ok so i finally got the 396 running and everything, only to my dismay that i keep getting coolant into the oil. I've tried replacing the head gaskets (twice) also have had the heads pressure tested, and really dont know what else is could possibly be besides maybe a "cracked" block or that maybe my intake manifold is not seating properly w/ the cylinder heads? The car it self runs mechanically fine, no coolant in the cylinders, just in the oil. please help, i need suggestions on what the hell i should do now, i have less than 27 miles on my new motor and i've torn it apart 3 times in the last week to change head gaskets, pres. test...

thanks,
Nick

 

Did you remember to put thread sealer on the head bolts/studs?

 

Several things come to mind, is the block deck truly flat a metal straight edge and a feeler guage will tell you that or worse when the machine shop clearenced your block for the crank they could have gotten into the water jacket near the oilpan rail.

 

I'm assuming that you've changed the oil a couple of times already. I know it sounds stupid, but after rebuilding mine I had a large amount of water in the engine. Turns out that I let the engine set long enough without the intake on it and condensation had settled in the pan. Changed the oil twice and no more water.

 

That gets my vote! Hopefully, that's all it is.

Rich Krause

 

ok so last night i went out and completely drained all of the oil and coolant out of the motor, and replaced filter and re-filled everything. After that and about an hour and half driving today the oil is fine and i'm right up to level with my coolant so i believe the problem was remaining from the first 2 times i blew the headgaskets. I have a few other bugs to work out.

-my car is so damn loud it's hard to tell if the rr's are clacking too much, is there a way besides listening to check and see if they're tight enough. w/ the valve covers off at idle?
-after driving it today, i've noticed the FP to be around 40psi, which is somewhat higher than normal, i was wondering what would cause this, i have an upgraded pump (walbro intank). also im running the stock injectors, but have 42# in the garage ready to go on, but i dont see why this car seems to be running somewhat rich. everyonce and a while it'll stumble at really low rpms, like 1800 when i start to roll out (6 speed) and puff a little dark grey smoke out that will burn your eyes. what could be causing this condition? not having a good tune?

btw the car has the same tune as it had last year w/ just a heads cam car.


thanks, Nick

 

ttt..