effects of distributor a tooth off? and other frustrations

[Pablo M]

1 hour ago, larry_in_socal said:

Hi Pablo,

I've been reading your posts, when you put in the rebuilt head, did you do a valve adjustment? did you use the old eccentric at the valve adjustment.
 just adding my 2 cents here..

 

Thanks Larry. 
I used all new cam hardware, including eccentrics. New cam and rockers as well. Valves came adjusted from the machine shop but I rechecked and adjusted them all to 0.008” per spec after torquing the head bolts down. 
I did not check compression though. 

[Pablo M]

Some progress! 
 

Took @Mikesmalaga72 suggestion (as well as the factory service manual) and I checked the linkage lengths. The small linkage directly connected to the kfisher was 4mm shy of the required 85mm length.
With that sorted I moved to the tuna can. I adjusted the cam per the service manual. It was equally quite off. 
I then started it and it ran slightly better. 
Then started spraying the carb cleaner. Found some vacuum leaks around some intake tubes. Couple had double gaskets. Corrected. Kept spraying and discovered the manifold had some leaks. Some mounting bolts were loose. Corrected and engine running better! Still surging idle. 
As we keep spraying the manifold it keeps affecting the idle. So more leaks. At this point the manifold bolts are all secure, gaskets correct and appears to be snug to the head. I’m thinking, given the manifold clearly is leaking, maybe it’s got a crack. I spray the back of the manifold near #4 and clearly affects idle. 

Generally good progress. Engine feels better, if not quite there. Not sure next step on verifying if the manifold is cracked for certain. 

[Rob Zaeos]

This is awesome… it’s possible I have a spare manifold we can try. I’ll look in my storage unit tomorrow and send pics.  That way we can eliminate any cracks or warping you haven’t spotted.

[2002iii]

I would suggest using a smoke machine leak detector.

[Pablo M]

1 hour ago, Rob Zaeos said:

This is awesome… it’s possible I have a spare manifold we can try. I’ll look in my storage unit tomorrow and send pics.  That way we can eliminate any cracks or warping you haven’t spotted.

Awesome That'd be great-but remember its TII manifold. 

[Pablo M]

1 hour ago, 2002iii said:

I would suggest using a smoke machine leak detector.

I wouldnt even know where to begin looking for that. Is that something I can rent?

 

[2002iii]

14 hours ago, Pablo M said:

I wouldnt even know where to begin looking for that. Is that something I can rent?

 

I don't know if anyone rents them. You can buy one at your local autoparts store or online. Or look up how to make your own on YouTube.