Ok, I don't know if this is normal or what, but I just put the engine back in my '33, (GM 383 stroker) using the same HEI distributor (Mallory HEI) I took out of it, but used a different intake off my 430 HP GM crate motor. I noticed oil on top of the distributor hold down after a few miles, so thought maybe the distributor gasket was leaking. I've taken it apart and it appears the oil is coming up the center of the shaft and getting into the inside base of the distributor and then dripping down on top of the hold down. There is engine oil, or what appears to be clean engine oil right down in the base of the distributor housing. I've never seen this before and not quite sure how to deal with it......any suggestions? The engine is running great, other than that. Thanks, Bill
The oil pressure sender is right next to the distributer. Is it possible that it was disturbed or maybe not tightened all the way after the intake swap? Maybe the oil line has a cut or a crack in it? Don't know how this could cause oil to get under the cap,though.
Had the same problem on a big block. Too much oil. I counted the number of quarts and marked it on the windshield ???????????????????????????
It almost sounds like you have a pressure build-up and the oil is taking the path of least resistance which might be the dist. Is the crankcase or valve covers vented ?
It could be that alright. I've only got about 250 miles on it so far and it seems to be seating, plugs and exhaust are clean, oil looks good and hasn't dropped. I do have a small breather on one valve cover, but haven't hooked up the PCV, I had trouble with the last rings seating, so wanted to not pull oil through the PCV until I was sure it had seated this time, so that may be the issue.
Problem solved. I hooked up the PCV valve and took it out for a good run, including several 6500 rpm runs through the gears.......no more oil. Thanks for the advice.
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