PCV replaced with open air breather

[SMKN97GP]

whos replaced the pcv valve with an open air breather? results?

 

[cmegga]

I did, and when i brought it into my mechanic for a spring tune up. He put the pvc unit back on.

 

[MaineShark]

PCV is good. Not only are crankcase vapors corrosive (shortening the life of your engine), but excessive crankcase pressure acts as drag on your crank and pistons, reducing performance.

The PCV system uses maifold vacuum to scavenge these gasses. Racers often use more forcible means (eg, electric or belt-driven vacuum pumps) to remove them. In other words, more is better.

On the other hand, the air inlet (passenger-side valve cover, rear) can be replaced with a filtered breather. All that does it act as a source of fresh, clean air for the PCV system to draw through the crankcase. Most stock systems, and many aftermarket ones, draw this air from the aircleaner. If your system is already like that, there probably isn't much reason to replace it. If you're changing to an aftermarket aircleaner that doesn't have a vent tube connection, then an open breather will work fine.

The other option, which I'm looking at as a future mod, is to relocate the PCV valve to the intake manifold, so it draws through the cam/lifter valley instead of the valve covers. That allows you to use non-vented valve covers, which are a cleaner look. You'll still need a vent at the back of one or both covers, to let air in. And you'd also need to create an oil fill tube somewhere.

Joe

 

[biltogo]

The other option, which I'm looking at as a future mod, is to relocate the PCV valve to the intake manifold, so it draws through the cam/lifter valley instead of the valve covers. That allows you to use non-vented valve covers, which are a cleaner look. You'll still need a vent at the back of one or both covers, to let air in. And you'd also need to create an oil fill tube somewhere.

Joe

I'm looking at the same thing. The oil fill can also be the PCV hole in the manifold.

 

[SwaveDave]

I eliminated my pvc and put in an open breather, but, after a while i started getting rear main seal leakage due to excessive crankcase pressure ; the PVC helps the blowby situation. My mechanic almost strangled my neck when he saw it .

 

[MaineShark]

I'm looking at the same thing. The oil fill can also be the PCV hole in the manifold.

True, but I think I'm going to have a fill tube welded in. That will get the opening a little higher (easier to pour the oil without spilling, if a funnel is not available), and be sort of reminiscent of the early ('68 and older, I think) small blocks, that had an oil fill tube.

I'm still not sure exactly how I'd arrange the vent(s) at the rear, but it's a while off, anyway...

Joe

 

[Hijinx]

As has been stated already, it will leak oil like a freakin sive! I've done this before, before I was better informed and I can vouch for the oil leaks popping up. Additionally, it builds up vapors inside the engine that will ultimately damage internal parts. It looks cool with just a breather, but dont run the risk. You can get a billet PCV from a rod shop. I have used them before and switch over to the blue (or other color now) silicone (Aeroequip) hose and it looks just as good. Give that a try.

 

[SMKN97GP]

On the other hand, the air inlet (passenger-side valve cover, rear) can be replaced with a filtered breather.

ahh yes. thats what i was talking about. im a sped and mistook it for the PCV. oh well. im def gonan replace that with a filtered breather. thanks guys

 

[Ala75Vette]

if that's all you're looking for, they've got the chrome, push-in version (for PCV grommet) at AutoZone for $6.50 ....got one for my vette a month or two ago.

 

[MaineShark]

ahh yes. thats what i was talking about. im a sped and mistook it for the PCV. oh well. im def gonan replace that with a filtered breather. thanks guys

Just make sure to plug the hole in the air filter housing, or you'll be sucking dirty air into the engine...

Joe