Topic: please help: Racing engine

[87comanche]

Hey guys-
I just intalled a Clifford header to my 87 2.5, and a new EGR valve
to boot, and when I start her up (she DOES start), she races like
mad. With 180K, I don't want to blow the motor, so I need some
enlightenment.
(deleted a long post)

If anyone could help me figure what goes where, I'd be most grateful.  There are two vacuum ports on the throttle body itself, two on the air cleaner (though only one is functional), and an "L" fitting off the intake manifold that supplies vacuum.

The Chilton's vac. diagram isn't specific about where the vacuum lines go, or maybe I'm just an idiot.  

Does screwing up the vacuum lines commonly cause an engine to race like crazy?  I'm not ruling out the possibility that I f-ed something else up, either.  What I do know is I didn't touch anything on the left side of the motor.

Thanks!
87C

[superman1456]

could be a gasket but ya a vacume line is possoble what exactly did you change

[Jeffy]

Sounds definatly like a vacuum leak.  It will cause the engine to race over 1000rpm at idle.

Air could be leaking in front a vacuum lint but since the intake was removed to fit the header, it's probably leaking from there.  Very common.

[Guardian7]

Make sure your egr is holding a vacuum, put short piece of vacuum line on it and suck, then hold your tongue on it for a minute. The rubber diaphram could be bad inside it.

[87comanche]

Put a new EGR on it.  I don't think it's leaking at the manifold -- I put a new gasket on.  I'm a dunce - the EGR tube doesn't fit up to the new header flange, so I had removed it, causing a giant vacuum leak from the manifold.

[superman1456]

well thats probly the problum right there let me know how it goes

[YJmechanic]

don't forget to check for the alignment of the manifold itself.  you can cock them slightly sideways and then tins if air will enter the manifold and the engine will go to redline when you start it but it sounds like you have the problem solved just thought I'd throw some knowledge out there for ya.

[87comanche]

superman, yj mechanic,

Thanks.  The manifold shouldn't be cocked because I left the alignment plugs in.  I have to bend and fab the egr tube to mate up to the flange on the header.  Flippin Clifford..... :oops:

[superman1456]

best of luck on that let me know how it turns out

[87comanche]

Ok, I figured that part out.  Anyone know what vacuum lines hook up to the back of the air cleaner?  One's functional (top) and one's a dud.  Also, the L vacuum port on the back of the manifold - gives vacuum to the HVAC and where else?  Almost got this thing back together!

 :x

[87comanche]

DAMMIt.   :x

Got the EGR tube all hooked up and it STILL races!!  I know the intake and exhaust manifolds are on properly, I'm 95% sure the vacuum lines are now routed right, could the lean running from the open header make the engine race?  I'm completely baffled.

87c

[superman1456]

what you need to do is really simple ive been doin it for years to check for manafold leaks you pore walter around the manafold and when the engin starts to die out you know where the leek is simple but be carful not to pore to much walter you dont whant to hydry lock the engin good luck and let me know what you do

[87comanche]

you mean to see if it's leaking where the intake bolts to the head?  I think that would be next to impossible, since I have a new gasket on there, and the manifolds are cranked down to the head.  I mean, I put the same intake on there that I took off, so I don't know how it would be leaking now.

[Guardian7]

Has the computer been reset by removing the power?

[superman1456]

rember anything is possoble any thing can happin and it does all the time $hit hapins. well it was just advice you dont have to take it but its never let me down! good luck