Concerned Engine Issues UPDATE

[chrismoore701]

Posted this last week. Changed oil and only drained about 2 1/2 qts. I did some investigation and this is what I found

Compression is 135-155 on all cylinders
I have attached a pic of all the plugs pulled out top one is #1, bottom is #8
Plugs were autolite 25 gapped about 30-35
Total timing is about 32 degrees
New plugs installed are Delco plugs- R45TS gapped at 40
One thing I noticed is the rear filler cap on the valve cover is very loose
It just slides into the valve cover
The breather in the front has a gromit pushed into the valve cover and the breather pushes into that.
My builder drilled the hole in the valve cover and never noticed how loose this cap was
Any thing I can do? try to get one that may fit better?
Anything I could wrap around the cap?
I noticed oil residue in this area
Could the hotter plugs gapped at 40 give me more power? Feels like it.

[Dead Parrot]

Normal gap for HEI is .045. Normal for points is .035. If you have a specialty dizzy setup, then check their recommendations.

Looks like the front half of the motor is running rich.

Do you have a working PCV setup? Most street carbs expect PCV air and need adjustments if there isn't any.

Very possible the more power feeling is from having clean plugs rather then any effect from hotter plugs. If you have HEI, the wider gap may help with a bit extra power.

[chrismoore701]

I have HEI, how do you check the PCV?

Thanks
Chris

[Palf70Step]

Pull it out, see if it rattles easily when shaken. I had to replace mine just recently becuase the new engine was using oil without showing signs of burning it.

[chrismoore701]

So it should rattle?

[Palf70Step]

Yes, Freely or real easy. My bad one still rattle but you had to really shag it to get ti to rattle. It should take very little effort to get it to rattle.

[Dead Parrot]

Another quick test is pull it out while the motor is idling and put your thumb over the end of the valve. If your thumb sticks, its working at idle. This test best done while the motor is cool or you are wearing gloves.

[geezer#99]

Would be nice to see a pic of your pcv and how it’s hooked up to your carb or intake.
Also possible there is no baffle for the pcv.
Could be pulling a little oil out of the cover.
There are different size grommets to fit your cover holes so the fill cap will fit better.

[chrismoore701]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Would be nice to see a pic of your pcv and how it’s hooked up to your carb or intake.
Also possible there is no baffle for the pcv.
Could be pulling a little oil out of the cover.
There are different size grommets to fit your cover holes so the fill cap will fit better.

Where should I look for the grommets?

Chris

[geezer#99]

Right here.


https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Searc...over%20grommet

You gonna post a pic of your pcv and hose?

[chrismoore701]

I checked the PCV valve. Rattles and has a good vacuum on it. It is connected to the base plate of my carb. So now I just keep an eye on things. It was mentioned the front cylinders look rich. What could cause this and is there a correction?

[cadillac_al]

If your valve cover doesn't have a baffle or some kind of plate at the pvc hole then you will be sucking oil.

[chrismoore701]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

If your valve cover doesn't have a baffle or some kind of plate at the pvc hole then you will be sucking oil.

I doubt it does, what are my options here?

[geezer#99]

Look on that link.
There are a couple baffle grommets there.