Engine Smokes

[4spd350]

1980 350 c.i. L48 with 53,000 miles on it. My engine smokes at crank up after sitting awhile, the car sat up for 3 years before I baught it recently. I am looking at the valve stem seals being shot. Im have some new 70cc heasds that I can install . Has anyone done a top end overhaul with the engine still in the car? I was also looking at replacing the cam while I had it torn down that far, if the radiator is pulled is there room to slide the cam out and replace it?

 

[cruzer99]

You might look at just replacing the seals on your heads. I have seen the rings blown out of cars that have a new set of heads installed because the engine wasn't ready for the higher compression. It is also a little harder on the bottom end.
There are additives that you could try (temp fix), that will swell up the valve seals just to make sure that is the problem.

 

[Jack]

Has anyone done a top end overhaul with the engine still in the car? I was also looking at replacing the cam while I had it torn down that far, if the radiator is pulled is there room to slide the cam out and replace it?

Yes, there is room to change the cam with radiator out/tilted forward. Always use new lifters.

Yes, you can change the heads out with engine in car; no biggie.

Does sound like valve stem seals are pooped. VSS's can also be changed with heads on ... just takes time & patience.

JACK:gap

 

[GerryLP]

I agree

4Spd350,

Jack is right! When my car's original cam went flat at 33,000 miles that's how my mechanic in Santa Rosa, California replaced the cam. My car's recent cam replacement started that way, but ended in a full engine pull due to scored and damaged block cylinders; however, I have removed the radiator about 3 times and those two other occassions make it 5 times, and still it does not get any easier to pull the radiator. It is like doing sit-ups at the gym -I hate it!!!!!! ad

 

[4spd350]

Thanks for all the information, I was looking at the engine area today and decided I wouild just go ahead on with a crate engine for now, considering I don't know the condition of mine internally since it has been sitting up for 3 years. I'll put it on a stand and build it up for future use since its the original. Thanks for all the input. I found a 430hp crate motor with a 12 month unlimited mile warranty, should work just fine. I'll let you know how the engine swap went.

 

[Wamp]

crate engine

Are you going with a GM crate engine? I have been looking at crate engines for about a year and half now. 430HP, sounds fun. Let me know who you are getting it from, maybe I can steer you to a better engine..

Wamp
'74 coupe