Well, I'm still getting some pinging. Talked it over with Russ and we've decided to lower the compression ratio a bit.
Before pulling the engine for new pistons, we're going to try making adjustments to this one. Currently we're at 11.4:1 with .026" quench on a .043 head gasket. Going to pull it and try a .060 head gasket for 10.93:1 and .044 quench.
Also going to try out some new lifters while its apart.
Started out by calling up SC_Redneck and having him catch a flight out to visit.
We yanked the head off this engine like we're pull starting a lawnmower.
Noticed a couple of things here. Kind of an excess of carbon buildup for an engine with ~1K miles on it. And way too much JCR Handicorn.
This does not excite me. More on it later.
.... Project Unicorn you say?
The exhaust valves are pretty clean but the intake are just caked.
Went ahead and pulled the Comp lifters out (right) and replaced them with Johnson lifters (left). I've had some lifter noise since day 1, and it is becoming more common with the Comp lifters. Russ is looking at these as a replacement.
New Cometic .060 gasket.
Must be built for a TJ. Slight interference with the AC bracket, we just trimmed the gasket.
That's a lot of gasket. Would be an issue if if the pistons werent .016 out of the hole, but it may be a problem solver here. Time will tell.
The supervisor approves?
Head back on, rockers checked for proper preload (which amazingly was just fine).
5 spark plugs looked healthy, but Cylinder 6 has clearly been detonating.
Valve cover back on, and waiting for the new manifold gasket to arrive today.
We're pretty certain at this point the crappy baffles in the Crown valve cover are letting the engine suck oil, which is burning poorly and contributing to pinging. I'll be adding a catch can to the PCV and probably go back to a stock valve cover.