What Caused the Dipstick to Blow Out On

[@michaelblacktree]

I build engines as a hobby. For me, a spread of 135-155 PSI on a freshly rebuilt engine would not be acceptable. I would expect all the cylinders to fall within 150-155 PSI, in your case. You can tell which cylinder has the blowby, by disconnecting the spark plug wire, and seeing if the "chuffing" out the breather port stops.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Nice trick buddy. Never thought of that before. So simple.

[@ETCG1]

Agreed, but I feel I have all I need. The engine needs to come out and I need to disassemble and inspect it.

[@michaelblacktree]

Hopefully it's nothing major. (fingers crossed)

[@WhoThisGuy515]

Agreed, i also build engines as a side job/hobby ( mostly OHC ford stuff) and 20 psi difference is not acceptable. most 200,000 miles i've tested were within 10psi of each other.

[@12mak]

Man, that trick will save me so much time in the future. Thanks

[@josuepaz9446]

Im glad you keep the old school small block to, and hope your engine feels better soon 👍

[@tjeick]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, and the cake! I’m closer to 30 than 20 now (25), and I have been watching your videos since I was 17. It seems suspect that a freshly built engine is having such major compression swings. And like others have said, please resist the urge for tunnel vision and look at all the cylinders that are out of that 150-155 range, especially the 2 that are down by 135. It is so easy for us to get stubborn, watch south main auto’s new video where he gets stuck in it so easily. It happens to all of us! Go through the process!

[@ETCG1]

I hope I didn't give you the impression that I was only going to focus on cylinder #7. Of corse if I have the engine out I'm going to check everything, but #7 is the prime suspect because it had the lowest compression. Now that I'm not in a rush to get it ready for the Power Tour I have plenty of time to dissect it and find the cause of the problem. Happy Birthday!

[@promenacegaming5402]

Thanks for not LSing the world. I like classic cars the way they are. EDIT: Awww I love your content Eric! Keep it up.

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric always enjoy watching your videos from South Africa

[@yambo59]

That engine compartment organization looks EXCELLENT-!

[@walterhubicki5207]

Cylinder 3 don't look all that happy either..... Good luck. Love the truck and how it came out!

[@ramitred]

It appears I am facing a similar issue with my BBC that I built. I'll need to do a compression check to confirm it but... Not looking forward to pulling it I can tell you that! Thanks for the good info.

[@cw2lido]

Aside from the issues you are having with the engine, it looks great! Love the serpentine set up in the truck, clean look, shiny and chrome!

[@spoerer567]

I love how you say you have to take out the motor like it’s easy peasy 😂 that engine bay is beautiful man love the work you do

[@ETCG1]

Thank you, and yes, I don't think it will be too difficult to remove the engine. Especially after it was just out.

[@MrRewdtv]

The same engine builder, the same issue, the same resolution im betting. Id be taking a good hard look at the products they are using and the quality of their work, especially on the episode where you called out the shop owners mistake on video and how lazy he was, the workmanship is starting to show the lack of quality as a result of the garbage you dealt with when it was built

[@ETCG1]

I'm using quality parts. I don't think it has anything to do with the machine shop either.

[@ianreed4636]

I'm thinking that Eric built the engine himself. I guess shit happens. Seems like hes a busy guy other than just building his dad's truck engine And sometimes it looks like he has to turn away from that work to do other work so he can make a living. And it looks like sometimes he may be paying the price for that lol but, he's very upfront about it.

[@jasonjackson329]

Wow what a change. So much nicer. And I’m sure it has to be much faster and stronger now. Looks pretty $$$

[@Vaino_Hotti]

I bought a 1985 Grand Marquis as my new daily. It's a stupid idea in many ways, considering I live in Finland, but I absolutely love it! We'll see about that when winter comes around...

[@ETCG1]

Those are great cars actually, but likely difficult to find parts for in Finland.

[@JDM_Jeffro]

Hey Eric! Just wanted to say that you were the first youtuber to ever reply to one of my comments about 5 years ago. Thank you. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@ETCG1]

It's a real honor to know that. Thanks for the comment.

[@Veritch-Electric]

2nd 👋

[@labradormcgraw]

Every ETCG video is packed with valuable information. We're so lucky we can learn all this for free.

[@Rickm2003]

According to your paper there, #3 was 135 also. just saying.

[@ETCG1]

Yes, but my primary suspect is #7.

