I had a small hole in my "Clifford Performance" headers which was causing some annoying tapping. Once I discovered this was the problem, I ordered a new set of Cliffords headers. My Jeep sat for two months waiting for the new headers to get here, another six weeks to get over my shoulder surgery. Today, I finally got everything back together, double checked everything, and started it up. I was greeted to very loud popping sounds, and shut it down right away. Again, I checked everything, found and fixed a fuel leak to the carb, and started it again. Same thing. Loud popping, only this time it didn't want to start, and took a lot of starter fluid to get it to fire. I have MSD ignition, and the ignition box was showing a red light. I can't find the problem, and hope you all can give me some advice. I don't want to have to remove that damn intake header combination again if I have to!!! Thanks
The engine is back together and its popping like crazy
- Thread starter Tree top flyer
- Start date
Gilaguy23
YJ Addict
Popping like a massive exhaust leak or a back fire thru the carb or?? I cant say Ive read good reviews on MSD parts of lately, especially their coils failing. None the less after sitting that long Id be checking for vermin damage to wiring, plugged intake or exhaust kinda thing. Them bastages ruin everything and anything they get into.
My Clifford's Performance" header is a "split" header. One of the header to exhaust pipes did not line up exactly, but I was able to bolt it up anyway. I'm not sure that would cause the popping at that location, but am going to check it this morning. The Jeep was starting hard, so I am going to follow your lead and check the coil, as a possible culprit. As far as critters, I had the engine covered, so don't think that is an issue. Then again, those mice are pretty cagey little devils! Thanks for the input!
I am still looking, and have not yet discovered the problem. If I can't zero in on the leak, I am going to have to tear it all down and start over. Something I don't look forward to.
could be the area where the bolt did not line, the gasket may be damaged. sure hope you dont have to tear down? good luck and keep us posted.
Gilaguy23
YJ Addict
Sounds like your still working on it. Being both the intake and exhaust are on the same side of the head you sure you didnt damage the gasket and have a intake leak (lean running) now on x cylinders? Unless you unhooked something accidentally I cannot see how a header leak will cause hard starting, thats another issue. If one cylinder is leaking exhaust you'd hear that single pop, if its numerous it just gets worst obviously but can also quiet down once the engine is hot as things expand. Not a fix, but a result of missing or loose nuts. I hate to say this but if you have to tear it down again do yourself a favor and straight edge the header flange and check for flat, uniform surface areas where it contacts the head. No offence but Ive Id not use anything Clifford after taking a micrometer to one of their cams and checking the lobes.
Good advice. His sale after service sucks too! I wonder, if I buy a “Summit” racing header, if it will work with a Clifford intake nanufold??