The Ford Barn

callbald · 09-17-2019, 01:48 PM

I need help on this one. I have a 64 Galaxie, with 289 engine that started missing. I pulling the plugs found oil on the threads but the ceramic electrodes were not fouled. I could not find any valve cover oil leak. I cleaned everything up, reset the plug gap and installed reusable valve cover gaskets.
Its now running smoothly, but don't know why the plug threads were oily. My guess is the problem could resurface.

Background:
This 289 engine has many unknowns because the former passed away. He rebuilt the engine using aluminum heads made by who knows and it has Autolite APP3923 plugs that have absolutely no Ford application and mostly applies to Nissan, Toyota and many more 1986-2018 non-Ford brand vehicles. The way the engine runs it feels like it has a mild cam and valve train setup.

Rusty Junk · 09-17-2019, 02:14 PM

I suppose the oil could be coming from the guides, what type of seals does it have. Maybe you can post a picture of the heads with a valve cover off, detail.

Rusty Junk · 09-17-2019, 02:33 PM

20190917_142418.jpg
As you can see any oil on the threads must come from the combustion chamber so the most likly source is the valve guides in my opinion next would be the rings. You could do a compression check but I suspect that the guide seals aren't up to snuff. The no name heads are leaning me this way.

KULTULZ · 09-17-2019, 10:57 PM

Deleted

JeffB2 · 09-18-2019, 09:38 AM

They might be these heads very common budget SBF heads https://www.competitionracingsupply....der_heads.html they use the plugs your have which are the coldest in that heat range a lot of the Mustang forums seem to lean towards the 3924's and replacing the original seals.

Rusty Junk · 09-18-2019, 09:47 AM

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That's what I was thinking also.

callbald · 09-19-2019, 07:00 PM

I replaced the plugs 2500 miles ago. Compression is good 165-170 for 7 cylinders with the 8th at 160. The plug electrodes are a little black but not crudded with carbon and easly cleaned with with brake cleaner and nylon brush.

Rusty Junk · 09-19-2019, 07:36 PM

I'm still thinking valve stem seels. Quality of parts on those heads is not the best but there's no reason you can't put good parts on. You can change them with the heads on the car with air plumed to the cylinders through the sparkplug holes. But I'd be tempted to pull the heads and look at the valve job.

09-17-2019, 01:48 PM	#1
callbald Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Leo, Indiana Posts: 235	Ford 289 with oil on plug threads I need help on this one. I have a 64 Galaxie, with 289 engine that started missing. I pulling the plugs found oil on the threads but the ceramic electrodes were not fouled. I could not find any valve cover oil leak. I cleaned everything up, reset the plug gap and installed reusable valve cover gaskets. Its now running smoothly, but don't know why the plug threads were oily. My guess is the problem could resurface. Background: This 289 engine has many unknowns because the former passed away. He rebuilt the engine using aluminum heads made by who knows and it has Autolite APP3923 plugs that have absolutely no Ford application and mostly applies to Nissan, Toyota and many more 1986-2018 non-Ford brand vehicles. The way the engine runs it feels like it has a mild cam and valve train setup.

09-17-2019, 02:14 PM	#2
Rusty Junk Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Iowa Posts: 12	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads I suppose the oil could be coming from the guides, what type of seals does it have. Maybe you can post a picture of the heads with a valve cover off, detail.

09-17-2019, 02:33 PM	#3
Rusty Junk Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Iowa Posts: 12	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads 20190917_142418.jpg As you can see any oil on the threads must come from the combustion chamber so the most likly source is the valve guides in my opinion next would be the rings. You could do a compression check but I suspect that the guide seals aren't up to snuff. The no name heads are leaning me this way.

09-17-2019, 10:57 PM	#4
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,474	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads Deleted __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order) Last edited by KULTULZ; 09-18-2019 at 07:19 PM.

09-18-2019, 09:38 AM	#5
JeffB2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 1,417	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads They might be these heads very common budget SBF heads https://www.competitionracingsupply....der_heads.html they use the plugs your have which are the coldest in that heat range a lot of the Mustang forums seem to lean towards the 3924's and replacing the original seals.

09-18-2019, 09:47 AM	#6
Rusty Junk Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Iowa Posts: 12	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) That's what I was thinking also.

09-19-2019, 07:00 PM	#7
callbald Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Leo, Indiana Posts: 235	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads I replaced the plugs 2500 miles ago. Compression is good 165-170 for 7 cylinders with the 8th at 160. The plug electrodes are a little black but not crudded with carbon and easly cleaned with with brake cleaner and nylon brush.

09-19-2019, 07:36 PM	#8
Rusty Junk Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Iowa Posts: 12	Re: Ford 289 with oil on plug threads I'm still thinking valve stem seels. Quality of parts on those heads is not the best but there's no reason you can't put good parts on. You can change them with the heads on the car with air plumed to the cylinders through the sparkplug holes. But I'd be tempted to pull the heads and look at the valve job.