[@shalnks]

@@ETCG1 I beg to disagree you have 2 cylinders with issues. 135 on both? eyes open...work the issue and you find out when you pull it down.

[@rogerhinman5427]

I see that #7 was fluctuating 130/135, which is bad, but #3 is also going to need a look as well.

[@deryk3017]

I believe on Chevy's the odd number cylinders are on the same side so he should be able to check out the cylinder walls of both 3 and 7 with only taking the one head off

[@Rickm2003]

Deryk I was wondering if it’s timing. Are both those pistons on 3&7 up and down at the same time?

[@2cawks]

That thing shore is purdy. Can't wait to watch you build it.

[@rickpalechuk4411]

You said it man, happiness is in the family. Thanks for the heads up Cheers

[@NemesisKult]

First time I actually watch ETCG1 on my birthday! Thanks Eric!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@wyattoneable]

Oh man that sucks it has to come back out. But you'll get it figured out and it will be interesting to see how things go.

[@larney37]

It's fascinating to read these comments after watching the disassembly of this engine. Sooo many people have such strong opinions and they are all so wrong. Makes you really question what you read on the internet. lol

[@idrivearttabletennis]

Good video. Hope it turns out to be a relatively easy fix.

[@michaeljames8291]

Yeah he’s gotta pull the engine out.

[@mplante7352]

Nice Pro Flo 4 EFI, even if the engine has an issue thats a load of eye candy, keep it coming.

[@blessedperson3676]

Nice video. Compression coming out from my dip stick. But my compression is 160 in all cylinders. What could be the problem. I recently did a valve job.

[@king49334]

Knock knock Who is there Number 8

[@gnarkill32]

I effin loled

[@NoWr2Run]

It wasn't number 8 piston knocking it was the FLEX PLATE.

[@SuperDave21]

Tough luck Eric.... hang in there. It'll be awesome when the bugs are worked out!!

[@gsmecanica]

Finally you post a video on my birthday, thanks Eric!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@abitoffcenter383]

There should be a temperature difference between the runners on your headers. The runner for #7 should be lower than the rest. But you got this. So don't mind me 😊

[@Fringeless]

Well spoken. I like your vids. Subbed

[@johnschutt9187]

So, is your engine builder giving you a discount for the free advertising that you're doing for him? = )

[@mcrande]

2 engines having almost the same problem built by the same engine builders🤔

[@ETCG1]

I built this engine. Kalvinator built the last. The first one failed because it wasn't properly tuned. The cause of this failure has yet to be determined.

[@Commander_ZiN]

@@ETCG1 different tuner this time?

[@jarlnieminen4307]

Did you check the ring gap when you inspected the first engine with this issue? Breaking off the edge of the piston is almost guaranteed if you don't have enough gap.

[@4BillC]

I knew I wasn't crazy... I do appreciate the clarification.

[@trezsr]

Nicely dressed engine!! Great job!

[@billthompson5644]

VERY VERY GOOD VIDEO, thumbs up to you.

[@scottyjones27]

Machine shop u use does shoting work !!! Left honer running on that cylinder the whole time they was on hour long lunch

[@mecalpsha4473]

*GM 350 - still a warrior along with the LS engines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Can't remember the last time I did a compression test on each cylinder. Eric there's easier ways of conducting your tests sir. A synced relative compression test with a pulse sensor on the dipstick tube would pinpoint which cylinders are at fault. Sorry to hear about the excessive blow by. I'm assuming cylinder wash has been ruled out(you mentioned a lean condition, how about pcm fuel compensation over fueling certain cylinders)

[@wobblysauce]

Classic pull plug and crank, blow by should stop on the one that has no pressure.

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

wobbly sauce correct, unless of course it's a multiple cylinder issue. The testing i suggested identifies the compromised cylinder(s), and confirms excessive blow by on those suspect cylinders. Instead of doing a compression test one by one. May have to block off the pcv system as the blow by pressure can be dampened by a cylinder on its induction stroke. So not only is a blow by a concern, but also a weak induction stroke for the cylinder(s) that's inhaling during the compression of the suspect cylinder(s)

[@wobblysauce]

If that is the case, it should reduce/change pattern.

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

wobbly sauce correctamundo

[@ETCG1]

I don't feel more testing is necessary at this point. It's obvious to me that it is an issue with too much crankcase pressure. No matter what the engine will need to be removed and disassembled to find the true cause.

