My new engine has about 1,200 miles on it and it's recently started smoking like crazy and consuming about 1qt of oil every 150 miles or so. Here is what I've done so far to try and find the problem:

1. Pulled all the plugs...#4 cylinder was wet and black with oil

2. Ran a leakdown test on #4 cylinder and 2 others....found consistent readings of about 5% on all with engine cool to slightly warm.

3. Pulled Super Ram and Intake (4 hours wasted) because I thought I was sucking oil out of the lifter valley. Intake gasket looked fine and intake ports on all cylinders were clean.

4. Pulled springs on both valves in cylinder #4 and sprayed soap solution around seals with engine pressurized. Both closed and with valve held half open and found no bubbles to indicate leaks.

I am extremely stumped at this point as to where my oil can be burning from. The intake was clean, intake ports on heads clean, all plugs clean for the most part except #4, no oil on PCV valve or in throttle body. All of your experts please chime in and let me know what else you think I should look at.

 

One other idea I had that is a long shot...let me know what you guys thing:

The oil and filter were changed after the 20 minute break in. I have gone 1,200 since then and was going to change it at 1,500. Is it possible the filter is clogged and it's somehow causing a backup somewhere that would lead to burning?

 

Check the rocker arm stud(s). Many of the aftermarket heads have them going throguh the tops of the intake ports. So a sealant is required on the threads.

Al.

 

Did you check the crankcase ventilation system? Make sure the PCV valve and/or the hoses coming out of the valve covers aren't clogged.

 

PCV system should be ok....I'll double check it.

I'll also look into the rocker stud situation. Anyone know if AFR's are blind holes or go into the cylinder?