Oil leaks/timing

[1969 Project]

Hi Guys thanks for the useful info. I ordered my fuel lines as well as a PCV. I have been doing some research and read that there needs to be a baffle as well, can someone please explain the baffle and if that is something I need to consider when hoking up the PCV? Also I have an after market CAM in the engine, would that have to do with the engine not being set up with a PCV. Will I have any Vacuum problems after installing the PCV through the rear port of my carb?

[storm9c1]

Pull out both breathers and look down into the hole. If you can't see the valve train through one of the holes, then that hole is baffled. That would be the one to attach the PCV hose. If they are both baffled, then pick one.

No, this should not affect your vacuum readings. The PCV valve itself is supposed to regulate the vacuum.

[geezer#99]

If you don't have a baffle then you can use a baffle/grommet.
Here's an example.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/PCV-Gr...Caps,7332.html

A baffle is needed so the pcv won't pull oil thru into the motor. You just want to remove the vapors.
THe breather on the other cover is air in. Air in mixes with the fumes.

[1969 Project]

Sweet, thanks for the info. This is what it looks like when I remove the breather cap....

[storm9c1]

That's baffled. You are good to go.

Attach the PCV system to that hole. Or if both look that way, pick the one you like best and stick the breather on the other. Assuming that breather has a filter element inside. If not, get one that does.

[1969 Project]

Thanks! I was thinking about getting a new breather anyway, any advice on a good filtered one?

[1969 Project]

One more question.... Why would someone not run a PCV and just two breathers? From all that I have read this is not something that is recommended. I read somewhere that having a PCV and after market Cam can cause some kind of trouble for vacuum, can anyone shed some light on that? The cam in my engine is definitely not stock so I am curious.

[geezer#99]

Some people think they're ugly and want the motor to look clean and uncluttered. But that only lasts a little while until an oil leak developes.
A pcv is just a controlled vacuum leak. If you have a wild cam with little manifold vacuum and the wrong pcv you might drop your vac down enough to cause carb tuning problems.
You likely don't have a problem.
Check post #5 here for some info on pcv's.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/pcv-...on-434178.html

[GSP7]

What cam and specs you got?

[1969 Project]

I have no idea. The guy who I bought it from said he got it at a dealership in Oklahoma and the man who traded it in supposedly had the motor rebuilt 30k miles ago. (Not sure if that's true or not)and bored out to a 383. The po did say something about some diamond head positions and a Cam but wasn't sure on the type of Cam. Maybe that is the reason why they don't have a working PCV, not sure. I'm supposed to be taking it to a shop on Thursday so I'm hoping they might be able to give me some more info.

[storm9c1]

Does it have a really lopey idle or a smooth idle? Or in-between? Stick a vacuum gauge on it (or ask the shop to) and tell us what the vacuum readings are.

There are many misconceptions about PCV. Some think you don't need it. But it is needed! Even many race cars use specialized PCV systems using vacuum pumps. There's a reason for that. It's a necessary evil. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.

[1969 Project]

It's in between, I am thinking its a mild Cam. The shop said they will take a vacuum reading and check it all out. I am not at all familiar with tuning/adjusting carbs. The main thing for me is to get a working PCV, I can install this but if it effects vacuum or anything else that is where the help will be needed. The shop I am taking it too specializes in older cars so I am hoping they can help out without ripping me off. It sucks that I don't know any of the specs on anything on the engine as I am sure this info would be helpful. Thanks storm9c1 for the advice!

[storm9c1]

If it's a mild cam, you won't have any problems adding a PCV. It's really only an issue with a radical cam, (ie: usually found on race engines), and in that case, they add a vacuum pump system.

[1969 Project]

Sweet! I will give an update once I have the PCV installed and I get all the info from the shop.

[GSP7]

Your oil leaks should stop when you the PCV installed.

[1969 Project]

That's what I am hoping for. Any suggestions or part number on which PCV valve to get? I looked it up by application and this is what it shows, is this correct?

[GSP7]

Looks like it

Id get a real live AC brand pcv valve though. Ive had a cheapo off brand one that was restricted and did not flow right.

[1969 Project]

Hey guys, got the PCV installed and truck back from the shop. I guess the cam is more loopey than I thought. He adjusted my carb and said the secondary was stuck open. It idles a lot better now and I can definitely feel the cam even more. The vacuum is 11 with a 19 base and 40 total. He stated that this is as good as he can get it without specs on the Cam. I confirmed the oil leaks are coming from the dist, valve covers and intake manifold. My question is since they are already leaking do I need to replace these gaskets or should the PCV install fix this issue. He said typically once they are leaking they won't stop until they are replaced.

[geezer#99]

He's right.
Pcv won't cure the leaks. Might slow them down only.
You'll need to fix them.

You got another pic of your pcv setup now?

[1969 Project]

Yea, I'll get them fixed for sure.

[storm9c1]

I assume the PCV hose goes to the back of the carb? And the other valve cover has the filtered breather?

I agree, PCV is part of a multi-prong approach to solving the leaks. But won't fix already bad gaskets. Even with new gaskets, certain areas like intake and valve covers will start leaking due to PCV problems. So we don't want you to replace those gaskets without a working PCV. Now you can check that off your list. I'd clean the suspect area and drive it for a while to see how bad the leaks are now and replace the gaskets accordingly. I've had PCV problems that made an engine leak like crazy, literally dripping while I watched when running... and once the PCV problems were resolved, leaked only a few drips per day, which I can tolerate on an old SBC.

[1969 Project]

That is correct, it's going to the back of the carb and the other with a filtered breather. I will definitely keep an eye on the leaks. How would I check the PCV to be sure it is working properly? Thanks for all the great info guys, gotta luv this forum site!

[geezer#99]

Read the last post here to test your pcv.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/pcv-...on-434178.html

[First c10]

After reading the geezer#99's post about the pcv. I am concerned that I may not have the correct sizing of the PCV system and that is why I have a small leak at the back of the intake area...

I installed an inline PCV on the port on the manifold and went to the passenger side valve cover. Then put a breather in the driver side.
Should I have a lot of vacuum volume? at idle the vacuum gauge reads 17-20
I will post a few pictures of the engine

[cadillac_al]

I'm not familiar with that style pvc. If it was me I would try to use a normal one. I would even go the original route and put the pvc on the drivers side and vent on passenger side.