Injuneer

You have a 350ci LT1. "327" is the last three digits of the block casting number (10125327) - not the displacement.

My engine:



The MAF sensor being installed "backwards" (screen on the outlet) can cause it to run rough.

faqz09

Ok well thats sort of a relief, well now back to the problem...what could cause low vacuum with an all stock motor?

Guest47904

valve(s) that aren't closed tight. Could also obviously effect the running.

Have you done leak down or compression tests?

Have you identified dead cylinders if there are any?

Injuneer

I reread all 3 pages. Where did you determine that you have low vacuum? If you have low vacuum, what it is at idle?

faqz09

Got another starter and and vacuum pump, the car just cracked the case of the starter...how I dont know because i was able to move the flywheel with a flathead in both directions, maybe it was lined up wrong but im going to swap out the internals with the old starter and give it another try in about an hour, I will keep yall posted with the results

Injuneer

By vacuum pump, do you mean "AIR" pump? If so, why are you replacing it?

If the starter cracked it could be because the timing it radically off = botched Opti install or plug wires swapped.

Guest47904

Why would think a vacuum pump was hooked to the exhaust? Why would you think low vacuum would keep the engine from running, much less starting?

I might suggest you let a professional look at your problem.

Going back to basics is a good idea. Fuel, spark and compression.

If all 8 have spark and compression CONFIRMED. Then shoot fuel in the intake while someone cranks it over. If it starts and shuts off, you know you have a fuel issue. If it doesn't even try to start, you have a spark issue.

faqz09

Its a pump with a meter to check the vacuum

Injuneer

You don't need a "vacuum pump" to measure the intake manifold vacuum. All you need is a simple gauge that you connect to any full vacuum port on the manifold. But again, why do you think you have a vacuum problem?

faqz09

Because its wasnt fuel...but now I have a bigger problem...the car over heated the other day and now i think i blew a head gasket...I think the starters are going bad because of the build up of pressure...if I removed the plugs it spins fine...with the plugs in it barely spins....not even enough to start

jloshotz

Almost sounds like you are hydro locking now....

faqz09

My hydro?? Whats that and how do I free it up?

jloshotz

Coolant in the cylinders, probable by-product of the head gasket problem. Liquid doesn't compress You'd better start by taking the heads off and take them to be checked for cracks/warpage. If you can get a hook on a good running used motor, I'd almost suggest a swap out. It really depends on your confidence in your ability to do the work.....definitely sounds like you should pull the heads as a starting point, if you have confirmed coolant in any of the cylinders. If so, it is very possible that you might see quite a bit of disturbance in the radiator while cranking with the system topped off, IF you were able to get it to crank. The cylinder pressure in the cooling system would be quite noticeable. It sounds like you really have your hands full....sorry for the misfortune

faqz09

Well sounds like a plan :\...I've done a head gasket before but on a honda...I will have to do some research before I pull the heads, like the torch order and all of that...most likely have to remove the chain too....but I will and as soon as I get results I will be sure to note it

Injuneer

If you had coolant or unburned fuel in the cylinders (or a single cylinder) causing hydrolock, when you removed the plug and rotated the crank, you would see the liquid dribbling out.