i built sbc stroker 383 this summer and after running for several months i notice oil is leaking between the aluminum head and the cast iron block deck. the heads are 23deg trick flows c/w felpro 1010 gaskets. the heads where torqued in three stages to final torque spec as per the head manufacture, i have since check the torque recently and everthing is still to spec. i have no oil in the coolant or antifreeze leaking between the block and head. i have no idea what is causing this, it is more pronounced on the drivers side by #7 and #1, on the pass side it is more by #8. plugs are all dry, no oil in the combustion chambers. oil consumtion is minimal. block is original deck height. any thoughts gents.

 

I usually use a little rtv on the deck surface and the head surface right where the intake valley is on the head gasket.

This seems to keep the oil from leaking there.

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...

R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"

 

I think Engineboy has it. There is no pressurized oil passage going between the block and the head. You're probably seeing the drop-off point from a higher leak - the intake/block/head corner Engineboy describes.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ4 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (ported World 305 heads, Crane PowerMax cam, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback w/Flowmaster, restalled TC, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

 

oh!contrare.....there is a pressureized oil passage located on the block on the outside of the number 7 piston.it is contained by a stamped steel plug if that plug is cracked or warped it would leak.it sounds like that isn't the problem cause you would definately have a consumption problem.

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87 trans am,gm crate 350(4 bolt mains 10to1),L98 aluminum heads,LT4 hot cam,slp runners,slp 1 5/8 headers,3in.y-pipe,edelbrock base,hi flo cat,air foil,afpr,as&m ported plenum,gutted airbox,t-5 tranny w/centerforce clutch and a 3.27 9bolt(11.9in. brakes),ed wright's fastchip,relocated iat sensor,160 fan switch&t-stat,tb bypass,accel supercoil,cap& rotor,slp 3in. catbcak,a/c delete.

SHE IS GONE BUT I KNOW THE GUY WILL GIVE HER A GOOD HOME.

best e/t:
3653lbs./full tank+ driver.
14.10@96.53mph 2.01 60'

 

i think it is the head gasket leaking from the valley, i am just going to leave it for now. thanks

 

I have the same concern with trickflow g1 heads, and with the stock iron heads. different side leak with each head. the current leak with the trickflow heads inbetween #5-7 near dipstick????