looking for advice here on my 1963 Dodge D300. My truck has run fine however, lately I'm getting some oil blow back. I'm told my local mechanics that this means the engine needs to be rebuilt or changed. I will perform a compression test to confirm that the engine in fact does have a problem. I will also put in some Marvel Mystery Oil.

Several questions:
1. Are there any other steps to confirm the status of my engine?
2. IF the engine is no good - would you recommend replacement or rebuild?
3. Based on the answers to #2, who are reputable rebuilders in my area - note that I live in Lexington, Virgina (essentially mid-Shenandoah Valley)

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Bill

Jul17 17, 2024 Update:
1. I checked compression with the following results; cylinders 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 - 100 PSI, Cylinder 2 - 96 PSI
2. Per below, I do not have a PVC valve but rather a Road draft tube (it is clean and clear)
3. I replaced the breather cap
4. I filled up the tank and ran it with a bottle of Sea Foam
5. I painted and replaced the valve cover gasket as I took of the cover to inspect things; it had a little bit of normal sludge and so, I also added some Marvel Mystery Oil

I drove the truck around 45 minutes and NO blowback or gas leak at base of carburator?

I'll have to keep driving it and am now not having any blowback??

Bill
Good luck with your efforts and Welcome to the Forum!

After your mechanic looked at it, did he have a plan?

I would do a check on compression, overall assessment, and give us some feedback on what you find.

Unless your engine is really worn out, I would recommend a rebuild of what you have.

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Hyper_pak

If blowing out oil is the only issue, the first thing I would check is the PCV system. Not just the valve but the complete system including the passage in the carburetor. If it is not working properly, the engine will build internal pressure and push out oil. If that checks out OK, then further checking is required.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

You already have been given some good ideas. If you have access to a leak down tester it will tell you more than the compression test alone. Truth be told it costs quite a bit of money to just do a simple rebuild. You maybe able to find a good running engine that someone is pulling to put a V8 in, much cheaper than a rebuild. Of cousre there is some risk with that too.

Good luck!

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

It is possible this truck does not have a PCV valve, but just a Road Draft tube instead for that function.

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Very possible being a 63 and a heavy duty truck it might have a road draft tube.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

If you build it using your crank will make sure it fits your transmission combo.
Cranks changed 68ish to different register size.

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Hyper_pak