MORE problems! Tearing down our Chevy 396 big block engine | Redline Update #8

[@asarand]

First time I ever saw mushrooming like that. This rebuild is proving to be very educational. Thanks!

[@Killsnapz]

That type of intake gasket leak to the intake valley on chevy small blocks and big blocks has stumped many a mechanic. It often gets overlooked as most people tend to look at the valve stems seal or a bad ring to bore seal. The scary part is an intake leak like that can suck up oil at an alarming rate compared to bad valve seals or rings. It no surprise that no one would think to check the oil at such after a very short interval. With no oil being left on the ground it many never see the problem coming. I use to see this with the Dodge 5.2 and 5.9 engines due to the intake manifold design which used a steel plate to block off the bottom. Intake pressure would push the gasket out and then the engine would start using over a quart of oil every thousand miles. Since repairing all of those I always keep that in mind when you come across an engine losing a lot of oil but with no large oil leaks to be found.

[@MrBanaan1]

I could genuinely watch unedited hours of this, amazing!

[@Hagerty]

Duct - Us to! Thanks for watching.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

That was also fun seeing some of the fancy camera equipment to get the nifty shots.

[@ramairgto72]

I have another YT channel for my LLC, two 360 cams, a few GoPros and a moderate expensive camera, a cheaper slider and an a bunch of mounts. Setting up all this equipment in this video prob took longer than the disassembly. What they did here is class A work, they even took the time to make sure they had a "money shot" of the slider, it keeps things looking good and is cheap insurance if the slider video turns out bad. I found myself making notes lol

[@kirkjohnson9353]

@@ramairgto72 Interesting comment . thanks

[@rustyaxelrod]

It was cool seeing the camera set ups. Part of the magic of good photography/video is making the viewer unaware of all that.

[@AshishKumar-om2fv]

absolutely amazing......thanks for sharing this update.....can't wait to see the cleaning and assembly.... I just adore your work and enthusiasm.

[@cannarris]

Also looks like a low perf 325 hp two bolt mains with the small valve heads. Nice camera work!

[@jw4620]

I had that same intake sealing problem in the '70s.

[@adamUDavies]

Had my 327 rebuilt and my builder had a heck of a time getting the right bearings for the cam. Machine shop said that rear two bearings were different sizes than the front. Don't take anything for granted , check all clearances and recheck. Don't forget to check your oil !

[@mattbauckman9907]

This is what I need to do to my bone stock original 66 396 325hp. Freshen it up and put a mild streetable hydraulic roller cam in it. Mine still has the iron intake and exhaust manifolds like this one too. Good stuff. 👍

[@skylinefever]

I love when people do a great job of porting their iron intake and exhaust manifold so that nobody knows how much more horsepower you have.

[@matthewdavis1739]

got a 66 El Camino

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

Enjoying the big block ! I put a roller in mine for the same reason , also put a needle bearing on the front of the block . I filed a small place in the block from the oil hole before installing the cam bearings to oil the needle bearing .

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

I'm a Pontiac man as you can tell by my name and icon, but a very long time ago when I was just a kid, my neighbor had a 65 GTO, w a built 400 Poncho in it, this is like 72, or 73, I was 12ish, anyway that Pontiac blew up at National Speedway in Long Island NY, and that was a problem, cause it was racing season, well riding thru our neighborhood, my friend located a 69 EL Camino abandoned after a bad accident, and in this EL Camino was a 396, just like yours, well with 3 guys, said some chains, and some wood, that 396 went under the hood of that Goat, and no one was the wiser, that thing was wild, kept blowing rears, broke my heart about the Chevy, but hey, it was a stump puller

[@steve19745]

metal fatigue im guessing it prob sounded like a singer sewing machine. i shattered a lot of rocker arm bases and mushroomed the top of the valve like that in the process. ive rebuilt a lot of big blocks found a pepsi 2 liter case holds all the pistons perfect and makes for easy storage.

