Can't get right.

[Levitan]

I put in a remanufactured head with cam. All seals were new as it was all reworked. I let it idle for a couple of minutes and then drove it once around the yard. No more than five minutes total, but it never got better.

I highly recommend you pm FB71. I want to see you get this ride rollin' and Jim is the man in my book. He'll get you on track.

[mechanicaldj]

it may take more than 5 minutes for all of the crap to burn out of your catalytic converter, that has been dumped in for the last 2 years.

also do a compression test, a vacuum test, a coolant pressure test, before jumping to any conclusions about your engine being bad

[Biglay5150]

What color is the smoke? If you put your hand behind the tail pipe for a minuite is it wet? Is there a possability that the head gasket was installed wrong? What did you torque the head bolts to?

[k26]

Smoke is blue gray. Don't remember the torque specs, but did it according to the Haynes book that I have. It's in my friends garage right now. Busy week ahead so it will be next week before I can get back to it. I much appreciate all the input. I WILL get this rolling.

[FestYboy]

it does take time for the valves and rings to seat, especially if the valves weren't lapped properly.

[FB71]

valves aren't lapped anymore, when surfaced with cutters instead of stones. Valves should also seal completely after machining, and do not require break-in time.

If you have oil and/or coolant in the exhaust, it will take a good 20-30 minutes of running above idle to clear it all out, especially oil.

[FestYboy]

sry, i'm still "old school"