Update
So, since the last post, I changed out the .031” Cometic intake gaskets to a set of .062” Mr. Gasket and that solved my oily spark plug problem. I’m guessing that the block, heads, and intake have been machined so many times over the years that tiny machining tolerances have added up to a less than perfect mounting angle. But, she appears to be sealed up now.
So I reassembled the top end and put a few miles on it last fall before the dreaded snow hit. After I parked it for the winter I decided to pull the valve covers and back off the rocker gear to relax the valve springs during its hibernation. I noticed that a couple of the intake pushrods were again showing signs of overheating. So I picked up a set of 8 pushrods that are .050” longer in an attempt to keep the tip closer to the oiling hole in the back of the rocker. When the weather turns nicer here in frozen PA, I’ll get some miles on it and check the pushrods again. If they still show signs of overheating, I’ll be pulling the rocker shafts and either have the oiling holes drilled in the correct location or have the rocker bushings grooved to allow more consistent oil flow. It will depend on how far off the current holes are, both laterally and radially.
Also, was able to pick up a spare W2 head from Marketplace that looks to be in decent condition in case of future water leak issues.
Next order of business will be installing the distributor advance springs I picked up from
@halifaxhops and tweaking the advance curve so she’s ready to hit the streets running when we finally thaw out around here.
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