Spewing oil ontop of driver side valve cover-HELP

[FORD*DIEHARD]

'74 302, automatic with a newly (couple months now installed Rochester qjet).

I have had MY GURL for 24 years now. I have not done anything (besides the usual maintenance on the engine) and I am not sure what or how long ago the PO had anything done.

So (opening the can of worms), what is recommended, and if anyone with personal experience can help out ;

- would you rebuild the 302 (what would you do and if there is a reputable shop in the LA/OC AREA), What price would I be looking at (roughly?)

- I know a lot have done the explorer swap (since these are all used engines, what mileage is too much and should avoid) and would it be ready to swap or should you do something to the engine before installing since it's used? Wha would be a "price range" to look at and what would be way to high?

- obviously this would be the time to go efi, what has everyone had good/ better luck with (Holley, Fitec, other?) If you did buy one and now wish you went with a different one, what did you buy, and why do you wish you bought a different one?

If I missed anything, please feel free to say something.

Thank you everyone in advance for your time/help,

Sonny

 

[1969]

I’d find an explorer 5.0, do the usual seals to it, and put your Qjet on it and keep on truckin if you’ve been happy with that. Try to find a lower mileage one. In my area you can get a “pullout” engine from the junkyard for about $500 or a complete vehicle for that on up.

 

[DirtDonk]

As far as mileage, I would say roughly 8 out of 10 explorer users with less than 200,000 miles, got great use out of them. But some even with low mileage were used too hard.
I believe it was the one Doug put in my ‘68 that already had problems. But after the rebuild it’s been flawless.
Maybe that was another bronco, but I remember it looked good at first.

So you pays your money and you takes your chances.
Like just about everything else…

 

[FORD*DIEHARD]

OH YES, I KNOW!!

So far I have had BAD/NO LUCK WITH ANY OF MY DECISIONS.

I have taken MY GURL high reputable shops highly recommended by people and bought the current Rochester , even after that had issues took it to another reputable place and still issues.

I try to do all my research but things happen. I know every part and Bronco is different (RESULTS MAY VARY), but I STILL WOULDN'T GET RID OF HER.....YET!

I might of asked, but what year explorer is best for the swap with minimum mods?

 

[Quick & Dirty]

Pull the valve cover, see if the oil drain hole in the head is clear. Umbrella valve seals will get hard, break apart, and plug the drains.