[@BustedWalletGarage]

I’ve had cast iron piston rings break during installation before. Problem was traced back to adjustable piston/ring installation tool allowing rings to hang on the lip of the deck and get cracked. Switched over to ARP tapered ring compressors.

[@ETCG1]

I used this tool for piston installation. I'm done with the type of tool you described for the very reasons you mentioned. www.summitracing.com/parts/btc-btrrc4030

[@nokoolaid]

That sucks. Hopefully it won't be too painful. Look forward to finding out why.

[@artardFTW]

I have a jeep with a 4.0, that was hemorrhaging oil out of the dipstick tube, when capped it path of least resistance-ed it out of the oil pan gasket. turned out it was the crank vent, not the pcv valve, but the ambient vent that goes to the air box. I popped the hose off and it sounded like I vented a 2 liter soda bottle lol

[@ETCG1]

I've changed the vent and the PCV valve with no change. Thanks for the input.

[@artardFTW]

@@ETCG1 yea man, best of luck. greetings from dirty Jersey

[@sparkplug1018]

My first guess would be that the rings on #3 and #7 are either broken, or the gaps are aligned. Pretty easy to over look that or damage a ring if you're pinched for time.

[@ETCG1]

I would be very surprised if the ring gaps lined up. I took great pains to avoid that during assembly. But I'll know for sure when I tear it down. Thanks for your input.

[@zx8401ztv]

It was lucky that the dipstick did release the pressure :-) I don't think i commented about the plate as i didn't see any connection. A headgasket to oil passage way would have been my first thought. Eric the confusion master :-D

[@wobblysauce]

Teacher trying to stump students.

[@zx8401ztv]

wobbly sauce ha ha yep he is a bad lad :-D

[@wobblysauce]

Or in this case, it is a brainstorming session. Different ideas possibilities.

[@markusstrobl1067]

Chevy small blocks like this one do not have any oil passages through the head gasket. The oil goes through the pushrods to the rocker arms. Head gaskets only have water passages. Only way for cylinder pressure to make it down the crank case is past the rings.

[@ETCG1]

I don't think a head gasket issue is likely. Perfect mating surfaces (new) and a new head gasket. I think it's more likely to be piston or ring damage.

[@CarswithNash]

Hope it’s a minor issue Eric, truck looks great.

[@Jack-qn4vt]

What about disabling suspect cylinder and carrying out paper test again? That should help further confirm your suspicion.

[@wobblysauce]

Classic pull plug and crank, blow by should stop on the one that has no pressure.

[@ETCG1]

The cylinder will still create compression even without an ignition event. That was proved by the compression test.

[@bugskatealcax5235]

@@ETCG1 just take the parkplug out and turn it on with that cylinder disabled and do the paper test , then you can pinpoint where's the issue at ..

[@Jack-qn4vt]

@@ETCG1 Yeah what the other two said. Just thinking it some more, the peak in cylinder pressure during the ignition firing event is many times that of cranking compression. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the majority of when blow by occurs but not sure. I reckon try it with ign disabled on that cylinder first just to see and then yeah one without spark plug in too.

[@ETCG1]

No matter what the engine will need to be removed, disassembled, and inspected. With that in mind, in my opinion, more testing is a waste of time. I know there is excessive pressure in the crankcase. The only thing that can cause that is compression getting into the crankcase. The only way to know the true cause is to disassemble and inspect the parts involved with making and maintaining compression.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Sorry to hear about this! Curious to see what the issue is. If it was a piston failure on this engine, I'd be looking to a different brand from now on as far as parts go. Wonder if the pistons got mixed up, as far as which one was measured for which hole at the machine shop? Will be interesting to see the cause.

[@K-Rivs]

Check your ring placement. If the gaps are too close or right on top of each other, you'll lose compression right down into the bottom end. Good luck my man!

[@ETCG1]

I worked pretty hard to prevent that during assembly. However, I'll know for sure when I get it out and check things over. Thanks for the input.

[@toveryonder1115]

When is the build video for the engine coming out? I can't wait to see where you bonked it. Headgasket? Under tightening the odd head.... 3 & 7 are very low. Love the channels. Nice to see you are human too

[@SMOBY44]

Just a few years ago I had a 350 chevy with a broken top ring on one cylinder that caused my rear intake manifold seal to blow out. Ring was cracked in three places and compression on that cylinder was a whopping 90psi.

