Hello to all.

A few months back, I posted this problem to to forum:

I have been struggling with an oil issue for some time.

Here's the scoop. Brand new 383 short block ( Eagle crank, rods , bearings ) 9.6-1 comp. This short block was prepared by a very reputable engine builder. Heads are cast iron with 2.02/ 1.6 valves, positive oil seals ,screw in studs , plates etc.

Thus far, I have tried three different manifolds, thinking the manifold(s) were warped. Not true. It was checked and it's a good fit.

Every single time that I pulled the manifold(s), the gaskets are soaked with engine oil!! The air/fuel charge is getting oil from somewhere. I've tried different gasket brands as well. I have unhooked the PCV ( using breathers for now ) to eliminate it being the cause. Same thing! The plugs are still wet and fouled. When the motor is running, it smokes when you gas it a bit.

The cam is fairly aggressive, but I doubt that has anything to do with the problem. The heads I had on this motor have been brought back to the machinist, and according to him, they checked out fine. The intake guides were also checked to see if any oil has been coming down the guides. Nope. Please advise!!

Now, to all who were interested to know: The problem appeared to be simple. My Edelbrock carb (according to the tech on the phone ) told me that the carb can handle no more than 6.5 PSI fuel pressure. Well, Ihave a Carter Elec. fuel pump that puts out 8 psi. What I had set up at the time of this problem was an inline fuel regulator, the kind with the dial. Edelbrock said those are junk, and pressur probably got past the needle and seat and flooded the motor.
Well, the shop that assembled my short block for this project sent me pictures of the tear down. The main bearings were showing the copper, and according to him, the rings were shot due to too much fuel in the oil. Because of this, he said that the cylinder walls were "glazed" and would no longer keep oil on the bottom of the piston, but now explains why all 8 plugs were getting wet.

This was obviously my fault. A cheap $20 pressure regulator ruined this engine, and this is why I had the oil and smoke. It would seem that a stock Ac Delco pump would have been the ticket. Sorry for the long explanation, but some of you wanted to hear back when I found out what happened.

Jerry