Crank Venting/Vacuuming Input Please.

[dsm_illicious]

I was having an issue with my oil dip stick shooting out under only 15-20lbs of boost and I figured out it was obviously an excess of pressure buildup in my engine. Up to that point, I always had all the vacuum lines hooked up to stock specifications so I was wondering why the heck that was happening (it was a broken dipstick...duh). I had a cusco oil-catch tank a while ago but decided it was taking up too much space under the already packed engine bay and sold it. I've been running a small Fram filter (for a VW bug) in line of the PCV valve connecting to the intake and it gets gunked up with oil in about 3 months time or so (no big deal). I've seen the kit on www.dejonpowerhouse.com that claims to pump air out and stop pressure from coming in (for $99) but I'm wondering what the best do-it-yourself solution would be vs. that one to really let the engine BREATHE.

 

[oldman]

There are three ways that can cause excessive crankcase pressure.

1. Poor venting capacity.

2. Boost pressure is leaking into the crankcase via turbo seal, valve seals or piston rings.

3. Both.

Let's focus on number 1 first:

1. Replace the frame filter with a real catch can or just let it vent and point to the ground for now.

2. Did you hollow out the pcv or replace it with a 1/8 npt straight fitting when you routed it to the catch can/filter? If not you need to do so.

3. How is the other breather valve routed?

 

[dsm_illicious]

I replaced the valve routing to the intake with a much larger output. The valve & hose connecting to the intake manifold is still stock. Should I remove the hose/valve connecting to the intake maifold? I was told that it is designed to push air in (I thought it was another vacuum).

My old dipstick was severed, after replacing it does not shoot out anymore. I just want to ensure my engine can breathe well.

 

[oldman]

Are you saying that

1. The breather valve on the driverside of the valve cover is still routed back to the INTAKE PIPE?

2. The frame filter is installed between the pcv (still connected to the valve cover) and the intake manifold?

 

[dsm_illicious]

Here is a very poor 10-sec drawing of my vacuum setup.

 

[oldman]

Test the pcv (pcv is a one way valve, the fitting on the passinger side is not a pcv, just a straight fitting) to make sure that

1. It isn't stuck open causing boost pressure to leak into the crankcase. (apply pressure air to the fitting side or manifold side of the pcv, it should not leak)

2. It isn't stuck close causing poor crankcase ventilation. (Blow into the threaded side or crankcase side, it should open with minimum effort)

If any of the above conditions hold true, replace the pcv with an OEM, test the new pcv before install, Even some new OEM pcv are known to leak.