[DeTomaso] Cylinder Head Decisions

[Forest Goodhart]

Mike,
    By very black does it look oily and built up or more of a flat dusty 
black coating? If it is oil it could be coming by the rings also. I would 
start with a compression test and see what shape the short block is in 
before springing for new heads. If the compression checks out OK then I 
would put new plugs in and see if the misfire goes away, at least for 
awhile. If it does then you may have a valve guide problem. One other thing 
to check is where the PCV valve connects to the manifold. If it connects to 
the tapping on the front half it could be drawing oil through the PCV valve. 
Without a compression or leakdown check you are just guessing and replacing 
parts until you hit it. Sometimes we get lucky and find something simple.
Forest
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Thomas" <mbefthomas at comcast.net>
To: <detomaso at realbig.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 10:11 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Cylinder Head Decisions


> OK
>
> So I'm getting down to diagnosing the misfire on the right side, and
> thinking out at the end of possibilities.  I have a new distributor (MSD) 
> to
> install to see if that is the issue.  Still have to check compression.
> Cylinders no. 1 and 2 plugs are very black.  If I get to the point that it
> is a valve issue, I am going to need to make the decision to pull the 
> heads
> and
>
> A) Have a basic valve job done on both with replacement stock parts as
> needed
> B) Have a set of new guides, stiainless valves and new springs installed,
> then add roller rockers
> C) Shoot the moon for a set of the new Edelbrock aluminum heads, add 
> roller
> rockers.  (Both Jegs and Summit are selling these fully built for $909 
> each)
>
> What questions should I be asking and parts decisions should I be looking 
> at
> in each of these cases?
>
> Assume in all cases that I don't plan to do anything to the bottom end or
> the cam unless necessary, so this would be heads only.  I already have an
> Edelbrock Performer intake and a Holley 670 Avenger carb.  Would the
> Edelbrock heads be overkill if I don't intend to change the cam or do
> anything to the bottom end at this point?
>
> Thanks in advance
> Mike Thomas
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> Detomaso Forum Managed by POCA
>
> Archive Search Engine Now Available at http://www.realbig.com/detomaso/
>
> DeTomaso mailing list
> DeTomaso at realbig.com
> http://ftl.realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/detomaso