I have a small problem that I fear is part of a larger problem in my engine. Since I installed aftermarket Proform valve covers I am having problem with oil finding its way into my breathers. I have installed 3 different types of breathers. All have been an improvement upon the next. First set was from Autozone which due to a design flaw leaked around the rubber flange by the cover. The second were a set from ebay that sealed better at the flanges but the filters were oil soaked within a week. The current set are high dollar K&N filters. It has a two stage filter one at the flange and another at the top. To me it seems almost impossible for the oil to travel that high, but yet it does. They are oil soaked and dripping within a week or two. I also have smoke coming out from them which smells like oil. This is killing me. What internally would be causing this? I assume the oil is heating up then evaporating. Can it do that? Please help guys... I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best...

I also want to add that it runs like a dream and is a 170,000 mile engine running mid to low 12's in the 1/4. Is it blowby and how can I test for this?

 

To test for oil ring blowby, you will need to do a leakdown test and see what is going on with the rings. Have fun with that, it sucks when the motor is in the car

 

Sounds like blow-by. When the engine is warm, take the breather off and see if you can see any puffs of smoke coming from the hole in the valve cover. You could always go back to having the stock closed PCV system so you would not ruin breathers.

 

Are you suggesting that I not worry about at this time since a rebuild (if it is blowby) is the only solution. And if I do, do this, it will be a custom PCV system.

Anyone have any links to the leak down test procedure?

Thanks guys

BTW: I get constant smoke from both sides with the breathers on

 

wait, isn't blow by happening at the valve? I just replaced the heads and valve seals....

 

What you did what tighten up the valve system, lessening the chances of leakage through the seats. Now that you have done this, it puts all the stress on the rings to hold the compression in. Blow-by is increased crankcase pressure due to compression leakage past the rings.

The last time I wanted info on leakdown testing, I just Googled it and read a few hits. I did notice that there were many different opinions on just how much pressure to use. You will need a leakdown gauge. You can either buy one or try to make one.

If you could get your valve covers to blow smoke rings, you could make some money at auto shows to help pay for your rebuild.

 

Did anyone ever tell you that you're a funny funny guy

Just kidding, thanks for the help. Its gonna stay that way until my planned 383 buildup happens. I may "invent" some sort of recycling system for a PCV replacement.

 

If you have a rebuild planned, don't worry about it too much. As long as it keeps chugging along, you'll be alright.

 

I agree as well. If your gonna build it, dont worry, as long as it starts.

 

I was getting that on my breathers too.. It was actually dripping out, i kept buying those cheap spectre 5 dollar breathers cause i was going through them so fast.. I changed my oil pan gasket and decided since the whole motor was clean to switch oils.. I switched to Mobil 10W 30 Full synthetic high mileage formula (white bottle).. its supposed to have some detergents in it to help seals and stuff.. so far my breather has been clean and feeling the difference between both oils new in my hand it seems a bit thicker, could be just me.. but yea my soaking of the breathers has stopped.. I replaced it when i did the oil pan gasket so no oil would go back down into my new fresh oil, and my breather is pretty clean inside still.. maybe i fixed something else i didnt know about???