Re: IML: Re:73 440 Timing Chain

[sosmi@xxxxxxxxxxx]

The timing chain wear, can be checked as Paul has stated, the oil smoke problem may not be too serious to solve.A compression test would be the first thing, if that is in spec, then the most likely suspect is the valve seals. These can be changed, without head removal, and only  a few special tools.The other possible cause, could be the intake manifold gasket. It is possible to draw oil in from the bottom of the intake port, which has the same effects as the valve seals.In any case, the repairs can be done in one long afternoon.Ya'll have a nice day, Dave.

 

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Klebert L. Hall" <swampyankee@xxxxxxx>

> > From: Tim Durrer
> > Subject: IML:
> >
> > List,
> >
> > I am debating whether to have the timing chain and
> > sprockets replaced on my 73 440 with 101,000 miles, or
> > rebuild the entire engine. I am oil fouling the number
> > 6 plug causing an annoying miss and I have a slight
> > leak in the rear main oil seal. When I had the valve
> > covers off, the engine appeared to have had spotty oil
> > changes over the years judging by the amount of sludge
> > on the heads. The prevous owner had the valve seals
> > replaced a number of years ago, but, not the timing
> > chain. I get a pretty big puff of blue to white smoke > > at start up.
> >
> > I can't afford the whole rebuild job until next year
> > and I would like to drive the car occasionally in the
> > mean time. My question is: How much more $$$ will it
> > add to the overhaul if the engine jumps time between
> > now and then? According to the archives, there was
> > much discussion over whether or not the 440 was an
> > interference engine. (I think it is).
>
> It would surprise me if the engine failed catastrophically at only
> 100,000 miles, even with previous bad maintenance. I generally think of the
> 440 as a quarter-million mile engine unless somebody sets out to wreck it.
> My car seriously oil-fouls two plugs, and slightly oil fouls two others
> (very rich operation and gas leak-down from a *very * bad carb previous to
> my ownership wrecked the oil retaining rings), and. I have more-or-less no
> upper main seal. These problems were present on the car when I bought it,
> and I've driven it 40-some-odd thousand miles since then. I'm not expecting
> to rebuild for two or three years. I don't really get smoke on startup, but
> I drive it every day usually so there's no time for seep. When it sits for a
> few days, then I get smoke.
>
> You might try Autolight 86 plugs instead of the 85s, for the fouling -
> they're hotter, and take way longer to foul. In my car, I went from needing
> to replace the plugs every 2-3 months, to them lasting 6-8 months.
>
> I didn't think interference was really a problem before the OHC / timing
> belt cars, but I guess that shows what I know.
>
> > Also, has anyone ever used those spark plug non
> > foulers that attach to your spark plugs on a 440
> > before? Did they work?
>
> Never heard of these.
> -Kle.
> '69 Crown 4DHT
>
>
>
>
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