GNJ

I used Fel pro intake # 17310.
If leaking in the lifter galley, would there not be some indication of oil getting into the combustion chambers and showing up on the plugs?

ezstriper

no, are they a composit type gasket ?

GNJ

I am not 100% sure, but I think it is a composite gasket.

Airpacker

hook your vac gauge to the dipstick tube. Plug the PCV if it has one. If theres vacum, pull the intake.

GNJ

Airpacker: Great idea - I'll try it and post the results - Thanks!!

GNJ

Well, I tried plugging the breather holes in the valve cover and hooked the vac gauge to the dip stick tube, but did not see a reading on the gauge. It seemed however just the opposite; to build pressure instead of vaccum when I pulled out the plugs in the valve cover after the test.
Still stumped!!!
What in the world could be causing this? It doesn't make sense and is driving me crazy!!!

ezstriper

the pressure you saw is normal..not sure a vacume leak would overcome the normal crankcase pressure, do you have another carb you can try ? also if the timing gear is off by a tooth that will cause the low vacume as well..

GNJ

I have tried 3 different carburetors, thinking it was the problem.

tbanzer

I would check to see if the valves are adjusted properly. If its a non adjustable valvetrain and the heads or block was decked and the valve job was done incorrectly your valves may be to tight.

GNJ

Thanks Tbanzer - The rockers on this motor are non-adjustable. If 0.020 was taken off the block then I think the push rods would be 0.020 farther into the lifter. The tight valve theory makes sense, but how do we explain that the compression is good on all 6 cylinders? If the valves were too tight wouldn't compression readings be low? Can you tell me more of what your thinking?