Rear cylinder leaking oil about exhaust port

[CamaroZ281983]

Went for a ride a few weeks ago, got to a stop light, looked down, and I noticed that my junk was smoking!!! Pulled over as fast as possible in fear for my buddy down below. I hop off and smoke is billowing out from under my seat... buddy not charred... Upon closer inspection oil was leaking right above the rear exhaust port. I rebuilt my heads last winter, put over 3,000 miles on the rebuild. Any ideas as to why it just now started leaking? Anyone else have this issue?

 

[Stevenc150]

Can you see where it originates - the top of the head, head gasket, etc.

 

[CamaroZ281983]

Its gotta be where the jug meets the head. Im not able to see exactly where its at... due to the closeness to the frame. Plan to rotate the motor in a few weeks in time for spring. I was just curious if any else has had an issue with blowing gaskets. I dont undertsand why it would hold for 3,000+ miles then randomly give out. She idles fine and has all her power... just burnin that oil

 

[crxtasy169]

Did you use new head studs or reuse the old ones?

 

[crxtasy169]

Also did you follow proper torque procedure? Tighten to inch lbs, then to foot lbs, then 90 degrees for the final step?

 

[CamaroZ281983]

I used the original studs. But yes, I followed the manual step by step in the entire rebuild.

 

[ich]

probably rocker box gasket.

 

[CamaroZ281983]

Yea thats what I have been leaning toward. Ill update once I tear into her.

 

[crxtasy169]

Rocker cover has a very specific tightening sequence too.

 

[CamaroZ281983]

Indeed it does. And I followed those to spec also.