Inside the valve covers

[JayEstes 172]

Guys, 

 

I had my 302 rebuilt stock.  Original heads, cylinders bored .030 w/ a mild cam.  I had the engine run-in on a stand, and I have run it for maybe up to 10mins at a time numerous times (dozens).  I drove the car to and from the paint shop (<10mi) with no issues but that is all.

 

I recently pulled the valve covers to polish them, and found it "shockingly clean".  My covers didn't have any oil splashed up on them even tho I have driven the car twice:

 

 

 

I believe my oil pressure gauge is "good" (well as good as these gauges are - when I power on I get a normal range reading on the gauge - it is a gauge and not a light.

 

It this "as expected"?  Seems to me that oil oughta be flying around inside the valve covers a little more.  

 

Would like your advice on this.  Thoughts?

 

Jay

 

[machm1970 180]

I see oil on top of the rocker arms and on the heads, so you're getting oil up there. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 If you didn't see oil there it would be a different story.

 

Matt

[moodster 55]

Those look fine, I'd expect it to be that clean especially on a rebuilt engine.  Your valve covers have a very slick surface as well so they probably will never accumulate much oil.  

 

david

[Rsmach1 71]

+1 with above comments.

[JayEstes 172]

Great news.  Thanks guys.  Just trying to be very careful with this new engine in the early days after rebuild, and it really surprised me when I looked in here.  I appreciate the feedback a lot.

 

Engine compartment is looking up though:

 

 

[1969_Mach1 333]

Looks good.  Did the engine builder mention when to change the oil and filter for the first time?  Some go 500 miles, some (and myself) do it after the initial cam break in.  Just helps to get all the assembly lube and any particulates out.

[MikeStang 247]

I have same covers and they look the same inside as yours after several thousand miles and a few oil changes.

Your Golden bud

[barnett468 418]

ok, i hope you installed screw in rocker studs or pinned the press in rockers so the studs dont pull up in the heads.

 

also, i would set the timing curve to maximize performance if you have not done that yet.

 

i would also set the gas level in the carb and post a photo of both front spark plugs.

 

i would also disconnect the distributor vacuum advance hose and plug it.

[1969_Mach1 333]

Now that barnett468 is mentioning a bunch of othre stuff I thought move the heater hose away from the exhaust manifold might be a good idea.