Octavarium454 Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 So in the process of rebuilding the motor I forgot to replace the distributor o-ring. Needless to say, three weeks later I got to take off the rear head. Now, I have bought all new intake gaskets and head gasket, but I cannot find the cam carrier gasket separately. Could I reuse this gasket if forced to or do I need to get a new one like the head gasket? Like I said it is only three weeks old. If anyone knows where I can get one separately that would be awesome. On the positive I found out I was running way too rich and I believe this was caused by a 10 degree retard on all cams, so much for 28-30 mpg highway. But more power will be had now, WOOT! Sadly it could still wipe the floor with my 92 SE with the 3.1 even with that retarded timing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertISaar Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 generally if you make more power using the same amount of fuel, your economy should increase... feel free to challenge that logic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 I just pulled off a average of 27mpg doing 70-75mph highway driving on the highway with stock timing. provided the gasket comes off without breaking or otherwise failing a visual inspection, i'd consider re-using it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavarium454 Posted July 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 I just pulled off a average of 27mpg doing 70-75mph highway driving on the highway with stock timing. provided the gasket comes off without breaking or otherwise failing a visual inspection, i'd consider re-using it. I cleaned it up and it looks brand new and the rubber parts still have depth to them with no tears, looks like I'm reusing them then. Oh and I have to challenge your logic somewhat Dents. While yes, I'll have more power due to finally burning off the excess fuel, and in theory my mileage should go up or stay the same, I'm probably gonna drive it a lot worse now that I got that power. Therefor my mileage will more than likely go down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertISaar Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 I just pulled off a average of 27mpg doing 70-75mph highway driving on the highway with stock timing. provided the gasket comes off without breaking or otherwise failing a visual inspection, i'd consider re-using it. I cleaned it up and it looks brand new and the rubber parts still have depth to them with no tears, looks like I'm reusing them then. Oh and I have to challenge your logic somewhat Dents. While yes, I'll have more power due to finally burning off the excess fuel, and in theory my mileage should go up or stay the same, I'm probably gonna drive it a lot worse now that I got that power. Therefor my mileage will more than likely go down. well in all honesty driving habits affect fuel economy more than anything 95% of the time, but at least there is the capability of pulling almost 30mpg when driven correctly... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian P Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 3 weeks on the gasket, if you have to use it, go for it! On the timing remark, I always thought that advancing the timing from stock would increase MPG, and it seemed to on my Olds, but it may be possible that retarding it will help more since at cruising speeds, the throttle would have to be open more. More open throttle = less vacuum = less pumping losses = higher MPG. I do not know to what extent, though. The PCM *should* reduce the fuel as well as a result of the O2 sensor readings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertISaar Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 3 weeks on the gasket, if you have to use it, go for it! On the timing remark, I always thought that advancing the timing from stock would increase MPG, and it seemed to on my Olds, but it may be possible that retarding it will help more since at cruising speeds, the throttle would have to be open more. More open throttle = less vacuum = less pumping losses = higher MPG. I do not know to what extent, though. The PCM *should* reduce the fuel as well as a result of the O2 sensor readings. i'm not sure of the exact theory of operation, but it seems like there would be an optimal amount of cam timing for specific RPM ranges, essentially allowing you to shift your powerband just by changing the cam timeing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian P Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 3 weeks on the gasket, if you have to use it, go for it! On the timing remark, I always thought that advancing the timing from stock would increase MPG, and it seemed to on my Olds, but it may be possible that retarding it will help more since at cruising speeds, the throttle would have to be open more. More open throttle = less vacuum = less pumping losses = higher MPG. I do not know to what extent, though. The PCM *should* reduce the fuel as well as a result of the O2 sensor readings. i'm not sure of the exact theory of operation, but it seems like there would be an optimal amount of cam timing for specific RPM ranges, essentially allowing you to shift your powerband just by changing the cam timeing... Yeah, nevermind what I said regarding ignition timing retardation. I just looked around and noone had any good results with that. Cam timing is another story though. With the cams retarded, powerband was prob way up top RPM, killing any chance of decent economy on the highway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertISaar Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 Yeah, nevermind what I said regarding ignition timing retardation. I just looked around and noone had any good results with that. Cam timing is another story though. With the cams retarded, powerband was prob way up top RPM, killing any chance of decent economy on the highway. right, the only time you want to retard spark is if you're knocking, otherwise you're losing power/economy. i'm not too well-versed with DOHC stuff, but it does seem like if the cams opened the valves earlier there wouldn't be as much time for the cylinder to fill in the top-end. basically, Brian :X2... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavarium454 Posted July 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 3 weeks on the gasket, if you have to use it, go for it! On the timing remark, I always thought that advancing the timing from stock would increase MPG, and it seemed to on my Olds, but it may be possible that retarding it will help more since at cruising speeds, the throttle would have to be open more. More open throttle = less vacuum = less pumping losses = higher MPG. I do not know to what extent, though. The PCM *should* reduce the fuel as well as a result of the O2 sensor readings. i'm not sure of the exact theory of operation, but it seems like there would be an optimal amount of cam timing for specific RPM ranges, essentially allowing you to shift your powerband just by changing the cam timeing... Yeah, nevermind what I said regarding ignition timing retardation. I just looked around and no one had any good results with that. Cam timing is another story though. With the cams retarded, powerband was prob way up top RPM, killing any chance of decent economy on the highway. You absolutely right on that. My powerband didn't start until around 5 grand and even then she just didn't get up and go. In fact, there were times in city driving where it seemed like I had no power at all and the car seemed like it died, but was still running fine. My 28 mpg is really an odd ball, that is for sure. Actually I'm surprised the damn thing didn't run like shit, as when I took the head off it was pitch black with unburnt fuel. And on top of that when I hooked up a OBD scanner before I tore the motor apart it said the computer was running the spark at another 13 degree retard, WTF! Due to this I got a new knock sensor off of the old motor I used for parts as it was rusty and just shitty looking. Well wish me luck on that cam carrier gasket, no one sells it unless it is in the complete head set, which I don't need. Should be fine though. I took a rag to it and it looks like new and I'll lightly hit the rubber parts with some rtv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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