302 tuning problems

[88mudder]

After getting my 302 in my Ranger, it doesnt wanna run that well. Its a carbed engine with Edelbrock 4 bbl carb. It will start up and run good up to 2500 rpm. Anything above that it backfires and smokes. It seems to rev kinda slow too. The idle seems decent, it says steady. I was just outside messing with it and I reved it up and then it blew the oil cap off the valve cover.

I need some tips

 

[skippy]

After getting my 302 in my Ranger, it doesnt wanna run that well. Its a carbed engine with Edelbrock 4 bbl carb. It will start up and run good up to 2500 rpm. Anything above that it backfires and smokes. It seems to rev kinda slow too. The idle seems decent, it says steady. I was just outside messing with it and I reved it up and then it blew the oil cap off the valve cover.

I need some tips

do you have a pcv valve installed?should be in one of the valve covers and hooked to a hose to the back of the carb.

 

[88mudder]

do you have a pcv valve installed?should be in one of the valve covers and hooked to a hose to the back of the carb.

yes i do have one installed. My hose goes into the front of the carb, tho...And my brake booster hose is on the back. Should i switch the 2 hoses around?

 

[skippy]

yes i do have one installed. My hose goes into the front of the carb, tho...And my brake booster hose is on the back. Should i switch the 2 hoses around?

no.but do check that the pcv hose is pulling vacuum when engine is running and shake the pcv valve,see if you hear the ball rattle inside.replace valve if no rattle.

all i can think of,maybe the 302 guys will be of more help.

 

[skippy]

have you checked the timing?

 

[red85]

I'm wondering if the mechanical timing is out by 1 or 2 teeth. A worn timing set can cause problems like you're describing.

 

[BLOODBANE]

A couple of things come to mind the timing(like was said before), are your valves adjusted correctly? My first 302 I just tightened the rockers down and done, my .060 had to be adjusted when running(different sized pushrods). The third thing is the Edelbrock carb. I had nothing but problems with the off-road version i bought 2 years ago. I ran good on the street, but any kind of altitude or off-camber situations it ran like crap(loaded up and blew black smoke).

 

[88mudder]

A couple of things come to mind the timing(like was said before), are your valves adjusted correctly? My first 302 I just tightened the rockers down and done, my .060 had to be adjusted when running(different sized pushrods). The third thing is the Edelbrock carb. I had nothing but problems with the off-road version i bought 2 years ago. I ran good on the street, but any kind of altitude or off-camber situations it ran like crap(loaded up and blew black smoke).

Whats the correct procedure for adjusting the valves? I had one of the rockers off and torqued them back down to spec. Didnt touch any of the others.

Could overfilling the crankcase with oil make it build up pressure in the system? I put 5 qts in, dual sump oil pan...dont have a dipstick yet so I cant really check the oil level as of yet.

 

[bobbywalter]

sounds vacuum, timing ,and possible firing order related.


what cam? what firing order?

...does it have a straight up cam and did you set tdc correctly?

 

[ish474]

the vacuum problem can be checked with a simple gauge just be sure to put it in line at the right spot. A simple check would be to see how much fuel is going down the carburetor. If I had to guess it's timing. Invest in a good timing light it's one of the best tools in your box.

 

[88mudder]

alright i got it running pretty good!

My valves are clicking, whats the procedure for adjusting them? The engine still has the flattappet rockers and all.