Has anyone used the AIR electric pumps as a boost initiated crank case evacuation pump in conjunction with with a catch can? I would think this could be a simple thing to build design and could work with a hobbs pressure switch to be turned on as soon as pressure in the intake was above atmo. does anyone know how much vacuum is too much or what the ideal negative pressure in the crank case should be when under boost? I have heard too much will pull the oil out of the main and rod bearings which I definately am not interested in doing. I have 3 of these electric pumps from our vettes when we removed the AIR system and was just thinking maybe I could put them to good use.. sure would be nice to rig up and have a vacuum/pressure gauge to let me know where the crank case was throughout the operating range.

thanks in advance!

Chris

 

Chris,

I was thinking of doing the same thing, but I herd that the plastic electric pumps didn't pull enough air and won't last all that long with the heat from the crank case air.

It wouldn't hurt to do a quick mock up and see if it really does help and then do a more perminant install once you make sure it does.

 

Brian,

thats exactly what I was thinking.. being we already have brackets and such and a mounting location for them just need to run a hose and Y it to the valve covers.. I was planning on putting some breather filters on my covers anyways so if nothing else I will just be ahead of the game with those.

I bet with the pump down front drivers side bumber area it is far enough away to have the gases cool before coming through it... I have 3 of them so if one fails its not a big deal.. I just want to know what the crank vacuum should ideally be so i know what to regulate it at.. if one pump isn't enough I could run one per valve cover moiunted next to each other.

so anyone know what the safe vacuum for the crank case is.. 3-5 in/hg? just curious!

Thanks,
Chris

 

Yes it's been tried. The stock pump does not pull enough vaccum. My buddy tried that exact setup on his lt1 and ended up removing it. There may be other elec pumps capable, but the stock f-body pumps wont work.

 

I run a Ford electric vacuum pump. It cost ~$250 for whole set up (pump, catch can, -10an lines & fittings). I like it so far- 4 months. I was getting a drop or 2 of oil out the front and rear seals, but it took care of that. Any performance gains would be a bonus.

Matt

 

And old race trick> go to the bone yard and find an old smog pump that will fit. Clean it up good, set it up to run in reverse. Works much better than the expensive electric units and can do for about 25-50 bucks complete. It will suck the boost pressure dry!