First off, I'm a rookie. So pardon what might be obvious.

Bought a 1969 350 Firebird from my brother in law 8 years back in, and it's been sitting in my garage for all those 8 years unstarted. So I decided to fire it up. After some electrical issues (replaced battery, plug wires, rotor, points, coil) it finally starts. Next problem..

Noticed a good amount of smoke and burning oil from the passenger side of the motor - specifically, the exhaust manifold near the #8 plug. Only takes a minute for it to start to smoke, then an oily bubbly slow ooze out of the gasket that burns off. A bit of smoke near the #7 plug, but not as obvious.

Anyway, checked compression.. all cylinders are around 135 psi except for #8 (near the leak) which is 150. Related?

Any thoughts? Some trolling online shows that the rings might be shot. How can I tell?

And sort of related.. thoughts on what I should tackle next on a car that has seen only basic service for the past 40 years? Brakes seem like a safe start.. suspension? This car is riding pretty low.

-Tom

Tom,

Seems unlikely that the actual exhaust gasket is leaking oil, its more then likely that the valve cover might have a leak and is driping down to the exhaust. Your compression test looks good. If its oozing and bubbling out do you have an exhaust leak?

Pull the plugs and take a look also.

1969 standard performance 350 and 400 log manifolds were cast without the outermost pair of bolt holes. This created not just a possibility but rather a likelihood of warping the cast iron manifolds. I agree with the assessment of an external leak rather than an internal issue. The engines originally had thin stamped stainless exhaust gaskets which did not provide much accomodation for warped manifolds.

I just pulled mine, had them machined flat, and fitted with copper exhaust gaskets. No more leak.

All mechanical and electrical systems need to be checked over. Replace the tires, wheel cylinders, brake fluid, battery. Purge and pressure test the cooling system. Replace the water pump and all gaskets that can be reached with only minor disassembly. Replace the fuel pump and fuel filter after dropping and draining the tank.