Well crap.. I filled the radiator and the oil level rose.. That can't be good. At least I discovered this before I tried to run it.. Hoping it is the intake..
Jay, This is exactly what mine was doing when I put mine back together. When you take the intake off look at where the head meets the block. You will see something like this. I don't know if the 350's are the same as the 455's. But it sure sounds just like what mine was doing.
I plan to take the intake off and blow compressed air into the heads to make sure they are sealing.. I hope it's just the intake. I know the heads were shaved some. They are mis matched. One is a 72 I think, and the other is a 73. The 72 was shaved to match the 73 which was shaved by a previous owner.
Guess I should update.. The heads were later model than the block and had to have the center coolant ports blocked. Engine is back in the car and a test fire date is set for the 17th.. Whoopee.. Lots of things could still go wrong.. Or, they could go right..
It's a Crower cam.. And I still think it's a little strange.. But, some have said it shold work well..
Jay, So far you have done every thing I have done right and wrong. The crower cam would be one of the right. The wrong is that I did the same thing with latter model heads except I put the intake back on a couple of times before I found the real problem.
No doubt.. You have had a lot harder time so far. I'm still following your lead. Most people still shake their heads at the strange cam, but I'm taking yours (and Crower's) knowledge as good.. Cross your fingers for next weekend, Thanks for your help. Jay
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=178625&highlight=cam It's a custom cam. I told them I needed power brakes, was doing two small turbos, wanted OK street manners, home ported heads with no flow #s, 3800 lb car, 3.73s with 28" tire.. I'm running 1.6 roller rockers also..
Test fire is set for Saturday morning.. Anyone that wants to come is welcome.. Most anything could go wrong.. Or.. It could all go right.o No:
Jay, How long can I stay. You know it will be a long trip from Oregon. JK, I wish I could be there. Good luck and keep us informed.
x3 For a u-tube video. This should get me pumped to finish my twin set-up, on my next set of days off and get it running. James
Well. Good news, bad news, and just worthless news.. The engine fired right up and ran for the 20 or so minute break in last night..It sounds really good. Problem is that there was very little oil pressure at idle after the break in. I thought I found the problem with a twisted oil presure line at the block. I re-did the connection and re-started it this morning. Good oil pressure now.. I was trying to re-time (start and set timing) the engine after pulling out the distributor to make sure it had oil and the gear was still intact and while doing so I heard a terrible noise in the passenger valve cover. One of the rocker studs had un-threaded itself and the rocker was laying on its' side.. OK. Re-install the stud and readjust the rocker. Glad the lifter was still in the bore.. Check all others for sme problem.. None found.. Got everything set up again and the engine runs and sounds GREAT.. But the bad news is that according to my oil pressure gauge.. It sucks.. 5-7 psi at idle maybe less and 20 psi at 3000 rpms.. Guess I'll start yet another oil pressure thread when I get time. Hmmmmmmmm..
Before you sart it again order this: Product ID: TA_1502 ADJ OIL PRESSURE REGULATOR It is best to maintain between 10 and 15 lbs of oil pressure for every 1000 rpm. If your pressure readings are on the low side the TA 1502 Adjustable Oil Pressure Regulator may be just what you need. This key part replaces the relief valve nut and spring (next to the oil filter). Turning the adjuster screw in will increase oil pressure and backing out the screw will lower the pressure. Recommended for any oil pump re-build and much safer than using heavy weight (color coded) springs. Fits 198-215-225-231-252-300-340-350-400-430-455. NOTE: Does not improve pressure at Idle, proper pump set up and TA 1510 will improve pressure at idle. Email Friend Price: $19.95 this:
Jay, Is your oil pressure gage a full sweep 100 psi gauge. Reason why I am asking is because I was using on of those half sweep 100 psi gauges. you now the type that has 0 at 10 o'clock and 100 is at 2 o'clock. It alway looked like it was only reading just above 0 psi and sometimes it looked like 0. Then I bought a full seep gauge that actually has hash marks every 5 psi and low and behold it was actually run 10-12 psi when fully warmed up. Amazing what a $20 gauge does for your sanity when your int traffic on a hot day.
