What to Do?

[xoomer]

I'm in the process of starting a rebuild on a ej22t it is still in the car and Still running but once it gets down to idle it is running really ruff... We know its a head gasket I have already bought everything I need to rebuild it. at least the top end. Should I machine the heads? and get the valves done?

Another note...

on my dash the Battery light is very dim and lit you can't see it unless you are looking at it very closely or it is very dark. I'm seeing good numbers when I put a multimeter on the battery of 14.5 volts. what could this be?

[log1call]

It's always a good idea to lap the valves in. If they don't have to be done then it will only take a few minutes per valve to polish them up, you also get to change the seals and clean it all properly. If the valves were bad... well just as well you checked them.

The bulb in the dash might be going black as they sometimes do.

[xoomer]

Well. I'm more worried about having to do it again........... I'm not gonna play games with this car.. I'm trying to make this my Daily driver...

[evolutionmovement]

Do all the other electrical systems work? Headlights flare when accelerating from idle?

[xoomer]

Yes every thing seems to work. the Battery cables are kinda corroded though I've cleaned up a replaced most of it except for the wires. I'm gonna cut and strip and make clean the cables and see if that goes away. but this thing is not a driver yet. I am going to rebuild the top end of the engine so cause its got exhaust in coolant. Yes I bought the Subaru Engine overhaul kit. I have everything to do it. I'm just waiting till I can afford the Radiator ( it leaks.) and I can afford the heads machined and the valves worked over.

[Legacy777]

Have your alternator checked.