Marc, this is going on a very hazy memory from long ago, but I remember some FE's had a problem with the oil galley that goes from the cam bearing to the head would crack.
The repair was to coat a piece of steel tubing (brake line) with sealer and press it in the block.

 

Yes, you're right.
I paid special attention to those galleys and pressurized them with air.
No leaks.
Also pressurized the head bolt hole close to that galley. No leak.

 

that has been mentioned on JayB's forum or the FE forum also. I think the thread I saw had a pic of the crack with dye penetrant showing the crack along the galley

 

RATS!

 

X2 on to ten.

 

Hi Marc,
Any news on the leak?

 

Well after months of family stuff, vacations, and general being busy as a one arm paper hanger, I finally had some time to work on the truck.
Having it down all this time has given me a new outlook and I'm taking my time and working on things I should have had the time to do before the engine build. The problem with that is you're all geeked to feel the new power and you get it done asap. Nothing wrong with that but I did want to do a few things to make it a better truck. Now I am.
First up, upgrade to a 3g system.
Ripped all the old stuff out and started building a new set up.
Also wanted to regulate the fuel delivery. The Holley pump is putting out a bit much and I never did like the feed system I had. Looks pretty but is a pain to keep it from leaking in a daily driver.
Also had a broken clip on my clutch release arm and wanted to change that out as I found a new one.
The throw out bearing also had a rough spot in it that bugged me.
Replaced the clutch release and also took a good look at the bearing.
On the inside where it slides, it has a groove to hold grease. The edge of that groove had a real sharp slightly raised edge that evidently was grabbing a bit.
A little emery cloth and it was smooth as silk. When reinstalled it feels very nice. One more thing to look for on my next however many clutch installs.

Here are two projects together on the bench.
Yes I know I don't need to run the yellow wire all the way to the solenoid.
Call me old fashion.
Also think while I'm at it I should mount another battery.

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

The other thing is of course the oil leak into the coolant.
Well after taking everything apart, here's what it looks like and the reason for the leak. Notice how oily the deck is. See how as the oil migrated toward the cylinders it got baked on. The other side is clean and perfect. Also notice how the fire ring of the right cylinder extends into the water jacket giving the oil a clear path into coolant.
The oil galley risers had already been sleeved so that isn't it.
Just a crappy gasket. I'm also having the heads checked and redecked (more like resurfaced).
More a bit later on a new gasket my brother is developing after I ragged him and gave him some brilliant ideas (yeah right).
For those that don't know my brother owns SCE and SPM gaskets.



Oh, one more new deal.
I installed a set of mechanical gauges in the engine room in order to keep a better eye on things.
Mounted them amid a few other things as to protect them from the elements.
Took out the lights and sealed up the hole with some electric tape.
Thinking about other ways to seal it also.
If I end up liking it I may just make a container kinda like my add on control panel inside.

 

Glad to hear your back at it. Have been wondering about your engine situation as I have a built 390 also. Guess I'll have to check which gaskets the engine builder used on mine. Will be following your 3G upgrade also. Can't wait to see the pics and how you wire it. Good luck my man.

 

Gracias amigo
You know I've learned a big lesson.
Pay freakin' attention to the smallest detail.
Can't tell you how many times I've just slapped a gasket on and thought "they know what they're doin'".
Well, they don't. It's up to you.

 

Hi Marc, glad you made it back from the land of humidity and thunderstorms.
I am excited to see your 3G upgrade, I want to do that on my truck too. The ER gauge install looks very clean as usual.

 

Thanks Gavin
Beautiful country back there.
Saw some huge bucks.
The skeeters were thick though.
Had a great time and visited one of my FE heros, Jay Brown.
All in all a great trip.

 

Nice clean work Marc.
You'll really like the 3G upgrade, no more dimming lights at idle.

 

Yeah, that'll be nice, as well as other future reasons.
Thanks Steve.

On another subject.
Can I say what a great company Summit is?
Yesterday afternoon I ordered a lower air cleaner mount.
It was here at 8:40 this morning.
I found this to be the case every time I order something.
Their service is awesome.

I had to get a new lower for my air cleaner to clear the fuel regulator that I am mounting.
I could have mounted it farther away but it wouldn't look as tidy when done.

 

I love Summit. I'm always pleasantly surprised at how fast their shipping is and they're also usually pretty good with keeping me in the loop when an item is backordered.

 

2x... LMC Truck should review and note Summit's business model.