[@thhall459]

I feel your pain, brother. I hope it doesn't take a long time for you to get this straightened out. I agree with others in this comment stream, that maybe you should use a different machine shop.

[@truckladders4104]

Good video disappointments can happen to us all! This would be a great time to introduce your viewers to a blow by gauge Available from jegs for approx $140 This is a very effective way to measure blow by used by top pro stock racers yet remains a secret tool! It is the only test other than vacuum gauges that are dynamic(while the engine runs) you may also want to demonstrate vacuum gauges as they will reveal many internal engine problems. As an aside blow by meters originated with diesel where they are referred to as manometers Now to be a bit of an internet, Weiner, The last time I commented on your otherwise great work was over torque wrenches and fastener torque, in particular, I don't remember the exact exchange but I probably didn't think you put a high enough value on torquing fasteners I believe you referred to us a s Torque Nazis Hopefully your flex plate didn't come loose from improper torque and fastener prep! Keep up the good work and reporting the truth.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Eric

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Yout Newest Subscriber Great Videos

[@Stevey_B]

Looking great

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

Is this related to the same machine shop? or the engine build. i don't get why this keeps happening to you

[@ETCG1]

The last time it happened I ran the engine to lean. I won't know what happened to this engine until I take it apart.

[@sidewaysdanny]

Ignition timing on both. Not lean condition

[@ETCG1]

Possibly, but I don't think likely in the case of the Fairmont. Im pretty sure that was a mixture problem. I got that info form Bill McKnight who was in charge of product development at MAHLE for 40 years.

[@sidewaysdanny]

I remember you saying he told you it was knock, which I fully agreed with and had already said. I also work for Mahle in research and development, running engines on dynos. That kind of knock would only be prevented with fuel if you put in so much you were losing power. I'm not trying to make you feel bad or look silly, I just really want to convert you to the fully modern world of mappable engine management

[@ETCG1]

@@sidewaysdanny I'm totally there. After I install the Hyperspark distributor on the Fairmont, both engines will be fully digital. To your point though, the timing on this engine is controlled by the computer and should be 'safe'. www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-35760/overview/ As for the Fairmont, I run a boost regulated ignition box that reduces timing based on boost. www.holley.com/products/ignition/ignition_boxes/street_and_strip/parts/6462 Not saying you're wrong, you obviously have more experience than me, but I have first hand knowledge of the vehicles in question. Sadly, I don't always do a good job of conveying that info in my videos. Hence the reason I had to make this one.

[@Tedybear315]

I've got faith you will figure it out. The engine builders seem to know their stuff, I'm left to wonder about the quality of the materials they used. Perhaps an issue with the rings that won't show up on a normal built engine, but one with higher performance specs is causing problems. As always, we'll keep an eye out for updates on the channel(s) and look forward to seeing what is discovered. All Best!!! And the NY'ers are still hopeful you can make a trip to the Syracuse Nationals at some point :-)

[@zhenisbilyalov4295]

Hi there, u did mention about a little exhaust leak, is it coming from manifold,and how did u fix the exhaust leak?

[@seeya205]

Thanks Eric, it is actually my birthday today!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@MrNoke1]

I've had a similar experience. Come to find out that some lobes were wore down on the cam. Also caused a fire going down the road when oil sprayed on headers. Lol

[@ETCG1]

I don't see how that could cause excessive crankcase pressure.

[@TheBeerBox80]

Pretty engine!

[@carabela125]

I'm a biker and we always check the ring gaps when assembling a rebuilt engine.

[@BrianHollihan]

Wasn’t that the same machine shop that built the engine for the Fairmont? If so then they screwed up on 2 out of 2 engines for you? That sucks, hopefully it’s not to tedious for you to fix 🤙🏽 looks beautiful though.

[@sidewaysdanny]

They didn't screw up the first one, it knocked so badly it broke a piston. I think ignition timing is to blame on both engines. Fuck distributors.

