Hi,
I've just finished a rebuild of my block (+40 7cc dished, 544 cam, lightened flywheel, ARP, bearings, etc) and gearbox. I used a second hand head from ebay that looked in good condition.
It all fired up nicely and felt good and I have good compression of 170psi on all cylinders. However...
1. Oil pressure was low at 20psi anywhere from 1000-3000psi
2. Large gushing oil leak from what I am pretty sure is from the head gasket on the corner of the radiator/wipermotor (right rear looking from the front of the car)
3. I have a cheap minisport copper gasket (no fancy oring over the oil feed hole)... I didn't realise these were cheaper alternatives
So, I have pulled the head off and inspected the head more thoroughly where with a straight rule I can see a gap around the oil feed hole (pictured) of about 3-5 thou. I also double checked my pressure relief spring and oil gauge connection and checked the torque on the headstuds.
1. Does this make sense that this could result in the oil leak and low oil pressure? i.e. would this oil feed hole from the block to head result in low oil pressure if it was leaking here?
2. I was planning on buying a good quality head gasket (Payen stamped AF470) and maybe getting the head skimmed. Is this a good idea? Or should this gap be able to be sealed by a good head gasket?
3. Is 5-10 thou going to be ok to skim the head by? I don't know if this will have a bad effect on compression ratio?
4. Is there anything else I should check. My block was bored out by good engine rebuilders and I replaced the core/gallery plugs after a dip. I'm pretty sure it's not the half moon seal or timing cover as these are lower oil pressure areas? and I even have a new timing plate to make sure it wasn't warped.
Thanks!