Thread: Where in the world is the oil coming from part 2

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Hello to all.

A few months back, I posted this problem to to forum:

I have been struggling with an oil issue for some time.

Here's the scoop. Brand new 383 short block ( Eagle crank, rods , bearings ) 9.6-1 comp. This short block was prepared by a very reputable engine builder. Heads are cast iron with 2.02/ 1.6 valves, positive oil seals ,screw in studs , plates etc.

Thus far, I have tried three different manifolds, thinking the manifold(s) were warped. Not true. It was checked and it's a good fit.

Every single time that I pulled the manifold(s), the gaskets are soaked with engine oil!! The air/fuel charge is getting oil from somewhere. I've tried different gasket brands as well. I have unhooked the PCV ( using breathers for now ) to eliminate it being the cause. Same thing! The plugs are still wet and fouled. When the motor is running, it smokes when you gas it a bit.

The cam is fairly aggressive, but I doubt that has anything to do with the problem. The heads I had on this motor have been brought back to the machinist, and according to him, they checked out fine. The intake guides were also checked to see if any oil has been coming down the guides. Nope. Please advise!!

Now, to all who were interested to know: The problem appeared to be simple. My Edelbrock carb (according to the tech on the phone ) told me that the carb can handle no more than 6.5 PSI fuel pressure. Well, Ihave a Carter Elec. fuel pump that puts out 8 psi. What I had set up at the time of this problem was an inline fuel regulator, the kind with the dial. Edelbrock said those are junk, and pressur probably got past the needle and seat and flooded the motor.
Well, the shop that assembled my short block for this project sent me pictures of the tear down. The main bearings were showing the copper, and according to him, the rings were shot due to too much fuel in the oil. Because of this, he said that the cylinder walls were "glazed" and would no longer keep oil on the bottom of the piston, but now explains why all 8 plugs were getting wet.

This was obviously my fault. A cheap $20 pressure regulator ruined this engine, and this is why I had the oil and smoke. It would seem that a stock Ac Delco pump would have been the ticket. Sorry for the long explanation, but some of you wanted to hear back when I found out what happened.

Jerry

Jerry, thanks for sharing the results with us. Sorry it turned out badly for you

Bad for you, but an extremely useful post for others to learn from. Thanks for doing the follow up.

That sucks, Dutch. What a pile of work. I am wondering now if that is my problem as well.

I have a Holley carb but I found out by accident, that I had been sold a Carter fuel pump #P-4601-HP which puts out a maximum of18 psi whereas I wanted the #P-4600HP which puts out 8 psi. I found out after a year of use after the pump packed it in and I went in to exchange it. I still can’t believe that my needle and seats were able to handle that pressure to some extend at least.

Although I never noticed gas in my oil, whenever I stepped on it, a plume of smoke would be left behind. I really don’t want to be bothered pulling it all apart, so I’ll see if this year it might start deglazing the walls and seating the rings. When I travel under light to medium throttle, I do not see smoke.

Originally posted by TyphoonZR
That sucks, Dutch. What a pile of work. I am wondering now if that is my problem as well.

I have a Holley carb but I found out by accident, that I had been sold a Carter fuel pump #P-4601-HP which puts out a maximum of18 psi whereas I wanted the #P-4600HP which puts out 8 psi. I found out after a year of use after the pump packed it in and I went in to exchange it. I still can’t believe that my needle and seats were able to handle that pressure to some extend at least.

Although I never noticed gas in my oil, whenever I stepped on it, a plume of smoke would be left behind. I really don’t want to be bothered pulling it all apart, so I’ll see if this year it might start deglazing the walls and seating the rings. When I travel under light to medium throttle, I do not see smoke.

If you where getting 15 lbs. of pressure from this pump with out a regulator and it if the pump free flows 100 GPH.You would hydraulic the engine.

Very Useful, Thanks for the Follow-Up!

Originally posted by erik erikson
If you where getting 15 lbs. of pressure from this pump with out a regulator and it if the pump free flows 100 GPH.You would hydraulic the engine.

That's what I thought too after I had removed it and found this out while I was in the store. I wish I could have tested the pump while I had it.

Be that as it may, even if we were both mistaken, the store clerk and myself, if it was the 8 psi model, even that, according to the first post on this thread, it could still be my culbrit. I guess that is really what I was trying to say.

But I thought that a holley carb could handle 8 psi. I wonder if my high flowing needle and seat could have added to the problem as well?

I have a dial pressure regulator.

What type should I be using?

Originally posted by TyphoonZR
That's what I thought too after I had removed it and found this out while I was in the store. I wish I could have tested the pump while I had it.

Be that as it may, even if we were both mistaken, the store clerk and myself, if it was the 8 psi model, even that, according to the first post on this thread, it could still be my culbrit. I guess that is really what I was trying to say.

But I thought that a holley carb could handle 8 psi. I wonder if my high flowing needle and seat could have added to the problem as well?

I have run as high as 8psi. but when I tried 9- to 10 it would push it past the needle and seat assembly which woul cause a my idle to go up and down.

how much psi does a stock s.b.c. fuel pump produce. reason i'm asking is i just installed a 650 holley and don't want any problems come spring. seems to idle perfect right now with quick
throttle response. thanks

Originally posted by dougie
how much psi does a stock s.b.c. fuel pump produce. reason i'm asking is i just installed a 650 holley and don't want any problems come spring. seems to idle perfect right now with quick
throttle response. thanks

You have nothing to worry about. about 4-6 is normal.