Oil, too much of it

[Alastair Gregg]

Gentlemen,

I am currently using a new engine (less than 600 miles) Sorted my troubles with water out but started to work on oil problem. Has been very smokey particularly when warm (never let it get over 80C). Checking as you do the oil return in the heads, was quite surprised at the amont of oil in the rocker box when opened particularly on the N/s. Had a bit of a think got trusty coat hanger (thin) was able to get it past head gasket both front and back return holes. Tried a larger diameter coat hanger, unable to get it past the head gasket. Looking on spare head at head gasket the bore of the hole is 0.25".

Packed out oil banjo's with washers and ran engine, slow dripping ensued. Happy chappy, put rocker box back on went for an 8 mile run not too bad (smoke) out of the back. Took rocker box off, lots of oil slurped out.

What are your experiences please?

[Leo Bolter]

Alastair.

It does sound very much like there's a mis-alignment of some component/s in the region of the head gasket, but having been out to my workshop and examined a head, gasket and block combination I wonder . . . certainly with my particular combination the alignment is well nigh perfect.

Probing with a wire. There is a potential problem in poking a wire down the drain passage in that the outlets from the rocker area are angled holes joining up with the long straight holes that go past the head gasket joint. The wire used to probe as far as the gasket must be bent into a curve of about 130mm radius to get that far.

I found that a 1/8" diameter soft steel welding wire was almost impossible to get to the gasket. A 3/32" one would just make it and a 1/16" would manage ok, but in both sucessful cases, the curve that was necessay made sure that the wire end "jammed" when it reached any (minor) discrepency of the joining of the holes at the gasket area . . . . in other words even though a wire may not pass right through, the passage may very well be quite clear!

So the apparent drain "blockage" may not be your problem . . . don't be in a rush to call the drainlayer to dig it up just yet!

Packed out oil banjo's with washers . . . .

Would you care to elaborate on your thinking about this and how it was achieved?

[Alastair Gregg]

Thanks for going to the trouble you did Leo. If I've got it right the stud that carrys the oil into the banjo has a slot or hole through which the oil transfers to lubricate the rocker assemblies, this then splashes out of the assemblies at I'm told about a drip per second. This then collects in the rocker box and drains away through the holes in the corners back to (I think) the sump. If you pack the banjo with washers you can decrease the flow. Now mine were gushing oil before I packed them rather than dripping. Have I put oil on troubled waters or have I explained sufficiently.

Thanks and the

[Leo Bolter]

Ahaaa! . . a good description . . . Now I see what you were aiming at doing!

Interestingly, there must have been something in excess of 250ml of oil (I would guess) that had "built up" in the rocker cover to have reached the vicinity of the valve guides, so as to enable it to be drawn into the combustion chambers, while running.

But when you think about it, in the time it takes to remove the cover from a stopped engine and remembering that the oil would be hot and thin, there should be ample time for it to run down blockage free return passages, leaving perhaps just a 1/2 cupful to fall out. This under normal drainage conditions. Even after your cunning temporary restriction method, you had “lotsâ€

[Forumadmin]

I have had the same problem twice. First time was cracked pipe from bango to rocker. Second time worn rocker shaft. But I would still follow up the restricted return holes.

[Alastair Gregg]

Thanks Gentlemen

The person who built the engine has now seen it and suggests I wait till everything is bedded in at about 2000 miles, So 1400 to go. Thanks for your advice.

[Leo Bolter]

Alistair.

An important question . . did you use additive free running in oil for the first few miles? My very experienced reconditioner man INSISTS on it being used!

Leo

[Alastair Gregg]

I have the nasty sneaking suspicion this is going to open up a can of worms. But yes I am still using additive free running in oil and plan to do so until the oil change and head torquing at 1000-1500 miles.

Hat firmly on head and waiting for the uproar.

[Leo Bolter]

Oh . . . you're a GOOD LAD!

Leo

[Alastair Gregg]

Seriously Leo put your tin hat on, I asked the question of 6 prominent forum members on their advice as to lubricants and new engines. I got five different responses. The sixth couldn't decide!!!! I kid you not.

Well I'm dug in, in darkest Derbyshire and hope you've found a far flung point of the Commonwealth that is difficult to access.


Is that a brick bat I see coming our way!!!