69 430 oil pressure in cooling system

So it's a 69 Riv with the original 430 engine? Like brian said in an earlier post check the casting numbers and make sure they are in fact not 72 and later heads. Maybe somebody back in 73 swapped them for some reason and had the same issues as you're having now, then parked it in the field??

 

Looks like 1109 heads. Correct for a 69 but don't quote me

 

Yep 67-69 400/430/455 heads. Here's a chart to help you out in the future.

 

Why were their 3 different 67-69 400 casting numbers used?

 

That answer is beyond my knowledge level, we will wait for the Wizard to explain

 

The later heads would leak coolant into the oil, not the other way around.

Is it possable for an internal crack in the timing cover cause this........the oil pressure is greater than cooling systems pressure so the fluid would flow that direction

 

I agree with the timing cover theory. I have not had the time to pull cover due to my shop being crazy busy . I will try to work it in this coming week. I'm down with the flu this weekend. I appreciate all the imput and will update next week.

 

I finally have an answer and it's not good! I tool off the timing cover and put air pressure through the oil galley. I could immediately hear air inside the passenger side coolant opening. Upon further inspection I found a rusted spot that went directly into the oil passage that feeds the camshaft. Unfortunately it is in a place that cannot be repaired. Looks like I will be looking for a new block. Very disappointed. Thanks to all who have helped me with my crazy issue.

 

That sucks....there were a few guys with blocks available in this thread: http://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/anybody-got-a-spare-block-laying-around.351862/

 

Can you not put a sleeve into the oil galley like JW mentions in this thread? I know he did this repair on a suction tube when the drill broke through the side but can it be done on the oil galley??

http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/400-430-455-block-id-prep-and-oiling-mods.214613/

 

Thanks for the lead

 

Reading that thread it looks like I might be able to go through the oil pressure sender hole and install a sleeve. I will pull the engine and try when it's on the stand. Thanks looking out.

 

No problem at all. Hey it's worth a shot trying to fix it before you scrap it. Maybe try PM'ing Jim Weise and get his thoughts on that repair and if it will work and or hold up to any long duration of time? Even if it lasts long enough to drive the car while you build another engine??