Author Topic: Oil coming out valve covers...  (Read 16666 times)

Offline Canadian 4X4

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #15 on: September 11, 2010, 06:09:55 PM »
is it possible that the oil isn't draining out of the head, i have heard that on these motors that the oil passages get clogged and wont drain pull the valve cover off and check.

Offline 1980c10

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2010, 07:55:13 PM »
Are you having any other symptoms with the engine? does it smoke? engine knock? what is the condition of your oil? Also, hold a white rag or paper towel by the exhuast with the engine running and see if it gets any oil on it. running out of ideas..

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2010, 08:52:25 PM »
Thanks for the replies...

Here are the valve covers/grommets I'm using http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRO-141-131/?rtype=10

And the engine is fine, runs normal. No smoke out of the exhaust. I can smell unburned oil usually when I start or shut off my truck, but probably because I'm not moving, I'm sure it's leaking when I'm driving too... I haven't pulled off my valve covers to check those oil drain holes because I've been so busy with school and work but I'll get to it soon and report back. Thanks for the ideas though.
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2010, 08:56:04 PM »
Try those grommets I linked
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #19 on: September 16, 2010, 10:42:14 PM »
Well I've been super busy with work and school but I pulled off the valve covers after work tonight because my oil level wasn't even registering on the dipstick when I checked it today. The drain holes aren't clogged at all, so I just cleaned the valve covers and put them back on. I filled it back up with oil and I'm pretty sure it's leaking where the dipstick goes into the block. When my dad and I put the motor in my truck the dipstick wasn't going in right because of the headers so he cut some of it off to make it fit right... (Thanks Dad).

So I guess I have to figure that out... But I can never find a dipstick tube for a 73-87.

I'm ordering those grommets you showed me right now Vile, thanks.
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline beastie_3

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #20 on: September 17, 2010, 01:42:41 PM »
The dipstick is different for pre and post 79 blocks.

Offline beastie_3

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #21 on: September 17, 2010, 01:43:09 PM »
Spend a few bucks and get a fancy one like from lockar.

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #22 on: September 18, 2010, 10:19:50 PM »
Well I did a compression check after work just now because I had some extra time on my hands. #1 cylinder was at 150psi, and I got 90psi from #3. I was so mad that I didn't even finish, plus it's late. Looks like I'll be pulling the motor  :'(
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline TexasRed

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #23 on: September 19, 2010, 11:22:30 PM »
Are you sure you had the tool screwed all the way in? It's a little odd, it was on your second cylinder, you found a problem. I'd double check before pulling the motor.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #24 on: September 20, 2010, 09:22:31 AM »
Explain how you were doing the compression test.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Unofficial

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #25 on: September 20, 2010, 11:04:56 AM »
I warmed up the engine to operating temp, and took all the plugs out. I hooked up the tester to cylinder number 1 (after unplugging the coil and injectors) and went in the cab to turn it over. I held the gas pedal to the floor and turned it over for about 6 seconds to make sure I'd get a good reading. Cylinder 1 tested to about 150 psi. I hooked it up to cylinder number 3 and did the same exact thing with 90psi. I didn't spray any oil in the cylinder to see if the pressure went up though. I also didn't test #5 or #6 since it was extremely difficult (if even possible) to test them with the headers. Plus it was late at night and I was extremely mad considering this is my daily driver and I have at least one blown ring on a rebuilt motor with 10k on it... Also, I got 180psi from cylinder #8... I thought that was a little high.
1987 Custom Deluxe R10
350 TBI bored .040 over
700r4 with a Transgo shift kit
MSD ignition
Long tube headers w/ true duals
Upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #26 on: September 20, 2010, 12:09:54 PM »
Hook a battery charger up as well for consistant cranking speeds. You should repeat the test on all cylinders. If one cylinder is low then do a leak down test.
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                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline beastie_3

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #27 on: September 21, 2010, 12:28:30 AM »
Just curious, is it necessary to hold down the gas while cranking?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Oil coming out valve covers...
« Reply #28 on: September 21, 2010, 08:37:18 AM »
Yes, WOT and choke wide open if it's carbureted
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                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10