[@mikeyd717]

Hey Eric. I was just curious would the cylinder walls look any different looking through the spark plug hole with a boroscope? I'm. Not suggesting this for you. I'm actually asking for myself. My 6.0ls with prob close to 300k miles. is having the oil dipstick pop up a little. and I believe I have low oil pressure. I didn't know if I would see anything to give me an idea of one of the pistons could uabe a ring issue. Truck rims fine otherwise. Doesn't overheat or anything. I just wamt to figure out what's happemeomg before it becomes a catastrophic problem. I love my truck and want to keep it going. It's also it's also my daily driver and don't have a lift to just pull it out easily. I'll do it if I have to I just hope to pinpoint exactly what needs to be done so I can prepare and hopefully get it fixed quickly once I start so I'm not without a vehicle longer than I have to be. Thanks!

[@AlexM-tx2vr]

Eric, I am sure you know but there are so many reason the truck should be running cooler that the Fairmont. The two thing that come to mind are the area of the radiators and the truck does not have an inter-cooler.

[@ETCG1]

Yes, and also the massive radiator. It's the biggest radiator you can put into a GMT400. Also I have a separate trans cooler.

[@winkawak]

For some reason when i went to check my oil today, last couple inches of dipstick does not go in smoothly. It felt like something metal was in the way and rubbing against it, have to force it alittle in order to seat the dipstick.

[@finharms9439]

Imagine that a ford runs better than a Chevy ... lol just kidding man hope you get her all figured out and running smooth

[@80sfordguy]

Eric, since the build for this engine hasn’t been uploaded yet. Is it possible in the rush to get the engine built for the power tour that maybe you didn’t clock the piston rings good enough to keep the compression above the rings? I ask because, I have a 85 mercury grand marquis sleeper with a 14yr old 358 stroker. I know from when I last summer rebuilt the top end due to a head gasket leak that I have 2 small and one bit larger scratch / gouges in my number 2 cylinder bore. I have slight blow by and I’m of the opinion that my blow by is caused by these scars not to mention 22% leak down in the same cylinder. I’m thinking in your case you could bore scope your suspected cylinder(s) and have a good idea which bore is your actual problem.

[@ETCG1]

Not likely. I took great pains to avoid that.

[@80sfordguy]

ETCG1 cool beans man, the thought crossed my mind and I was curious. Can’t wait to see the build video of this engine, I like your temperament when your rebuilding or making it work. I guess sometime us techs just say, let it eat.

[@tspbod260]

The motor looks nice.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

My birthday was yesterday so this is the closest I'll get. Thank you.

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@MiamiZombie2012]

@@ETCG1 Thank you Eric!

[@TheAmericanUhate]

Did it get honed good? And was the break in procedure properly done?

[@Taylor57179]

That's a beautiful engine

[@TheRealFrankWizza]

Do you check the parts when they come back from the machine shop, or do you just assume that they were machined correctly?

[@Nick-wk2xo]

Best of luck Eric. I know you'll figure it out, but bummer you have to pull the engine again though. Also btw, that engine bay looks sick, im drooling looking at it. 👍

[@stanleyspillers2076]

On a new rebuild , shouldn't your compression numbers be a little closer to each other????

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good information

[@randomsanwhich2]

Would putting the engine on a test bench prior to install allievated this issue?

[@ETCG1]

That wasn't possible, but yes, I believe the issue would have shown up then.

[@anomamos9095]

A new engine will often have excess blow by and oil burning until they are run in, the ring gaps being aligned may also be the cause as well as excessive gap and a ring that breaks during piston insertion.

[@ETCG1]

I don't think that's likely. I made sure the rings were well spaced when I installed them.

[@crisprtalk6963]

Steve Earle working on cars. Nice!!!

[@markamcampbell6340]

where is the engine rebuild and install? the last video i saw was you pulling the engine and tearing it down.

[@ETCG1]

As I said in this video, those videos will be forthcoming.

[@r3d-1truth17]

Yes. Speculation- lol- my dipstick does same, and its the same lokar dipstick. I thought it was just the design of aftermarket part not to exact specifications. I was just going to remove dipstick and cap off the hole since it’s my race car and I don’t need to check levels, just replace regularly. Maybe i should do compression test, buts it’s a new built engine and only 1100mi. My engine shakenbwas supposed to be from the cam. Dagnabit, I feel like you just made me charge the wife’s CC.

[@ETCG1]

My dipstick did fit loosely and came out easily, but I also feel I have a problem with too much crankcase pressure that I need to look into.

[@BuenoYo-tw9ry]

I got a question, why i feel so much crank pressure coming out of the oil dip stick pipe on these Earth Dream engines on civic and fit? It feels almost like too much blowby and piston rings going bad yet the engines perform. well.

