• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Why would there be oil in the headers of a SCJ 428??

  • Thread starter Thread starter N8Miller
  • Start date Start date Jan 2, 2004

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones
Founding Member
Jul 26, 2000
2,661
0
0
Kingston, PA, USA
Jan 2, 2004
#1
  • Jan 2, 2004
  • #1
Ok, my dad has a 66 fairlane GTA with a 428. it now has a knocking sound coming from the engine and he said that there is oil in the header. The motor has been in the car for a few years--about 20--- and is now "missing with a knocking sound." Would it be possible to be a broken rod or piston? maybe a bad ring?
i dont know much about these old school motors, so anything that you can shed light on would be a help before i rip it apart in a few months.
I would rather just see it fixed quick, but i would also like to see the 428 rebuilt with a bit more agressive cam---but thats just the kid talking for his dad.
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jan 2, 2004
#2
  • Jan 2, 2004
  • #2
Sounds to me like it's ready for a rebuild, or just possibly just a valve job. Oil in the headers could be from worn or broken rings, worn valve guides, broken valves, or maybe a few other causes that escape me now. If it had a broken rod, it would most likely not run or even start. I doubt it'll be a quick fix. just unbolting those headers is gonna take awhile , used to take me three hours to do that in a big block Mustang
 

allcarfan

The Answer Man
Founding Member
Apr 8, 2001
2,458
1
56
North Atlanta
Jan 2, 2004
#3
  • Jan 2, 2004
  • #3
Hey man...how do you like that xe274 cam...is it streetable (I dont have a computer)?


anyway...it could be a bad valve seal, a bad rod or bad ring...which could have led to scuffing of the cylinder walls. It really needs to be checked out. When does it smoke? On start up or when he hits the gas?
 

N8Miller

I need NOS....make it 2 of the big ones
Founding Member
Jul 26, 2000
2,661
0
0
Kingston, PA, USA
Jan 2, 2004
#4
  • Jan 2, 2004
  • #4
allcarfan said:
Hey man...how do you like that xe274 cam...is it streetable (I dont have a computer)?

The XE274 is very streetable. i like it alot. it really wakes up at 2500 rpms--just like Comp says.


As for the 428, is there anyway to tell when i pull the head off what is needed or what i need to replace or have rebuilt?
Click to expand...
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jan 2, 2004
#5
  • Jan 2, 2004
  • #5
If there's just worn valve guides, then you need a good machinist to look at them. If it doesn't have hardened seats and it's been fed a diet of unleaded, the exhaust valves will be recessed into the heads. HAve fun with those headers, better get a good assortment of small 7/16 end wrenches and limber up your hands, you'll need both.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Jun 18, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
2
Views
202
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 21, 2026
riored97snake
R
1
Engine Motor swap from a 2003 Explorer
  • 1996mustang new
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
619
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2025
squeak93
Engine Gas in my oil
  • limp
  • Jun 15, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
35
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 16, 2026
Mindseye007
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
970
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
S
Requesting Guidance for 306 motor swap - Fuel? - SD? MAF?
  • So_Flo
  • Jul 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
32
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 4, 2026
Mcmahst
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?