Exhaust manifold oil leak

[hollows76]

Hi Guys,

I wonder if someone with twin can valve gear experience can help me.

My exhaust manifold has suddenly started to leak oil from exhaust port number 2.

Manifold removal showed the following:-



I cleaned up the area and replaced the gaskets for high quality ones as ive heard these twin cams have exhaust port oil drips due to lack of exhaust side oil drainage and no valve guide seals.

I ran the car up to temp with the new gaskets and the oil leak is still present clearly coming from the top of the exhaust port number 2.



The other ports are nice an dry but I obviously see blue smoke and the oil seems to run after an idle period which is guess i very characteristic of valve guide problems.

Im looking for advice on what I can do next to resolve this? I guess the head will need to come off but would this mean a head rebuild? Does anyone know a specialist who can talk me through my options?

I live in North Hampshire and work in Oxfordshire so nay specialists around there would be good to know about.

Thanks

Chris

[Quart Meg Miles]

Yes, drainage on the rear exhaust valve stem is particularly poor. But the oil shouldn't penetrate the gasket so it looks like that flange isn't seating fully on the head and the gasket at the top looks much thicker than around the left-hand bolt in your picture suggesting it isn't being compressed enough. Perhaps a smear of Firegum or similar during assembly would seal it.

Your oil deposits in the exhaust aren't as bad as I experience but it depends on mileage. If you can stop the leakage at the manifold I wouldn't worry about a few puffs of oil smoke after idling or restarting but obviously keep an eye on it in case it worsens.