Valves Hit Pistons
#32
Okay, so I checked the bolts on the flex pipe, they're pretty tight already, can't get a torque wrench down there to torque them but I can't budge them. The gasket on it is brand new, just put it in when I put on the head. The exhaust manifold and intake manifolds are torqued to spec. I replaced the EVAP purge valve since it was cheap, did nothing. I checked the fuel pressure, getting 55 psi so that's okay. Took out the air filter in case that was causing the issue, did nothing as well. I don't see anywhere where there could be a vacuum leak, checked just about every vacuum line. When it starts up, it starts at 1000 rpms but then drops to 650 and idles around there after like 15-30 sec. Any ideas what it could be?
#36
Okay, here are the pictures of the flex pipe. Sorry, couldn’t really get any really close pictures of it. I tried testing for a leak with a rag in the tail pipe and I didn’t see any smoke coming from the flex pipe.
#40
No, I haven't done a leak down or compression test. I bought a leak down test kit a few months ago but it didn't have the right adapter, never thought of getting the right adapter, do you recommend doing one? I just assumed that it most likely isn't associated with an engine issue since it's only when it idles at temp. MPG dropped to 16mpg due to the rich conditions with a lot of short-distance drives. The oil level has stayed the same since replacing the head and timing chain.