Most L-82 owners probably knew this but I found out the hard way. New crate motor running great so I decided to paint my old L-82 valve covers and put them on the new engine. Everything look good, started in up and engine sounded like it had spark plug wire off. In the next hour I checked vacuum lines, pulled plug wires off with engine running to find msifire, changed a spark plug and checked timing. #1 cyclinder had good spark but engine didn't change much when I pulled the plug wire off. Vacuum guage showed vacuum leak and needle was jumping around,,Thought I may of changed something in the process. Went back to the old trick of what you did last before it broke. Did nothing but changed valvecovers. The more I ran it the smoother it got. Took it on the road and put some RPM on it and it was a little better but not perfect. When I put valve covers on this new engine I had switched the valve cover with the oil servicing cap to the drivers side, opposite of what it was on the the old L-82. So I pulled the valve covers off and found #1 intake rocker was rubbing a hole in the inside of the valve cover. Wasn't making any noise, just rubbing away. I switched the covers back with the oil cap on the right bank and engine ran as smooth as it ever has. Inside the covers there are eight lips that will either be on top or bottom depending on which side you put them on.The old L-82 had pushrod guides also. Glad it didn't wear all the way through. They say you have to be young and stupid before you can be old and wise. I did the young and stupid, and now I'm old, Missed something along the way...
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1956
"We are all like fine Wine, the older we get, the better we are!!!!!
Just ask Ebo or Tux or Joel!! They are older than dirt!!!
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