LQ4 into a 3rd Gen/1972 Nova by frojoe

2 minute(s) of a 891 minute read

Got the engine started for the 3rd time yesterday.. got it idling for about 15mins, up to operating temperature and increasing the idle on the ECU from 650 up to about 2000rpm and holding for 30-45 seconds while the Dominator learns fueling for the those areas at no TPS.

Couple teething issues to work out:

1) had a minor coolant leak at the rad hose on the thermostat... I'm hoping that only requires the re-tightening that I can it afterwards

2) drive side turbo is leaking from turbine housing! Here are the details:
- no leaks the previous several times I had engine running (only ever for 30-60seconds, never reached operating temp @ idle)
- oil only started leaving the turbo once up to operating temp
- no oil was dripping onto the subframe, it was just smoking on the turbine housing
- Precision factory-installed oil restrictor fitting was still in place and sealed
- both oil feed lines are the same length and pull from the same location @ the pan

Possible causes:
- oil pan was actually over-filled by about 3/4" on the dipstick, unsure if this was backfilling the turbo drain and clogging up the CHRA
- turbo drain could be clogged (unlikely, yet to be checked)
- oil restrictor fitting is wrong size or improperly machining, allowing too much oil pressure into BB CHRA
- incorrectly installed or faulty turbine wheel shaft seal as delivered from the factory

Up until that stuff was discovered, I was super stoked on the idle of the thing, it should rowdy...