[@johnmilner7603]

Wow never seen the top of a valve flattened out like that before. Yeah, good call on the roller cam. After losing 2 solid lifter cams and even after using the best oils from Joe Gibbs to Valvoline VR1 racing with plenty of ZDDP, I went roller in my 70 Z28 LT1 engine. Today's steel and hardening process is not the same as it was in the 60's and 70's, so bye bye to flat tappet cams. It's just too much of a gamble today to run with flat tappet cams.

[@slasher9883]

Your video production and content quality is excellent, keep up the great work.

[@williamtownsend4978]

So at some point the heads were milled but not the intake...ouch!

[@Hoggdoc1946]

They better check all that before putting it back together.

[@SealofPerfection]

That was my guess, they milled the deck side but not the intake side. Or didn't do it correctly, anyway. The motor had obviously been tweaked at some point, since it had Crower retainers on it.

[@williamtownsend4978]

They might have milled it the wrong way...that would really cause a leak

[@Weightlossjourney24]

I have a better understanding of engines because of your videos thank you

[@OldCarAlley]

No doubt it ran low on oil pressure, and got hot. Do you think maybe the PCV sucked in oil from excessive ring blow-by, or incorrect PCV valve? I can't image the intake gaskets leaking that much, as well as the engine sounded, as that would be a huge vacuum leak. If it was a Ford FE, than yea, there known to suck in intake gaskets.

[@johnfalkenstine8377]

Not lack of oil. Just bad metallurgy. Ive seen these big blocks worn out at 60,000 miles.

[@mark_osborne]

Exactly

[@matthewdavis1739]

exactly. the mix of iron and steel wore down prematurely on these older engines .

[@phoenixblack1220]

Holy moly! Good thing you caught the damage before it grenaded!!

[@WilksGRendai]

Love these vids! Beautifully shot, educational and perfectly fulfilling. Would love you to always prop your music score though! 👍🏻

[@fleetwin1]

I don't know much about chevy big blocks, but would have expected to see more bearing damage/piston scuffing before mushrooming the valve stems if lack of lubrication was to blame....Very interesting though....

[@steve19745]

kramden im guessing it was too tight probably mistakenly thought it was an intake valve when they adjusted it

[@ventrilo0666]

When I buy my 68 SS I'm bringing it to you guys.

[@ramairgto72]

Not sure of the age, but it should would be a good idea to replace all the valves. PMD engines go IE EI and can heat up rather good, after time, the heads are ready to pull off. It's just cheap insurance...

[@Hagerty]

We're completely refreshing the heads. Check out tomorrow's episode at the machine shop!

[@realmaindrianpace]

You're not the only one. I just tore down a Ford 289 that was running poorly and using oil, and found a broken ring in #1 that scored the heck out of the cylinder wall, at least .020 deep. The block was already bored .040 with flat tops, so it's juuuunk. Happy days.

[@Hagerty]

Can you put a sleeve in the bad cylinder?

[@realmaindrianpace]

@@Hagerty Sure, but it's already at .040, I don't like to go beyond .030, and 289 blocks are not very hard to find (have a line on a standard that should clean up at .020) so no point in fixing this block unless it was a hipo or a numbers matching engine in a desirable car, which it isn't. Love the series, BTW.

[@wquinones38]

behind the scenes of the behind the scenes!!! show us how he stays so organized!!!

[@dew2667]

Would really like to see the cam and lifters to check the wear on those......also those valve covers may need oil deflectors so the rocker arms get sufficient lubrication to the pivot balls.

[@mark_osborne]

Naaaa... that wasn't low oil that caused the exhaust valves to be hammered - that's bad metallurgy compounded by those stiff Crower springs. Your rod bearings show evidence of all that metal being circulated (getting past the oil filter by-pass). Just my humble opinion

[@Panzer97]

what about the piston bearings

[@idrivearttabletennis]

Great series. Thanks for posting.

