429 restoration

[Matti Roth]

Hello, and thanks for adding to group!

I am restoring 1964 429 engine which I bought as dismantled. It is said to be smoking in driving and has been stored as parts for a year. It is most probably 65500 miles driven. Car was not driven for10 years.

The only damaged part found so far is the top of exhaust valve of cylinder #5. The top has been worn so much that the rocker has been pressing valve locks as well. Respective rocker is worn as well, much more than others. And exhaust rocker #6 is worn as well, and exhaust #8.
Then questions:
1. What damage could this cause? I can think that valve lift gets a bit smaller than it should, but so what?
2. Is that common for Cadillac 429 exhaust valves to worn from the top, especially cylinders #5 and #6? Maybe there is less oil.

This is my first V8 engine project. I have Shop manual. I plan to replace piston rings, all gaskets, nylon timing gear, some worn exhaust valves and rockers, and valve stem o-rings. Bearings, pistons and shafts are in good condition. 

Big thanks in advance!

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Matti 

You might want to use two mall dabs of sealant just enough to hold  your gasket in place 

Using to much sealant will be working against you when you choose to pull something apart in the future 

Gaskets are designed to do there job 

Keeping matting surfaces clean  and smooth is key 

Getting closer to Baaaarrooooooom ) 

Enjoy 

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Matti 

After Jason’s picture of the bolt channel of the leaking area —-I will second  the issue of the bolt size being used and using a sealant on the threads 

My sealer of choice is - Permatex - for anything coolant related ( using it for 50 plus years ) 

It drys super fast and hold up like steel forever —unlike silicones that take 6 hours  to dry ( time counts )   just do not get it on your hands
Possibly shortening  the bolt and applying sealer looks like the answer to this problem leak 

Looking forward to the start up 

Enjoy 

[Matti Roth]

Thanks for good advice!

It is leaking behind the bolt head, not between the pipe and the head. You can see it in attached video. There could a crack between the water channel and the bolt channel. I will check this after I have removed the pipe.

https://youtu.be/Pcik97SweR0

[Matti Roth]

Finally I got everything ready for the first start and 30 min break-in went well. Battery was showing 12,8v but I needed extra power from another vehicle. Only problem was that generator was charging with 15,7v which is way too much. Probably that overvoltage caused damage to condenser in distributor, which had to be replaced twice. Actually we had to stop because we ran out of condensers, and no more old Cadillacs nearby where a condenser could be taken from.

I am very happy with this result and big thanks for all great advice here!

https://youtu.be/vyuqUGuVSCs

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Matti 

Real nice work !

A good 30 min start up —-is the best thing you can do for your  new engine rebuild  for long term engine longevity there is 

That has to be making you happy —for all be blood swear  tears expense and personal skills   this kind of endeavor takes to do right 

If the braking system is in good working order  it will not belong before you hit the road for the first  time behind the wheel 

A Very exciting time for me and you to be experiencing ——Just Love It ! 

Do you plan to keep the Cadillac for yourself or do you have some other plans for her ? 

Enjoy 

 

[Matti Roth]

Thanks Tony

There is still work to do in fixing rust spot, getting Confort control to work, fixing brakes, assembling the bumper and grille, fixing leak in steering gear etc. I believe these tasks will take at least 2 years as I have several other classic cars to fix. So lots of fun ahead!