not all the way to the red but hotter than i would like. the timing belt is about 2 years old, and I agree that I should replace the water pump and tensioner. Where did u get your c1? or is it a real gsr?

 

[goober]

should i use form a gasket or rtv silicone around the oil and water passageways? gonna remove the head today.

 

[Muckman]

On the head gasket? No.

 

[goober]

Would i gain anything if I took the throttle body out of the coolant loop? It doesn't get below freezing much here, would it make any difference on the air temperature entering the intake or should i leave it how it is?