So today I grounded out the wire that you ground to set the timing as it tells the computer to remove all advance and took the van for a spin. It is still making that same noise so I guess it isn't pinging but rather something valve-train related. Any ideas? Hydraulic lifter maybe?
Chris
Check the valve lash, could be out of adjustment.
I don't think there is any adjustment. The rockers have hydraulic lifters in them that actuate the valves. I think one may be weak or collapsed as on Wednesday when driving it with the ECU timing wire grounded out the van still made the noise. so not pinging as the base timing at that point is 5* BTDC.
The noise was also much louder on wednesday as it seems with the much hotter weatehr the oil thinned out more,and made the noise louder. Does that make sense? I plan on trying to figure out which lifter is making the noise,and replacing it with one of the used ones from my rocker assembly out of my old head. Those didn't make any bad noises so I think I should be okay.
Chris
It does make sense, with the thinner oil you have less oil pressure even though the volume may stay the same or increase. I had a similiar issue with the lifters in my 96 bonneville. I had to replace the woodruff key in the crankshaft, and while the car was inop the lifters bled down. Sounded like a can of rocks on initial startup, actually took a couple of days for the lifters to "pump up" and the noise to go away. I put in a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil to help the process along. If the lifter (or lifters) are collapsed and not just bled down sounds like what you are planning to do is your best bet, but you could try adding some Marvel or other top end lube first to see if it will free up the collasped lifter. Couldnt hurt to check to see if the rockers are at 0 lash on the valve stem, just in case one is loose.
Is it possible it is running lean on initial or slight throttle opening due to a misadjusted / bad throttle position sensor?
Lifters replaced with the ones out of my old rockers,and the noise is still present. Did this yesterday, and didn't have a chance to get to it today. Any other ideas? Definitely sounds valve train related.
So a few more developments. The rubber hose for the fuel filler has a small crack in it from dry rot, and now leaks when filling it up. My guess is I won't be able to find a replacement. Any suggestions on repairing this?
Also on a whim I decided to get a look at the ECU to see if I could get a number off of it so when I talk with the DSM guys they know what I have. Turns out it is a junkyard ECU as it has a foil like sticker on it to prove tampering with it for a possible warranty I guess. Is there a chance this could be an ongoing problem with the van seeing as how it already has had a replacement of the ECU?
Chris
^Time for megasquirt 
Instead of starting another thread I will just ask here. Turns out there is a split in a large rubber hose from the fuel filler neck to the fuel tank. It leaks when fueling up or when the van is parked on a slant towards the front of the car.
It seems the sort of part that would need to to be sourced from the dealer as it has some bends in it and such. Anyone have some options for me to replace this piece that is maybe a foot long or so,and has a couple of bends in it? Has to be gasoline resistant as well,and may be around a 3" diameter or so.
Check the dealer then try Tractor supply or local tractor farm repair guy. They normaly have "filler hose".
Some time the best solution is to place a brick on the gas pedal and walk away with it running.....eventualy you'll find the problem...
Well I finally gave up, and sold the van about 10 minutes ago. I already miss it, but it was driving me crazy, and I had to let it go. I know I will regret it in the future as I already do, but sometime you just have to give up on vehicles. What should I get next? I haven't told my kids yet, and I know they will be sad that I sold it, but they will get over it, I hope.
Chris
that is a shame.. but we all share that pain at one time or another
I know where there is a sweet TR8 for sale.
Then there is always that TVR Vixen parked under the pine tree down the road from you. Maybe the guy will be willing to sell it now.
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