Posted By: donscuda
Engine is using oil, but not smoking... - 06/16/09 07:27 PM
I just got back from Hot Rod's Power Tour Sunday, and my '70 Cuda started to use some oil during the trip. Here's a little info on the motor. It's a '74 360 with a .528" lift mechanical cam , 9.5:1 compression, stock heads with some minor work, a M1 single plane intake with a 750 cfm Demon with mechanical secondaries, Mopar Performance electronic ignition with the chrome box, 1 1/2" headers, a 4 speed with a Centerforce II clutch. I also had 3.90 gears in it(I know that was a mistake...) The motor will idle with at least 35 psi of oil pressure, and rise to over 50 psi when being pressed on. The car will still idle with decent oil pressure. We were pushing the motor a little during the tour, but the motor did not smoke out of the exhaust at all, so I don't think it's the rings, I think it might be a problem with the valve seals, or something else in the heads. One other problem that happened was the breather on the valve cover was found off when we checked the oil at one gas stop. The breather fit the grommet tight, could there have been enough pressure in the head to blow the breather off? I really don't have the money to build a new motor for the car at this time because they cut overtime at work off, but I think I have enough money to afford a set of decent heads. I know I should do a leak down test first. What other things should I test, and what are your opinions on the problem?? Let me know if you guys need any more info..
Thanks for your help....
Don
Thanks for your help....
Don