ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1964 1/2 - 1965 => Topic started by: BlueK on December 07, 2014, 12:23:07 PM
-
I have a 65 K code. Went to start the Kar, and it sounds like one of the spark plugs isn't firing right. I pulled the plugs on the passenger side of the block and a couple do seem to have a fair amount of fresh oil on them. I'm guessing I may have a head gasket problem. Does anyone have any advice or any other thoughts.. Thanks very much in advance.
-
Pull the valve cover, each valve has an oil seal to help keep oil from dripping down the valve into the cylinder. Over time, these plastic umbrella seals harden, crack and fall apart allowing excessive oil to splash on valves and leak down into cylinders. A decent mechanic can replace these without having to remove the head from the car, however, if they have been leaking for a while, you likely have excessive carbon build up on your valves which will impact performance. The valve guides may also be worn and then you're pulling the heads for a valve job.
Not ruling out head gasket but there are usually other symptons that will go with that including oil blowing out breathers or coolant blowing out radiator etc.
Could also be something going on with rings but I would start with valve seals and heads and go from there.
-
Manual choke. Are you sure the plugs are not gas fouled?
-
How long has it been sitting? When was the last time it was driven for a half hour or more?
-
the car typically doesn't sit for much more than a week or 2. Even in the winter time I try to start them up and run them in/out of the garage if there is no snow on the ground.
-
I'd do the basics first. Check to see if there is 'juice' to the plug. Check the inside of the cap. Points okay? How are your wires? Look at the boots. Wire ends okay? If that checks out, are the plugs oil fouled, or fuel soaked? If it's oil, I'd be suspect of valve seals or guides. How many miles on the engine? Plugs wet on top?= most likely seals. Bottom?= most likely ring seal. I painted a stripe on top of each plug before I removed them so I could tell. Just some things to check.