How much smoke?

[Fox]

Well with the oil problems behind me and a few electrical gemlins worked out, my engine starts.

But very soon after the headers and what appears to the cylinder heads start to smoke. The temp gauge hasn't even started to move. All the wiring appears to be o.k.. Needles to say, I have shut things down to check it out. It ran for less than 2 minutes.

I know that some smoke is normal. Burning off the header paint and all the residues gained along the build process will likely take some time.

What has me concerned is the smoke from the cylinder heads. Specifically from the fore to aft passage through the middle of the heads. It occurs on both sides. I did take the time to check the valve train and lubrication does not seem to be the issue. These are aluminium GT-40 heads.

I guess I am a little nervous to fry things or do some real damage, so a little reassurance that there is or is not a problem would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-John

[Tim Brewer]

Let it run and don't wory about it. After putting an engine together they will always smoke due to oils that get on the heads and headers.
Tim

[xlr8or]

I was going to say the quantity of smoke is directly proportional the amount of pressure applied to the right foot and lack of pressure on the left.
In your case there will be some residual cook off on a new motor if it got any oils and such on it during build/install and will smoke a little. If your water/oil temps and oil pressure are doing fine I would let it run for several minutes and see if it clears up but only if the guages look ok.
Might also want to check and make sure there are no open passages that are leaking fluids and valve covers are tight and sealed.

[Rick Parker]

On all emission compliant heads there is an EGR passageway that is cast or drilled lengthwise near the exhaust ports inside the cylinder heads. You must plug these passageways for it is raw exhaust being expelled from the openings instead of being directed out the headers. Your local Ford dealer has the correct plugs that are 5/8' or 1/2" (?) diameter coarse thread with 7/16" diameter internal threads. The plugs are about 3/4" long and have threadlocker pre-applied to them. The plugs are used on each end of the cylinder head to plug up the passageways. The internal threads are used to hang the accesories from such as air conditioning, power steering or alternator.
This is just a small oversight on your part, no big deal.

Rick



PS: If the dealer doesn't have the parts or tries to "hold you up"
(should be about $3.00-$4.00 each) you can use allen head set screws (tractor supply or machine shor) with locktight on them.

[Fox]

Rick is the winner!

The heads are plugged and I have to say that is a sweet sound.

I know what I am playing with tomorrow... 20-30 mins @ 1800-2200 RPM, change the oil, replace the oil filter and check the old for debris.

You won't be able to miss me... I'll be the guy with the huge grin on his face.

-John

Note to self; Call Peter on Monday.

[Cracker]

Congrats Fox! I remember well the 1st time I started the Webered BB on the run stand, still have goosebumps! If you need any help give me a call or send a message, I'd be glad to assist if I can.