Rebeldryver's '70 Caprice Granny's Luxo-Muscle-Barge

[Scott Liggett]

Those marks look strangely uniform-could it have anything to do with the way the ring gaps are clocked?

Very well could be. My first thought. One line goes up higher than the other in every instance.

[milner351]

could it be the cylinders with the marks are the smallest diameter - and the rings are a bit tight at high temps???

[Scott Liggett]

Had a moment of panic when I had trouble getting #8 spark plug to screw in. Acting as if the the threads were stripped. Of course, its #8, the one way back behind the AC box where I cant see whats going on. Its the same cylinder I had trouble getting the compression tester's adapter into. Tried a different plug and it screwed right in.

[milner351]

whew!

it seems for some plug locations, the way you tilt your head and how you stick out your tongue must all be just right in order to get the derned thing started.

[Bamfster]

I always use a 14" length of 3/8 fuel to get the hard to reach plugs started. It makes it so much easier especially when you can't see the plug hole.

[Scott Liggett]

Well, its running. There is an exhaust leak from the bolt holes. Apparently, my exhaust manifold bolts are too long for new heads bolt holes by a tiny bit.

And, it's smoking. Not.good. Didnt smoke before, plugs still looked new, so I reused them. I havent driven it yet because of the exhaust leak. Maybe it will burn off, maybe not.

[Deaf Bob]

Smoke from WHERE?
Off surfaces, prolly fine.. Out pipes... May burn off if you spilled something down there

At least one of your valve covers don't feel like marbles rolling in a can...

[Scott Liggett]

Smoke from WHERE?
Off surfaces, prolly fine.. Out pipes... May burn off if you spilled something down there

At least one of your valve covers don't feel like marbles rolling in a can...

It was burning off the right exhaust pipe or manifold; and out of the left tailpipe.

Oh wait, I hosed down the cylinders with PB Blaster before the compression test. I forgot.

[Scott Liggett]

Went to see my machinist today and showed him the pics of the cylinders. He saw the signs of detonation on the pistons, which it had been doing lately. We figured with the cam specs, the compression, and chamber design; its a miracle this car ran at all on todays gas. So, I am not going to worry too much about it right now.

[Huskinhano]

It was burning off the right exhaust pipe or manifold; and out of the left tailpipe.

Oh wait, I hosed down the cylinders with PB Blaster before the compression test. I forgot.

I know that "oh shit" moment. Years back I had a 95 Windstar that blew a head gasket. Had the heads resurfaced, valve job and so on. When I fired the car up all this steam came out the exhaust and just kept coming and coming and coming. I had visions of pulling everything apart again (it was NOT fun the first time). Then it cleared up and all was good. I think with the new heads it's going to run better then ever.

[Monk]

Does anyone index plugs anymore?

Back in the day it was the thing to do.

[CTX-SLPR]

Does anyone index plugs anymore?

Back in the day it was the thing to do.

Honda Insight drivers... I might for my Bonneville motor.

[TheSilverBuick]

Does anyone index plugs anymore?

Back in the day it was the thing to do.

I do, but don't really try hard to get them perfect. Just try and get the ground strap against the head.

[Scott Liggett]

Does anyone index plugs anymore?

Back in the day it was the thing to do.

I'm sure there are racers that still do who want that last bit of horsepower. On a street car, it's not really worth the time.


Not sure where this question came from.

[Scott Liggett]

Replaced the exhaust manifold bolts today. Started car, and got the distinct sound of a bad exhaust leak. Turns out the donut came apart.

Car is no longer smoking. YAY!

I thought the lower compression would quiet the car down some. It didn't. My neighbors confirmed that when they asked if I ever owned a quiet car.