59 navy

I think my 283 hydraulic is probably worn out. Compression tests shows ranges from 190 to 215 psi. and I'm blowing a lot of blue smoke at idle. I'm thinking of buying a new crate motor and using my existing 2x4 Carter carbs and intake manifold. (My 59 period correct engine was rebuilt 15 years age and has only 40,000 miles on it. 30ths over and everything new.) The price difference between buying a new motor or having my period correct engine rebuilt seems a lot. Any recommendations on a good company and engine model? Any recommendations for me to consider first? Thanks again to the forum. 59 navy

jim lockwood

Are you sure you don't just have some valve guide seals which are leaking?

The compression readings you observed don't suggest a worn out engine.

Frankie the Fink

Don't jump the gun yet. I had the same problem with my 1963 split window coupe; blowing blue smoke badly on cold start and on deceleration. I had rich5962 on here replace the valve seals and its like a new motor now

OC-1

If you said 150K miles......

those engines last forever with some care.

Agree with others valve guides first. check torque on intake bolts.

smoke on deceleration would be guides/seals.

40 is nothing, just broken in.

59 navy

As always, good advice to my thread on replacing my 283 with a crate engine. I will take a look at those valve guides before spending money on a new engine. Thanks again. 59 navy

64365coupe

I agree with having the heads checked out. check the guides and valve stems for wear. I would have the valve guides machined for the newer style posi valve seals. They can machine the OD of the guides to .530 and eliminate the "o" ring style seals.
Much better oil control for sure. Good valve job too.
Just my opinion. Steve

Frankie the Fink

It doesn't take much for the seals to make a smoke cloud. If your car has sat a lot they can get brittle and start to leak oil....a quick, fairly cheap fix even if you farm out the work like I did.

rfn026

The compression numbers sound fine. You might want to do a leak down test before you start taking things apart. Leak down tests are a little more accurate than compression reading.

It sure sounds like seals to me. Keep checking.

Richard Newton