[@grayghost1352]

Pennzoil is my go to every time

[@sonyhk3824]

We wait to see. Cheers guys

[@williamtownsend4978]

You can tell when the mains are being starved of oil...you'll get a vibration that lasts a few seconds, goes away, then repeats again...this is the point where the oil level drops just below the pickup, then rises with drainback

[@markmccarty4038]

Was a certified master technician for over 30 years and have never seen the tops of the valves worn that much saw Crower retainers springs might be overkill

[@mark_osborne]

Remember when the old 302's would do that ? It's rare, but I've seen it a handful of times before they got the metallurgy figured out. I'm guessing there are some aftermarket valves in this 396 along with ridiculous spring pressures.

[@themanthemyththelegend1392]

Lol dude must have just learned what metallurgy means........... Fucking dork has nothing to do with metallurgy.......... Its those huge springs and a poor build that was thrown together...

[@sdmoparmaninsd6713]

1. Mushrooming on exhaust side points to something else, poor valvetrain geometry, soft valves, something... but running low on oil is going to cause you to lose bearings or a cam long before you wear valve stems out... 2. Oil in the intake isn't unheard of, assuming you're running a PCV... people always assume it comes from the valley but that's not super common IMO.

[@themanthemyththelegend1392]

Yep, TV dude knows enough top get in trouble.

[@atkinson3431]

Good job bro

[@dxrflyboy]

Are those valve covers stock or aftermarket? Stock valve covers have oil channels welded on inside to make sure none of the rockers or valve stems is oil starved. Although low oil level is the main cause of what happened to this engine, some of the rocker arms/valve stems will still be oil starved if the valve covers lack oil guides.

[@jamesbond9873]

Man great educational video. Love it.keep them coming.

[@markusgarvey]

I never have seen that before!...I guess the builder didn't realize that if you mill one surface, you should mill them all. You know there are electric tools if you have no, or wimpy compressor. I have an electric 1/2 drive impact that works great and will remove big truck lug nuts, head bolts are a breeze.

[@mfree80286]

Yeah, and if the owner says 'no power tools' and you're filming the work....

[@stoneyswolf]

My valves have done that twice and it never ran low on oil. And I run full roller rockers so I'm wondering if I'm getting valve float.

[@austindoud273]

Probably

[@themanthemyththelegend1392]

Low oil, did not cause that.......

[@mariusfrost640]

If you have differing included angles between the heads and intake manifold, is that something you should check every rebuild? I can imagine something like that being a very easy problem to encounter.

[@alexbekjr]

What is that attached to exhaust manifold? A tube to each runner? At 1:12

[@Hagerty]

Those are air tubes. They basically add air to the exhaust so it could pass emissions regulations.

[@realdeathpony]

Hagerty We thank C.A.R.B. for that.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Wow, an ancient speed handle! Wait till you get to my age. You'll appreciate battery powered tools!

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Block and heads milled but not the intake.....

[@bgd73]

not lack oil.. its hammering

[@otm646]

Absolutely. That's not a rocker lubrication failure, it's like the lifter stopped taking up the clearance. I'd look for oil passage obstruction.

[@stevieraymac774]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!!

[@pappabob29]

One thing you didn't mention in your summary. Are you going to investigate that possible angle discrepancy between the heads and the intake manifold. Maybe the heads/decks were surfaced enough to change the head/manifold angle on assembly??

[@ramairgto72]

Not the best move to make zebras out of horses out the gate. Tho a possibility, it would be rather rare to machine down a deck that far, or need to. It should be fun to see.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Why did the engine get low? External leak or excessive bypass

[@kineticsurf]

He said the bottom of the head/intake surface did not seal correctly and sucked oil into the intake eating it quickly enough for the oil level to get very low overheating the exhaust valve tip where the rocker contact mushroomed the valve and compromised ring seal and the rod bearings. Heads or the block deck were cut and not matched to the intake. The gasket did not seal because the angles were off at the mating surface @5:00. How did you miss that? It was the best part.

[@jimclarke1108]

The man!

