Thread: 428 smokes ... #1 Cylinder only

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I'll agree with the water as being the best chance of being the culprit. Since the 428 is a 332/352/390/406/427 in disguise, there is a distinct possibility that the nasty intake/head gasket interface may have a small leak - which would not show up in a compression test. If you have an aluminum manifold, and I assume you do with dual quads, there may be some erosion or corrosion and allowing some water to leak by. If you are using plain water without antifreeze, the pH can go or be "off". If you have anti freeze, and if it's old - same thing. Acidic by products of combustion will eventually seep a bit into the cooling system, high pressure to low, regardless of how good a set of gaskets you have.

Think positive - if it's not a cast iron manifold, at least it wont weigh 87 pounds and require 2 large men and a small boy to lift off - been there.........

I've tried to add to this post......so far unsuccesfully....so this will be the short version as it may not work again:

Got the intake off. Oil leak around intake. Wasn't water. I pressure tested cylinder and no bubbles or pressure build-up in puke tank.

My fault I think. I used 3" long bolts for the 8 long intake bolts. Supposed to be 2 and 5/8". I think the bolts were bottoming out before the intake was completely tight.

Gaskets really sealed well around the water passages. I used gasket sealer there. Think I will coat both gaskets completey....both sides. Probably hell to remove, but.....

Thanks guys. Once I get this working, I'll let you to know to confirm what I've found so far.