1G: NT running like crap - what to check next?

[jared_gibbs]

Stock 92 DOHC Auto N/T Laser

video: laser.mp4 video by Jared_Gibbs - Photobucket

Starts right up but seems like not all cylinders fire all the time. Barely driveable, not much power and stalls a lot. Idle has always been eratic when in park, but didn't seem to affect overall performance. Knocking sound from around valve cover is pretty scary.

Recent work:
Timing belt (Done by me)
alternator and fuseable link (Done by mechanic)
Fuel filter and clean injectors (me)

Spark plugs and wires look good. I'm getting spark (plug wires are sparking if I pull them out while engine is going). Plugs themselves don't appear damaged.

Compression is 150 on all cylinders. Motor wasn't totally warmed up yet and I was only able to drive it around the block before the check, so it may not be so bad.

As for the knocking sound, I drained the oil and didn't see any metal shavings, it looked pretty normal so I'm not immediately worried about having spun a rod. The cam gears still line up with dowel pins up and timing marks facing each other. I haven't checked the crank timing mark because I'm trying to avoid tearing it apart again. I was able to drive it after I changed the timing belt and it didn't act this crappy.

No CEL's, scan via anaolg volt meter reads normal.

I'm not sure what to check for next. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Funfettie]

What plugs are you running? I tried throwing some E3 dimamond fire plug in my 2g GSX, and it ran like complete shit. replaced em with the classic NGK BRP7es, and it ran great. Grab a timing light and check your mechanical timing, but it sounds like its timed right with the compression your getting. How did you clean the injectors? they could be more plugged up then before if you knocked a bunch of crap lose while cleaning the fuel filter?

[bryanwheat]

I see water in the valve cover. Make sure that the plug wells don't have water in them.

[jpv91120]

Try some sea foam.

[DSM1G90]

How's the weather over there in "the Falls"? It's my home town.

Might have a plugged CAT ... that'll keep any motor from performing.

Way to check is drill a small hole right before the intake of the CAT, and if your power suddenly increases, plugged CAT.

NGK BPR6ES-11 plugs gapped at .044 for you being a stock NT.

IF you got water down the wells, get a rag, wind the rag up to a point and shove it down the well with the spark plug still threaded in. The rag will soak up the water. Water is grounding out the plugs to either make them fire weak or not at all.


Good luck - DSM

[Th3Revreant]

Pull the MAF out, get some maf cleaner and clean it up. Mine was running similar to that, cleaned the maf and it got rid of the crap idle problem and surging issue. Check all your injector clips and plugs also.