[@mariobarac9564]

I'd love to do this for a living

[@Trlthericklang]

Btw kids, really enjoyed the timelapse of a timelapse!

[@Botchness]

Whats the fix for the poor seal on the intake manifold? Just better gaskets or do you go with a different intake that might fit better?

[@Hunters_Mechanics]

A better gasket would probably be the best bet, it could also be a mistake when installing, the gasket can shift a little causing it not to sit exactly where it needs to be and causing an uneven surface which can cause the oil to seep in/cause vacuum leaks. I would take getting a different intake a last resort

[@Hagerty]

We opted for a new, aluminum intake manifold.

[@skylinefever]

I have heard that if a large amount of metal is milled off the cylinder heads and block deck, the stock intake manifold doesn't line up, and makes gasket sealing impossible. Some people end up having to mill the faces of the intake manifold to match the block and heads.

[@billbeyer657]

The heads have obviously been done previously since it's running aftermarket retainers. Maybe the heads were milled incorrectly causing the discrepancy at the intake manifold.

[@CanadaBud23]

Could be. I would definitely be checking manifold to head angles to make sure they are parallel and check the gap just to make sure.

[@gagepool4175]

That engine needs some winter's aluminum BB heads slapped on it and an intake

[@oliversworldofwheels4910]

oh no! more problems! that was a cool video!

[@alexanderconnell800]

at 6:10 what brand of nylon hammer is that?

[@roudyroy1]

Whats up with the exhaust manifold; some sort of EGR system? if so whats the point of doing it like that?

[@skylinefever]

An air pump adds air to the exhaust through those tubes. When the hot exhaust mixes with the fresh air, it helps burn partially burned fuel. It was an easy way to reduce smog. Later engine designs would either eliminate the air pump, or the air would be pumped downstream of the exhaust manifold.

[@motleymenace]

Well shizzlesticks, not much going right for davin

[@diannerumoro9618]

The cast Pistons of these engines like to crack right at the wrist pins

[@jackdonaldson3313]

What do you guys do with all the engines you rebuild?

[@Icebreaker9]

So much fun

[@bobcrawford5083]

Didn`t you say you guys rebuilt it 5 years ago?..intake gasket installed wrong?..just seems that is all the time it lasted...or was it the owner that just beat the hell out of it or combo of both?

[@themanthemyththelegend1392]

You see these guys measure anything in any of the builds..... I would say these guys are an example....... Of how not to do it...

[@BWGPEI]

Funny how those old hand tools keep working, and working.....

[@brand-x7049]

"a few more issues than just bad rings" LOL. A polite way of saying "someone hammered the living $%&! out of this motor..." ~>XD

[@Tony_W45241]

Why would you put those horse power robbing smog exhaust manifolds on that engine?

[@waynebrogdon9628]

Why did y’all put the rockers back together

[@lyon406]

she's real fine my 402

[@donaldgreen7471]

She out outrun me neighbor and made him blue,my dual carb,4 speed, positive traction 402.

[@stevewaclo167]

Wait a minute! The 396 has brass tacks in it? 😀 Where can I learn the history of this engine?

[@mauroedu.7361]

Brasil na área !!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@chrisfreemesser]

Geez Davin, a couple tough weeks with engines. Do you ever tear down an engine and find it's actually in GOOD condition? ;)

[@BOMBSHEll-by4si]

Класс, всем доволен, очень тщательная и скурпулёзная работа

[@transamcounty5631]

What is the white on the threads of the head bolts?

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Corrosian from no head stud sealer!! Most Chevs are tapped into the waterjacket and must use head stud sealer to stop water coming up the threads. Whoever last rebuilt this engine did a very poor job on it.

[@demonic477]

don't feel bad about having to use hand tools I worked on cars and trucks my whole life for over 30 years and had access to air tools and still did it all buy hand it's the only way to do it really

[@tundro27]

I usually love mushrooms...but not this time.

[@Moparmaga-1]

Trippin on em ? Or like in pizza ?

