gonna whine for awhile. Please say something encouraging.

[dhughins]

I bought my 69 swb just a couple months ago. Paid what I thought was reasonable price. I knew I didn't buy a showpiece, but now that i'm starting to have problems with it I'm getting discouraged.

It started smoking real bad on 1st startup. It's leaking alot of oil on the passenger side. I was hoping a valve cover gasket was all that it was, but a new 1 didn't fix it. When I had the valve cover off there is a lot of sludge in there. I gotta look into it more, but looks like oil is coming out of head near the back passenger spark plug.

It supposedly has a 1976 305 in it. Haven't been able to get the numbers off of it yet to be sure, but I would rather have a 307,327,350. I just want a good driver.
I don't have a garage or even a backyard shed, so I don't know how I could build a new motor, and even than how reliable would that be? (i'm only somewhat mechanically inclined) Looks like a base crate engine is around $2000 by the time i get everything and put it in. My wife will kill me, and I wouldn't blame her. I just installed a ECE front disc brake conversion $$$$.

If I bought a crate I would have way more invested in it than I could ever sell it for. Is that just a "facts of life thing"?

What advice do ya'll have for me? I would like to just drive it but with it leaking as much as it is it will cost a lot just to keep oil in it, plus the embarrasing issue of it smoking everywhere I go while oil burns off the header.

[Dunenutt]

Check the oil pressure connection next to the distributor.

[74 shortbed 406]

To bad you don't live closer, my uncle has 2 freshly rebuilt 350's. Around 1k a piece.

[dhughins]

Originally Posted by 74 shortbed 406

To bad you don't live closer, my uncle has 2 freshly rebuilt 350's. Around 1k a piece.

I wish.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by Dunenutt

Check the oil pressure connection next to the distributor.

2nd that....also do check the covers for leaks. Dont worry about the fight with the wifey.....you will have that "right or wrong"! Just ask her..."do you really love me baby" crazyL

[sir_talk_alot]

CRAIGSLIST TIME. look for a running 350 for a couple hundred.

[LEX]

Originally Posted by dhughins

I wish.

Yes, just keep your eyes open for deals like that on Craigslist or even in the classifieds section on here. It's a nice truck. Keep your head up.

[406 Q-ship]

Is the oil leak on the right side at the rear of the engine? If it is and the oil pressure tap is not leaking then check the rear of the intake mainfold to see if the seal has slipped out or just doe not have enough sealer.

[LEX]

http://bham.craigslist.org/pts/3064151316.html

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/pts/3067690635.html

[cleanfreak]

What you seem to be describing might still be a valve cover leaking , as there isn't alot of places for oil to leak around the plug. Did you clean out the oil drain holes in the head while you were in there? How about straightening the covers while they were off? There are cheap supports for the covers to help them not bend , that could help. How about a better picture of the leaky area , might get some more ideas how to fix. Don't worry about no garage , we've all changed a motor in the front yard , off a tree , in the snow ... Right?. Don't get down , it might not be that bad . -Bob

[original-71]

keep your head up, its like i tell my wife, i could have a worse hobby

[ole dollor]

dhughins: always remember one thing about wife's....it is always to easier to ask for forgiveness ...than permission....it always works for me.....good luck on you ride.....

[67c10rustbuket]

Originally Posted by dhughins

Attachment 941467


If I bought a crate I would have way more invested in it than I could ever sell it for. Is that just a "facts of life thing"?

I have to ask then what did you pay for it if you don't mind?? From the pic I would guess 5-6-7k? (Guessing) Really it looks like a nice truck and adding a new crate would only increase the value in my book. A few recent ones for sale here with newer (not brand new) shiny paint and a crate bring 10k+. Just a lesson learned I guess but I am more with the other guys and think you may just have an oil leak. sbc's are real good at leaking oil and using cheap cork valve cover gaskets is just asking for oil leaks. A closeup pic of the leaky area would help us help you find it. Not the end of the world yet, There are no zombies in my backyard

[PanelDeland]

Also check the flanges on the valve covers.They can be bent by over-torqueing.

[Hubscrub]

if it runs fine just leaks fix the leak as said there isn't many places where you describe to leak oil, the worn valve seals is more than likely what is causing the first startup smoke i believe they can be changed without removing the head. I for one love 305's they are tough reliable motors the best i've owned.

[srea76]

i second that on craigslist. I bought a good running 350 with 350 trans for 500 cash about a year ago. Sold it about 2 weeks later for 1000.00. The guy is still driving that all over town here.

[71swb4x4]

I am with saa, take it to a good mechanic. Chances are good that a head rebuild will fix your problems.

Also the valve cover bolts should not be installed super tight. Lots of people crank them down which lifts the corners and causes a leak.

[502ms]

In addition, once you get it fixed you will enjoy driving it...
Posted via Mobile Device

[dhughins]

I'll get done pics tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice. It wasn't leaking like this when I bought it and drove it home 200 miles.

I fell good about the valve cover being straight and I used felpro rubber gaskets. It has the spreaders on the between the bolts and valve covers.

On a side note I know the quadrajet needs rebuilding. Just another expense.
Posted via Mobile Device

[dhughins]

I like the craiglist idea if it comes down to that. I used seachtempest tonight just looking there are a few engines within 200 miles of me. Wish I could find a little closer.
Posted via Mobile Device

Lex you scared me a little bit. Took me a minute to figure out how you knew where I lived.

[PAWS 72]

He's in a good area to find some good rebuilt engings .He should have a few good shops around down there.

[jablack]

If you're not to far from Birmingham I could take a look at it.

[dhughins]

Originally Posted by jablack

If you're not to far from Birmingham I could take a look at it.

Thanks for the offer. Your about 3 hours from me. It you make it down towards Dothan let me know.
Posted via Mobile Device

[JointTech]

and to the question of will it ever be worth what you have in it.... NO! This is a hobby remember. And if you count the hours and blood youll have in it. forget about it. You will never get that back in dollars.
But you bought it because you like the smell of an old chevy and that spot in the driveway right

[68Stepbed]

SBC's don't leak oil.....they just mark their territory.

Anyway, all kidding aside, there's been lots of good advice given here. My first thought was overtorqued valve cover bolts. Stamped steel valve covers are notorious for that if overtightened. I've also had better luck with cork gaskets then rubber ones.

I've had one of those stock 350 crate engines and they're worth the price. They're very reliable, well built engines with a good warranty, and will offer years of care-free service.

My advice is to keep your head up, and don't let these things get you down. This is all just part of owning a classic vehicle. They all have little bugs(sometimes big ones) that need to be addressed. Once you get everything straightened out, it will be a fun truck that you can enjoy. As for the wife, be honest with her. Don't try to sneak things past her. Somehow, they always find out anyway. As mentioned, though, sometimes it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. Talk with her about your plans, though and make sure she understands why, and you can both make a decision together. This is tough at times, but usually works out much better. With most women, though, it's not so much about the money, but more about the time spent with the truck over her. I suggest getting her involved with helping you with the truck. Even if it's only handing you tools. Just be patient when you ask for a ratchet and she hands you pliers. Eventually she may come around to getting her hands dirty with you.