I have a 71 455 in my 65 Skylark and when I changed the plugs the other day, #2 was a bit oily, the other 7 were the correct light tan color. I also notice the valves are ticking on the same cylinder, more so on startup then they quiet down a bit. I'd like to fix this before the entire engine/piston/valve train goes. Any ideas on what it could be? Maybe I just need a valve job on the right bank? Are the rockers adjustable? Even if so, that wouldn't explain the oily plug. Thanks for any help, Keith
Take the valve cover off, and look for obvious problems. Damaged/bent pushrods, broken rockers. If something is broken, that cylinder may not be firing, fouling the plug. Are you sure it is oil, or is it carbon/fuel fouled. The valvetrain on a Buick is not adjustable from the factory. Easiest way to make it adjustable isa to use adjustable pushrods. If the motor has ever been rebuilt, or the heads/block have been surfaced, you should have a way to adjust the valvetrain. Do a compression check on the motor, before you decide to pull it apart. If you decide you need to do a valve job, do both heads.
Keith, the oily plug has to do with either bad oil control rings or worn valve guides. The ticking is excess lash between the rocker arm and the valve stem,due to wear. How many miles on the engine?
The cylinder is firing and it is oil as it was wet. I just got the car a couple of weeks ago and all I know is that the engine came from a 71 Electra and miles are unknown. It runs good, just has a ticking noise from #2. I guess I'll pull the valve cover for a visual, do a compression test and go from there. Thanks Guys. Keith
