Well I am almost done with my build. I was test fitting my lower intercooler pipe and noticed a drop of oil on the lower timing cover. I looked at the carpet and there was a small puddle.

After removing the covers and checking the highest spot for a leak, I found that there is oil build up between the head and block. It seems to be seeping through the head gasket. I checked all the plugs in the head and block. They are all there and tight.

The block and head were decked a few thousands, I am using ARP L19 studs torqued to 95 ft lbs and a stock head gasket. I ordered the gasket through AWD motorsports. I called them today and asked them the difference in the 8 and 9 gasket thinking that there is an extra port. They said that the only difference is the thickness.

I called ARP to make sure that the torque is correct which it is.

Has any engine builders seen this? Any thoughts? I am stumped.

I have not started the engine, so oil pressure cant be the issue yet.

Thanks.

 

If oil is coming from there, something is SERIOUSLY wrong. I honestly think you could hand tighten the head onto the block with NO gasket, pour oil in and not get any leaks.

Considering you have a gasket in place and the head is tight, something is WAY wrong, or the oil is coming from elsewhere.

 

hope its not this but could it be a cracked block?? did you check it for cracks before your build?

 

might also check to make sure head and block areant warped! use a straight edge on them. was your machinist reputable or new at it??

 

if none of that pans out buy a expensive gasket that uses better materials. that one may be defective. also I'm not really familar with these engines but if the bolt is too long mabey it's tightening up before it can cinch the head down.Especially since you've milled the head and block you may need shorter bolts.

 

We checked the head and block when i got them back. they were not warped. the guy that did the machining does top fuel builds. hes pretty respected around the detroit area and i had a few referrals to go there.

 

It is possible that the block could be cracked but I would not know how. I took the engine apart perfectly fine. I just had it bored and decked. I cant find the receipt but im sure he mangafluxed it as well.

 

I agree with oil coming from somewhere else. I may pull the head if it warms up this weekend. The only place i see oil coming from though is the gasket.

Do you think if I started the car, it would hurt it?

The only think Im worried about is oil in the coolant or vise versa.

 

I'd start with a leakdown check and go from there.

 

to find out where its leaking from, go to your local auto parts store, they make this dye you put in the oil, you use special glasses to see where its leaking from, that should help diagnose the source of the oil leak, once you find out where it is, fix the oil leak, change the oil. That should help, good luck hope its not a head/block issue, hopefully more likely a valve cover gasket issue.

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...t-install.html

 

I found the problem today. I pressure tested the cooling system. I hear a hissing sound in the valve cover and behing the timing cover. I pulled the head and checked the gasket. There was a hairline crack in one of the gasket layers. FML

 

glad you got er figured out.

 

Thanks. I thought it would be a nightmare to figure out and fix. I should have the new gasket monday and continue with the build. Just a minor setback.