383 Engine Trouble

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Wed May 27, 15 7:06 pm

Hello All, Where do I start. lol
About 3-4 years ago I replaced the head gaskets on my charger as I had water(steam etc) coming out of exhaust. this worked well for a while, then about a year ago the same problem arose. I didn't have time to look into it to see weather heads were warped etc, so it has just been sat for around a year gathering dust.

This year I would like to get it moted if nothing else just to use it for short journeys from home to work about 3 miles so it isn't just sat in the shed.

Thought I would loosen the head bolts off and re torque to see if it helped.

So tonight I took a rocker cover off and smelt petrol. Ran my finger in oil on head and sure enough its got petrol in it. Checked dipstick and its like treacle and double the amount it should be.

Argh, any ideas and is it a cheep fix as im broke and have new baby on the way. My dream of getting it on the road this year may be over.

John · Post by **John** » Wed May 27, 15 7:14 pm

The smell of petrol may be from petrol getting in somehow via the inlet manifold or from running far to rich when last on the road and getting past the rings or it could be just the rings very loose letting it by anyhow.

The gasket replacement possibly masked a problem with a head problem like a crack etc

Scooby · Post by **Scooby** » Wed May 27, 15 7:40 pm

As John says also the if the motors been stood around for while there will be some sludge and various old oil and petrol smells, try not to assume the worst ( it's something us Mopar) guys do

a fresh clean up and oil change might help.

latil · Post by **latil** » Wed May 27, 15 7:42 pm

Fuel pump diaphragm letting fuel into oil?

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Wed May 27, 15 7:50 pm

Fuel pump diaphragm may be a good call, as took ages to pump fuel through to start first time after being sat.

John · Post by **John** » Wed May 27, 15 7:52 pm

It could be but it`s not uncommon to pumpfor a while as the fuel bowls will prob be dry as a bone

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Wed May 27, 15 8:00 pm

I would think diaphram, other possibles, mixture very rich, also needle and seat sticking could cause it. Check the pump and replace if needed, dry set the carb if pump ok, replace oil and filter and hope you haven't washed the bores.
Mick

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Wed May 27, 15 8:06 pm

Fuel pump diaphragm or raw fuel pouring in through the carb, can't think of another way that much fuel could get into the oil.

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Wed May 27, 15 8:12 pm

Ok, cool, will take the fuel pump off tomorrow and check it out.
Cheers guys

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Wed May 27, 15 8:21 pm

Craig, don't forget to change the oil before you run it again and after you've sorted the fuel issue.

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Wed May 27, 15 8:40 pm

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Sun May 31, 15 5:58 pm

Had a look at this last Friday. Fuel pump is ok, looks like carb has been over fuelling. Im getting it rebuilt and set up by a mate and we should be good to go.

On a different note am I best to use an additive when I change the engine oil.?

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun May 31, 15 6:21 pm

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290634937601? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Sun May 31, 15 6:27 pm

Over fuelling because needle valves stuck where its been sitting, give em a tap on the top of the adjusting screw or better still remove or replace and re set float level.

CRAIG · Post by **CRAIG** » Sun May 31, 15 6:32 pm

Think float level needs setting. My carb is a modern holly 600 with no external float adjustment. I have since brought the same carb but with the earlier float adjustment on the top. Im having a guy rebuild me one out of the two so its easier to set up.