[@DasmeProductionz]

It got hot as shi...as can be. Made me laugh.

[@gregg4164]

It's a Harmonic Damper" not a Balancer. But of course you know that right?

[@donaldgreen7471]

Millions of people call it a harmonic balancer bro.This is not a science class.

[@oldtown6240]

Music is annoying and distracting. If at all, please keep it low. Otherwise, this is a great show.

[@unclequack5445]

Hey man can't you just push the button that's makes the parts just magic in and out?

[@The_Bandit_750]

Why cant these vids be longerrrrrrr

[@AshishKumar-om2fv]

Same wish for me .

[@MrSloika]

These were good engines in their day...their day being 50 yeas ago. Most of the myths and legends about old cars were just that. The reality is that the average car is now better than it's ever been.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Perfect time to drop a nice LS3 back into this Cameron.

[@w41duvernay]

NO!!! keep the original engine! or drop in a 427 in there.

[@kurtpoblenz2741]

Shane Broussard the LS is NOT the answer to everything. I'm a mopar man , but I can appreciate original iron. If you want an LS ..... just buy a new car with one in it.

[@GlassTopRX7]

Aside from being heavy a 396 can easily match a LS3 in power and that wont take a lot of money either.

[@rogerbenson9544]

What will the cubic inch be after its boared?

[@amazeddude1780]

Standard 396 bore is 4.096", the 402 was 4.125", the 427 4.250". Gives you an idea of the size after boring.

[@rogerbenson9544]

Thanks man that's a sweet block when it's done

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

ahh she needs yur help for sure man .. ENJOYED!

[@АлександрИсакович-з8е]

Приятно смотреть )

[@Moparmaga-1]

I run MOPAR this would never happen even with my solid flat tappet with 460 lbs open pressure springs.

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

Rev it up with 2 quarts of oil and lets see what happens.

[@Moparmaga-1]

@@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus yeah I was just bullshitting. Kinda

[@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus]

@@Moparmaga-1 Gotcha.

[@tranjulien406]

A quand les sous titres en français 😭😭😭

[@T3RR0RB0Y42]

Fastest click in my life

[@bobbybentley8136]

Best line hone it to

[@peterhaan9068]

...and the yo yo that didn't bother to check the oil level, what happened to him?

[@poot111111]

Why hand tools only? It didn't seem to slow him down much, he must have been in a hurry to make sure it didn't look like that nailhead

[@Hawkers02]

It's for the filming process.

[@poot111111]

@@Hawkers02 3 years ago they hadn't started the neat stop motion filming technique

[@Drinksalotobeer]

👍👍

[@sterlingwilkey2124]

I did click and subscribe

[@kurtpoblenz2741]

That motor wasn't right from the very beginning. It started eating itself up from the first turn of the key.

[@chipper442]

Get rid of the music. Please

[@jak101alansari]

I need help.⚠️⚠️⚠️ First thing i am one of your followers so you need to provide some assistance if we need. I have recently bought turbo charger kit for Chevy 350 Small block and i am struggling how to fix it i need your support to provide full video how it will be fixed with details. I am looking for working to see it soon. Thanks Your fan's from Dubai

[@TonaldDrump686]

Open chambers on a 396...? Those don’t look like 820’s......more like 781 combustion chambers.

[@amazeddude1780]

OC heads were introduced in 1969 (allegedly)

[@dmiriyperepelica103]

класс !!!!!

[@chloehennessey6813]

If someone is paying me extra to use hand tools only? I’m okay with that.

[@ZacLowing]

THAT is NOT the kind of music any car dude listens to as they turn wrenches.

[@alejandroa.sachun850]

Sub in spanish please... you're amazing

[@daveanderson5680]

I thought Chevys always burn oil.....LOL

[@mrmojo00]

1

[@canabox7112]

Converting to a roller cam is ridiculous expencive

[@canabox7112]

No where near worth it. Better to spend that money on heads.