> There's been some mention in a number of posts of some problems with the GMC
> engine oiling system, such as more oil getting into the valve covers than
> can drain back out, etc. So, some questions:
>
> 1. How prevalent is this problem? Does every engine have it? Has this been a
> problem in them since new?
>
> The 455 has it unless it has been rebuilt and had the corrections done to it,
> say by Mondello, Winterfeldt or some other knowledgable Olds mobile person.
> What happens is that there is so much turbulance in the engine that the oil is
> actually pumped into the rockers. This seems to occcurr after driving at high
> speeds for a long period of time. 65-70 range. The restrictors by them self
> are only part of the fix. The other part is to have the rods machined at the
> bottom where they bolt together. This allows the oil to get in between the
> rods and to the bearings.
> 2. How do you fix this problem? I've read about oil restrictors - I'm not
> sure where these are located, but I surmise that the engine has to be apart
> to install them. Is this true? Where are the oil restrictors?
>
The oil comes through the block where the bearings go. If you had the block
turned up side down and everything removed you could see the oil holes. There
is one for each bearing. The restrictor is nothing more than a metal type tube
that is pressed into that hole. Yes the engine has to be apart.
> 3. What experiences have people had with oil problems in their GMCs? The
> internal type, not the oil hoses & coolers.
>
My orignial 455 broke in Salt Lake City. Olds did the work and the Motor Works
supplied the engine. There is a little litegation going to have to happen at
this point. The Motor Works doesn't want to stand by their guarantee because
after two engines I elected and nearly one year I elected to have the Original
455 taken apart locally and built by local people. It is a good solid engine.
There are many tricks to assist these engines perform as they should. One must
remember they are pulling three times the weight unloaded. Going up hills (West
Coast) the problems become major ones. If you are a flat lander you will likely
not experience the problems as much as we do. Over the years people have
improved things to get better service from them. I doubt seriously if GM knew
about these problems when they were producing our GMC's. Chuck, 78 Eleganza II,
Lompoc, CA. PS do you take the GMCMM magazine? If you do Joe Mondello has a
great articel in there on engine rebuilding. It is not a good article It is a
Great Article.
> Thanks!