[@LasseHuhtala]

Sorry you have to pull the engine again, but man are we getting some good content over here. :-)

[@ETCG1]

That's the way I'm choosing to look at it.

[@mitchingram7867]

I haven't had it blow out but when I remove it there is oil all the way up to the handle. Could that have the same cause?

[@fredshead7114]

Yes makes sense, crankcase pressure blowing out dipstick, wonder if it would be worth doing a cylinder leakage test on it first...

[@ETCG1]

No point in my mind. I know I need to remove the engine and disassemble it to see what the real cause is no matter what. Thanks for your input.

[@huntperformanceautoworks6263]

Same problem with a 454 with whipple

[@PaulyD0859]

How many miles are on this engine since the rebuild? I wonder if you're running it too cold. You said, under load, it was only getting up to 190 and that's too cold for a modern FI engine to run efficiently. You might be washing the cylinder walls and causing blow-by.

[@Cyberstrike98]

Sound theory.

[@ETCG1]

It has about 1400 miles on it now, but it's done this since day one. Not likely an issue with cylinders washing down. The plugs all looked good when I did the compression test. #7 plug was darker but not wet. I suspect that's from the compression loss.

[@Ode2Pops]

Setting aside the possibility of a combustion leak into an oil passage, did you verify the dimensions of the cylinders and the pistons during reassembly? Machine shops, as well as parts manufacturers, have been known to make mistakes - even the good ones.

[@ETCG1]

All ring gaps measured .019-.021. There is no oil passage in the cylinder head of a 350 other than the pushrod holes. Also, the heads and block were new surfaces as well as the head gasket. In my opinion, a head gasket failure is highly unlikely.

[@commodore665]

would these issues be down to the engine rebuild ?

[@ETCG1]

I don't know yet.

[@commodore665]

ETCG1 really interested to find out what the cause was too

[@jackhammer2747]

Iv just put a second hand straight 6 in my ford Ute and there is a fair amount of pressure coming out of the dipstick is it safe to say it is a compression problem?

[@slowazbmwkilla3073]

What if I told you some car dies when you take off the cap ?

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Seems like a piston and/or ring clearance issue or faulty part if it was there all the time. Have seen head gaskets partially fail also and bleed off compression that way, but that normally results in a very dead cylinder. Hopefully a simple enough fix given it's not making any terrible noises.

[@ianreed4636]

Are you thinking that somehow the to upper piston rings may have lined up their gaps or become a little bit closer than is actually comfortable?

[@gristlevonraben]

I hope it is found soon. So sorry, man. I wish you great luck.

[@ETCG1]

The truck is still drivable for short distances. I just have to keep oil in it. Right now I have a ton of editing to catch up on and other vehicles to drive. Once I'm past the editing, I'll pull the engine and take a look. Thanks for the comment.

[@bobmarker6812]

Possible PCV not working? Keep up the great vid's.

[@tumelin]

On a new or freshly rebuilt engine, shouldn't the compression be a lot closer on all cylinders? I would have thought they would be all closer to the 150-155 range. Why do you think it's cylinder 7 when cylinder 3 was also much lower than the others?

[@jdsimons6115]

Are they moly rings or cast? moly is more difficult to seat but last longer. Forged pistons or hypereutectic? what is the cylinder clearance?

[@ETCG1]

The pistons are .030 over. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qarKemaFdpmlnKM

[@Mortalomena]

Just pull the number 7 plug out and redo that paper test. If no change try pulling number 3 spark plug. I think pulling the engine without verifying the issue is going to give you more headache down the line if everything in the engine checks out. Also do you have the intake sucking crank case air? If not, it all could be down to that. Some engines require their crank case air to be sucked by the vacuum.

[@ETCG1]

I've already tried changing out the PCV valve with no change. Thanks for your input.

[@duckslayer92]

Your break in procedure is why Imo but anyways great video

[@justinballard7242]

Rule of thumb is with a working Pcv valve installed and your hand over the other valve cover vent it should build a crankcase vacuum. My BBC does anyway

[@tombowman100]

Hey Erick the car guy, do you have Edelbrock Pro flo 4? If so I know why your motor is running rough, I’ve got essentially the exact same EFI and just finished dyno tuning the motor. PM me if your still having problems and I can help get you on track before you’ve hopefully torn into the motor