Easton Rich 649 #1 Posted June 12 I’ve got a k301 that struggles. When you go to start it it will shoot black smoke from the exhaust and from under the motor tins. It also will sputter for a minute or two and either catch itself or die. I’ve put a new fuel pump on it thinking it wasn’t getting fuel. I’m lost Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,590 #2 Posted June 12 Likely blown head gasket 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #3 Posted June 12 Your right. I wasn’t thinking if it was coming from there. Wish me luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,348 #5 Posted June 12 9 hours ago, Easton Rich said: it will shoot black smoke from the exhaust . I’ve put a new fuel pump on it thinking it wasn’t getting fuel. Black smoke is too much unburned fuel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #6 Posted June 12 Ok, I pulled the head off and I see nothing. I do know it runs really rich because I just rebuilt the carb and haven’t fully adjusted it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 8,000 #7 Posted June 12 Maybe it’s just me or the angle of the photo, but that intake valve doesn’t look right 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #9 Posted June 12 But I’ll check it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,590 #10 Posted June 12 Did you lift the gasket off the head? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #11 Posted June 12 Here it’s down. You’re right, it’s kinda cock-eyed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,590 #13 Posted June 12 34 minutes ago, Easton Rich said: Yes it’s off There wasnt any sign of carbon tracking on the head side? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #14 Posted June 12 Explain carbon tracking for me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RED-Z06 2,590 #15 Posted June 12 8 minutes ago, Easton Rich said: Explain carbon tracking for me Evidence left behind by combustion gasses escaping where they shouldn't. You'll see black (carbon) in places where you shouldn't Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,541 #17 Posted June 12 bent valve stem? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #18 Posted June 13 I pulled the valve and it isn’t bent. I’ll put the head gasket on and see. We’ll see I guess! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,712 #19 Posted June 13 9 hours ago, Easton Rich said: Ok, I pulled the head off and I see nothing. I do know it runs really rich because I just rebuilt the carb and haven’t fully adjusted it. You pic doesn't show the part of the head under the gasket. While you have the head removed, it may be a good time to resurface the head to make sure it's flat. Even if that isn't the issue it's one thing you can rule out. @ebinmaine has put up a few posts about gently sanding the head flat on a panel of glass. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,988 #20 Posted June 13 6 hours ago, kpinnc said: You pic doesn't show the part of the head under the gasket. While you have the head removed, it may be a good time to resurface the head to make sure it's flat. Even if that isn't the issue it's one thing you can rule out. @ebinmaine has put up a few posts about gently sanding the head flat on a panel of glass. I use a particular piece of known flat steel. Definitely agree that it should be done with every cylinder head. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,781 #21 Posted June 13 Place you head on a known flat surface (kitchen glass top stove works good). Hold it down firmly and check if a or 0.003 feeler gauge will go under it in any areas. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Easton Rich 649 #22 Posted July 1 On 6/13/2025 at 8:28 AM, oliver2-44 said: Place you head on a known flat surface (kitchen glass top stove works good). Hold it down firmly and check if a or 0.003 feeler gauge will go under it in any areas. I did this yesterday, we’ll see when I can get that fuel pump in and then it’s go time! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
