Any Easy TesIt For Engine Health?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
Any Easy TesIt For Engine Health?
I noticed my supercharged ls2 (15lbs of boost) is weeping a ton of oil underneath it. I'm guessing it might be a result of excessive crankcase pressure. I'm just not sure if its because I have an engine problem, or if that's just the nature of running 15lbs on a ls engine.
I am considering building a vacuum pump driven PCV system, but before I go through all of that, I want to make sure this isn't the result of a broken ringland or something of that nature. I no longer have an air compressor, so I can't do a leak down test. Plus, I just need to know if there is an issue, not pinpoint it to a specific cylinder.
Is there an easy way to just check general health? Pull the oil cap off and check for puffing? How much blow-by is normal on a ls engine? Any other ideas, or is it time for a leak-down test?
I am considering building a vacuum pump driven PCV system, but before I go through all of that, I want to make sure this isn't the result of a broken ringland or something of that nature. I no longer have an air compressor, so I can't do a leak down test. Plus, I just need to know if there is an issue, not pinpoint it to a specific cylinder.
Is there an easy way to just check general health? Pull the oil cap off and check for puffing? How much blow-by is normal on a ls engine? Any other ideas, or is it time for a leak-down test?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
well....for starters, the PCV system was hooked up completely wrong. I just bought the car a little while ago so I didn't do the install. The valve cover port was connected to the throttle port and the catch can through a t-fitting. Then the valley cover went to the catch can. Also, the PCV valve was installed backwards...jesus
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
not sure yet...I'm guessing it blew a seal out. He had the valve cover port connected to the intake. That intake was seeing 15lbs of boost. Add that to the fact that he put a PCV valve on the valley cover (which is an ls2 and doesn't need an external PCV valve) backwards, there wasn't any real release for the crankcase pressure. He did however have a breather cap so that probably helped a lot. I'm guessing he was blowing his dipstick a mile high, and then threw that breather on to "fix" the problem. I'll update you guys when I find the leak. I'm still scratching my head and saying WTF??? Who the hell puts so much money into a supercharger/motor combo, and then just scratches his *** when it comes time to plumb it up?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Hopefully, cleaning the engine will allow you to better pin point the main area of the leak.
The front timing chain cover damper seal can make a big mess if its leaking.
Bill
The front timing chain cover damper seal can make a big mess if its leaking.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
Just for the education of many of us who are so far "unblown", isn't 15 lbs awfully high unless it is set on a blue printed and/or built racing engine? Probably the engine in question is built for big boost.
I admit that while I've owned supercharged Jags and a 911 Turbo, those were engines built from inception to handle the boost and I never tried to customize them in any way. So, my knowledge of modifying an engine like the LS1 with boost is superficial at best. Planning to learn a lot more before doing any boost mod.
I'm considering going with a boosted system next year, but figured 5.5 or 6.0 was the max I would mod for and tune.
I admit that while I've owned supercharged Jags and a 911 Turbo, those were engines built from inception to handle the boost and I never tried to customize them in any way. So, my knowledge of modifying an engine like the LS1 with boost is superficial at best. Planning to learn a lot more before doing any boost mod.
I'm considering going with a boosted system next year, but figured 5.5 or 6.0 was the max I would mod for and tune.
Last edited by B747VET; Jan 11, 2013 at 04:09 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
Ok...so after cleaning it no luck finding the oil leak, but I did notice coolant dripping off of the balancer 
. This car is a realy PITA so far. I'm guessing its time for a new water pump? I tried to find the source of the leak, but once again, came up empty handed. I did find a drop hanging out on the water pump pulley so I'm guessing its time for a new pump. I'll tear down the accessories and replace the front oil seal while I'm at it.
Here is a question for you though...this car has a 8" innovative west balancer...what the hell are you guys using to pull those things off with?
. This car is a realy PITA so far. I'm guessing its time for a new water pump? I tried to find the source of the leak, but once again, came up empty handed. I did find a drop hanging out on the water pump pulley so I'm guessing its time for a new pump. I'll tear down the accessories and replace the front oil seal while I'm at it. Here is a question for you though...this car has a 8" innovative west balancer...what the hell are you guys using to pull those things off with?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
2 things:
Anyone know how to test the water pump more thoroughly? Now that I've got all the accessories out of the way, I don't see a leak, but the now the belt is off so I can't run it....lame
Also, the oil leak.....Do the seals "blow out" or does oil just get pushed past the seal? Impossible to tell?
Anyone know how to test the water pump more thoroughly? Now that I've got all the accessories out of the way, I don't see a leak, but the now the belt is off so I can't run it....lame
Also, the oil leak.....Do the seals "blow out" or does oil just get pushed past the seal? Impossible to tell?
Last edited by Erics_02_z06; Jan 11, 2013 at 10:59 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
1, Pressurize the cooling system
2, If its got over 60K on it,, replace it
Heres what happened to my damper and seal. It went hard and destroyed the sealing surface on the damper
2, If its got over 60K on it,, replace it
Heres what happened to my damper and seal. It went hard and destroyed the sealing surface on the damper
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
Ok, I've got some more time to work on my car again. The engine is a built 402 with less than 10k on it. I'm hesitant to go pulling things apart unless I know that front seal is blown. I know this is probably an impossible question to answer, but can anything be checked without pulling the rack and damper?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
CLEAN the area around the damper and the front cover. Take the car for a 20 min SPIRITED drive and recheck it. If it has ANY reoil on or around that cleaned area,,, for sure, it suspect! A good seal and sealing surface will not leak in a short time.
BC
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
As bill said, since you washed the engine area and wiped out oil residue, go for a ride and than jack the car and start looking where oil coming from?
BTW i ran 11-12 psi boost on my stock LS6 and i have oil from everywhere, well front Timing seal blew and 3 cylinders were down when i did leak down test, well i knew the problem rings toasted, once engine was out...wheew 3 pistons ringland broken, rings were fine.
You have too much crank pressure either go with dual catch can or completely plugged PCV system and go open system with breather W/catch can and change oil frequently i mean 2k-3k miles.
I would definetly do leak down test or atleast compression test for sure before doing anything....GL.
BTW i ran 11-12 psi boost on my stock LS6 and i have oil from everywhere, well front Timing seal blew and 3 cylinders were down when i did leak down test, well i knew the problem rings toasted, once engine was out...wheew 3 pistons ringland broken, rings were fine.
You have too much crank pressure either go with dual catch can or completely plugged PCV system and go open system with breather W/catch can and change oil frequently i mean 2k-3k miles.
I would definetly do leak down test or atleast compression test for sure before doing anything....GL.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
out of my depth here, but blackstone labs has an oil analysis kit via the mail, if you think it would help They send you a bottle, you send it in and get a print out via email
i am curious about the boost pressure , as I could use more power, but not more repairs
i am curious about the boost pressure , as I could use more power, but not more repairs