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Discussion in '1965-1970 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500' started by Texas GT350, Feb 13, 2010.

  1. Feb 13, 2010 #1
    Texas GT350

    Texas GT350 Well-Known Member

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    I just bought a 1966 GT350 (clone), it has an original 'K' code engine from a 1966 Shelby that was rebuilt a few years ago, bored 0.040 over with roller rockers.

    Now the question, I just drove it to Texas from Florida (about 1200 miles) and the car ran great but I just notice that the oil was about a 1/2 quart down and that on the driver side breather that oil was coming out, all over the valve cover, headers, firewall and transmission, any ideas if this is a serious problem? The engine was rebuilt less than 10,000 miles ago buy a man that was suppose to be good. One other thing, when the engine was rebuilt before this time the roller rockers were added and the valve covers (Cobra originals) was modified, since I have not taken them off I am not sure what the extent was but I understand that the baffles were cut out to make room for the roller rockers.

    Overall I like the car but a little concern about this, back in high school I had built a drag car and it blew oil out the breathers, turned out to be broken oil rings on the pistons. I hope this not the same thing.

    Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    One more thing, if anybody knows a Ford (289) engine expert living in or around the Houston Texas area that I can take it to would be great.
     
    Texas GT350, Feb 13, 2010
    Texas GT350, Feb 13, 2010
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  2. Feb 14, 2010 #2
    roddster

    roddster Well-Known Member

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    I'd start by making sure the PCV system is working.
     
    roddster, Feb 14, 2010
    roddster, Feb 14, 2010
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  3. Feb 14, 2010 #3
    Texas GT350

    Texas GT350 Well-Known Member

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    That may be the problem, when the valve cover was modified the PCV was pulling a lot of oil into the engine so the owner removed the PCV and put a breather on it and plugged the intake. He gave me the old PCV equipment but said if I put it on it will do the same as before. On the drivers side the breather has a hose that runs up to the air cleaner.

    I think the valve cover modification is the problem. I think I may have to replace the roller rockers with either stock or a different brand and get new valve covers. In the February 2010 Mustang Monthly they have an article on rebuilding the 'K' motor they used Comp Cams lightweight Magnum roller rockers saying they clear the valve covers. Then install the PCV equipment and see if that fixes it.
     
    Texas GT350, Feb 14, 2010
    Texas GT350, Feb 14, 2010
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  4. Feb 14, 2010 #4
    s2ms

    s2ms Well-Known Member

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    I agree with Roddster, especially since you mentoined the PCV system was removed. Without a PCV system there is no negative pressure to pull fresh air into the breathers. Instead positive pressure will push air, and oil, out. One half quart in 1200 miles is not that bad IMO but as you mentioned it will make quite a mess.

    I went through the same thing when I switched to roller rockers on my 66 GT350 and removed the valve cover baffles. The PCV valve was sucking a ton of oil into the engine. I went through a lot of trouble to fabricate a custom baffle to shroud the PCV valve and now the problem is mostly gone. I'm working on a second set of valve covers right now with an improved design that should totally eliminate it. There are taller Cobra valve covers available that clear rollers and have baffles. They don't look like originals but would be a quick and easy fix if you don't mind the look.

    Dave
     
    s2ms, Feb 14, 2010
    s2ms, Feb 14, 2010
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  5. Feb 14, 2010 #5
    zrayr

    zrayr Well-Known Member

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    the taller polished aluminum COBRA valve covers (sold under the Scott Drake name) that will clear roller rockers do NOT, imho, have a very substantial baffle to shield the PCV valve. They will still suck oil.

    I have a set of them and curse them every time I check the oil.

    A alternate set up would be to use the one inch valve cover spacers which are widely available.

    http://www.summitracing.com/parts/STF-63940/


    Z. Ray
     
    zrayr, Feb 14, 2010
    zrayr, Feb 14, 2010
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  6. Feb 14, 2010 #6
    s2ms

    s2ms Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for that info Z. Ray. I've never seen the tall covers in person so had no idea how well (or not) they were designed.

    Dave
     
    s2ms, Feb 14, 2010
    s2ms, Feb 14, 2010
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  7. Feb 14, 2010 #7
    zrayr

    zrayr Well-Known Member

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    the baffle on the stock COBRA cover is about six inches long. The aftermarket baffle is less than one inch wide.

    Z.
     
    zrayr, Feb 14, 2010
    zrayr, Feb 14, 2010
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  8. Feb 15, 2010 #8
    rtmc67shelby

    rtmc67shelby Member

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    we went with the one inch spacers Branda carries them.
    The taller original style vc's that Branda sells did not clear the Scorpion roller rockers.
     
    rtmc67shelby, Feb 15, 2010
    rtmc67shelby, Feb 15, 2010
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  9. Feb 15, 2010 #9
    s2ms

    s2ms Well-Known Member

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    Scorpions are what I'm using too, they are big suckers. As mentioned above I was able to get them to fit with original valve covers (no spacers) but it took a lot of work. I also use the special FelPro double gaskets.
     
    s2ms, Feb 15, 2010
    s2ms, Feb 15, 2010
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  10. Apr 10, 2010 #10
    Texas GT350

    Texas GT350 Well-Known Member

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    I tried the taller vc and they did not clear, returned them and ordered the spacer and regular vc, just put them on last night and hook up the PCV system, should be much better now.
     

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    Texas GT350, Apr 10, 2010
    Texas GT350, Apr 10, 2010
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