When accelerating hard or comming down a hill with the engine only, I get a burning oil smell. There is now some oil stain down the block on the exhaust side around #2. This is in conjunction with a louder ticking sound on the exhaust side,I can hear it at 4000 rpm & 120 kms/hr with the top down.(Noticable anyway) I figured the exhaust side at idle by using the stethascope.It sounds like # 2 is louder than the others. The exhaust side is louder than the intake side. I recently re-shimmed the exhaust side as I was having difficulty getting a 16 thou. feeler in there as there was a ticking noise as well, and is now a comfortable 17-18 thou on the exhaust.
I'm wondering if a oil seal has popped off if that is possible or perhaps some could give me some ideas where to start.. compression test? the car did stutter/ falter/hesitate/ a moment a couple of times when I was comming around a corner and had to accelerate hard uphill to pass some land yachts.I was going to yank the head and put another on,but this one has the bigger valves and was hoping there might be an easier fix if there is a possible easier problem.
This is a relatively newer re-build, I have perhaps 3000 kms max on the engine. The commpression last fall was 145-150 cold on all 4. Check now? Pull the exhaust cam tower?
Oh yea another thing ... how long is a release/throwout bearing supposed to last? This one was new when I put the engine in last fall and is quite loud now. The clutch engages close to the top of the pedal travel.
Still love these cars regardless

Thanks
Chris