i have a 1987 350 tpi camaro. with new plugs the car runs amazing for 2 days but then oil fouls cylinder 6 and 8's plugs out. im trying to figure out if the cause is the rings, heads or just replace the whole engine. please tell me how to test everything and where to start.

 

6 & 8 are on the same side, next to each other. To me that screams intake manifold gasket. It might be sucking oil from the lifter valley into the cylinders through the intake gasket.
I'd phone up a few parts stores and see if you can borrow a "leak down tester". I've never used one myself, but I believe that's your best bet to check this.

 

A leak down test won't be able to determine if it's the intake gasket, as the test is performed with both valves closed. It will be able to eliminate any cylinder sealing issues. But for this, a simple compression gauge could also be used.

Any question of intake seal integrity, I usually start with a vacuum gauge.

Could also be valve stem seals/guides being completely shot, allowing a copious amount of oil down the valve.

 

. Good call, I wasn't thinking chief.

A vacuum gauge? Simply hooked up to manifold vacuum, and look for...? jumping needle?

 

If the intake gasket is leaking, up from the lifter valley, then you should be able to disconnect the PCV and still have air trying to get into the valve cover. Also, whenever 6 or 8 opens, manifold vacuum should drop, but if you undo both sides of the PCV, and plug both covers with your palms, then that should steady the manifold vacuum somewhat.

 

thats kind of what im looking for i was thinking either guides or rings. i dont want to jump in to a head job and then end up needing a motor. spo where should i hook a vacume guage. and atilla what do you mean with the air trying to get in to the valve cover. so where exctly should i start tomorow

 

If you're sucking oil from the lifter valley through the intakle gasket, then the lifter valley has to be getting more air from somewhere, and that somewhere is through the PCV system, which attaches to the valve covers. You need to tap into intake manifold vacuum.

 

so if i hook a vacume guage to say the egr or fpr line would those be good spots. also what should i look for a fluctuating psi or low. whats base AT idle