PCV and breather related issues

[Astaroth]

Hi,

I've been reading through the PCV/breather posts and trying to learn a bit about this system. I mis-interpreted a diagram on taboo (here) and switched my PCV for a straight fitting which I then hooked up, through a filter, directly to my breather port

Took it for a lap round the block and lost a few pound boost, as well as dropping a couple of hundred revs at idle. When I got back, there was oil ALLLLLLL over the turbo and there was some oil pooled inside the turbo compressor housing itself (but no blue smoke from exhaust) which I'm assuming was cause I've pressurised the shit out of the crankcase. I put everything back as normal (including PCV and all hoses) and wiped the lot clean HOPING things would be right... but they weren't

Took her for another run round the block and the oil is back. Performance doesn't seem to be affected but I'm concerned about spilling all this oil...

Any suggestions? I'm going to plug the intake manifold port and run the pcv line to ground (with straight fitting) but I am worried that putting things back didn't stop this oil... might I have busted a gasket or something by pressurising the case so much?

Thanks

Astaroth.

 

[WhiteTsiAwd]

Valve cover more then likely.

 

[Astaroth]

There *was* oil that appeared to come from the oil cap, and there was a bit of oil that looked like it had come out from under the cover. But my biggest concern is the oil INSIDE the turbo, and there was a bit of it

Astaroth.

 

[Todd95TSi]

Oil may have been pushed passed the turbo oil seal due to excess crankcase pressure. If the pressure is relieved and the oil continues to leak into the compressor and/or turbine housing(s) then it may be time for a new turbo or turbo rebuild.

 

[Defiant]

Put the PCV back before you totally dick that engine.

 

[Astaroth]

Thanks for that extremely intelligent and unbelievably helpful response, Defiant.

I put everything back as normal (including PCV and all hoses)

Is it just you or should I expect attitude from all the mods here?

ANYWAY, it appears the leak has stopped. Drove to work and back completely off-boost, not a drop. Took her for a run around the block at full pelt and still no oil. The dipstick did pop out on the way to work though, which has never happened before on this motor. I've secured it (hooray for cable ties) so it should be right. Keepin a close eye on it, but she seems to be running ok.

Thanks to those who were of assistance.

Astaroth.

 

[DSMKevan]

Yeah I did the same thing, but I tried drilling out my PCV valve but ended up killing it. I proceded to installl it again (BIG MISTAKE) and installed it just like in the taboo speed shop picture. Im guessing that the shitty PCV valve (or what was left of it) put too much crankcase pressure in the system. I had oil out of the cap, some by the valve cover, a shitload in the turbo (time for a new one ), and some more all over the ground.

NEVER EVER EVER mess with your PCV valve, just go buy a new one. I sure wish I did. Ive yet to experience any more leaking, but a new turbo is in order along with a leak testing. I hope nothing else broke in the process. :thumbdown

 

[Doug99RS]

The dipstick popping out is kind of a frequent occurance on older cars. High crankcase pressures will cause it to be blown out. There are small o-rings on the dipstick that help seal and retain the dipstick in the tube. When they get old and dried out then they will frequently no longer hold the dipstick in place. Look in to getting new o-rings or a new dipstick and then re-evaluate the situation.

As far as the "Stop before you totally dick the engine" comment.... The pcv check valve is there to prevent pressure from the intake system from entering the crankcase. This pressure can be in two forms. One is boost on a forced induction engine as you have just found out. The check valve would have prevented the problem you experienced. The second reason for the check valve is to prevent a back-fire explosion from entering the crankcase. The explosion would ignite the fumes in the crankcase and cause an even larger explosion.

While the message wasn't put very politely... you may not want to "tamper" with the pcv system too much.
Doug

 

[DSMKevan]

Its the weird image on here http://www.taboospeedshop.com/emissions.htm . That says to use a "straight fitting" instead of a PCV valve that got me into removing it. It also said you can just remove the internals, which I did (or so I thought), which resulted in my oil bar###e.

I did kind of say it in a bad way, but if you dont "tamper" correctly you could seriously damage your engine, as I have.

 

[Doug99RS]

I see where your initial problem lies. The person who wrote up that tech article CLEARLY has no understanding of how a pcv system works. One side allows air to enter the valve cover (this is the side coming from the intake piping or the air filter). The other side is the vacuum source which is directly on the intake manifold itself. under a vacuum condition, the pcv valve not only allows air to pass through it but it actually SUCKS the air through. If plug off the vacuum source then Yes, excess PRESSURE can be relieved in the setup that Taboo has shown on their site. But there is NOT a means to FORCE the fumes and pressure through the system by way of a vacuum. Taboo should NOT be instructing people to use this system as it is NOT in the vehicle's best interest.

The PCV system is not just there for emissions. It is also designed to removed crankcase vapors which have fuel and other contaminants in it. Without a pro-active system in place to draw these vapors out MORE so than just a vent source, these vapors (also moisture i.e. water) will redeposit themselves on the components inside the engine. This will lead to oil caking and other harmful deposits inside the crankcase.

To anyone that will listen.... Just because a component is part of the "emissions" system, that does NOT mean you can remove it. There are many components that help lower emissions but also protect the engine.

I'll put in more info when I get home from work. Right now I'm on my lunch break.
Doug

 

[Defiant]

To anyone that will listen.... Just because a component is part of the "emissions" system, that does NOT mean you can remove it. There are many components that help lower emissions but also protect the engine.

If only we could tattoo this on their foreheads.

 

[92awddsm]

Taboo forgot to mention that this is how they setup their drag car and the oil is changed after every 25 passes.