i just got a 96 sunfire with a 2.2 & 4 speed auto trans, this thing looks fantastic but is going to need a trunk lock & most importantly its running like CRAP.
SYMPTOMS:
it wont rev over like 4200 rpm & it taps at like all times, i listened & it -sounds- like its coming from the passenger side of the head, possibly closest to the firewall (intake valve?).
it also idles rough & dies if i floor it from a slow.
the guy i got it from says he got the car with a blown head gasket, he replaced that & the bottom end was bad (the person he had got it from said that it just stopped running a week or so prior-but if the rod bearings were bad it more than likely sat)-so they put all new rod & main bearings it, as well as timing chain, timing chain tensioner, & having the head milled ...this is what they claim
one thought is if the head was milled too much-way too high compression-detonation-
(if not engine damage)-so with tune it may be high compression now
another thought: if its a lifter or something, would that cause this problem? also the trans seems to shift fine, it just isnt putting out the power & it TAPPING-doesnt sound like something with blown rings or rods sounds like, but until i open it up i cant be sure.
the power steering also feels a little underpowered or strained, but i was so pissed i havent checked it yet i had to call the guy i got it off of that said it ran "perfect".
i do just want to gut the motor out once i get the money to finish the swap & put a v6 in this & the 4 cylinder equipment in a metro (oh yea
)
Lets see.... the cam timing could be to far off but idk about the ticking.... have you checked for a bent or out of adjustment push rod?
i have not opened up the engine yet, when i take the valve cover off tomorrow i will check the pushrods, but im trying to see what you guys think right now & what i should check for.
honestly could one intake valve not opening/closing properly limit this thing in the rpms this bad & make it run -that- bad? i guess it is 1 out of 4 though
I have a 2000 sunfire that is doing the exact same thing. let me know if you find out what it is.
Your about a year late buddy....
