'97 Escort PCV Problem

I have a '97 Escort with the 2.0 SPI engine. Recently, after starting and idling for a long time (it's winter here in Wisconsin!), and then driving a few miles, I smelled oil burning. By the time I'd stopped back at my garage, I'd probably dumped 1/2 quart all over the top of the engine.

There was a small spray of oil up and out of the dipstick tube whenever I'd rev. the engine. I replaced the small mushy rubber elbow in the hose that connects to the PCV valve. Didn't make a difference. Then I found a small black plastic 'poppet' valve next to the air cleaner housing in another tube that also runs back next to the PCV valve. This seemed to be acting as a blockage, and noticed that when disconnected the spray stopped.

Since I had to drive the car, I cobbled this poppet valve by punching a small nail hole through it's diaphragm, and reconnected. Something still isn't right, but at least it's driveable for now. I do still notice a slight smell while driving, and see a fine mist still spraying on the underside of the hood.

Any ideas on what may be causing this pressure imbalance I seem to have in the PCV system?

Thanks for the help and advice.

I have also been mystified by the PCV systems on that year model. The line with the "poppet" valve in it I first thought was a vent supply for the crankcase ... but the air is unfiltered at that point ... so it may be some high pressure crankcase overflow that they direct to the inlet side of the filter ... to control emissions in those events.

But, as usual, I'm guessing away. If anyone has a shop manual for that year, he would probably be able to find a system description.

I hope that it doesn't mean you have a high level of piston ring blowby ...

First I've got to ask some stupid questiions like is the crankcase overfilled or is the PCV valve clogged up? That hose running from the intake to the PCV valve is called the Crankcase Ventilation Tube. The part that the PCV valve fits into is the oil separator. The line running to the air cleaner is called the Crankcase Pressure Relief Hose and valve assembly. One cause for the excessive pressure could be a damaged Crankcase Vent Oil Separator. When it goes bad all the pressure goes to the Pressure Relief Hose and Valve Assembly which goes into the back of the air cleaner.. If the poppet valve is not working the pressure will find it's way out through the dip stick tube. Off hand, I would say you need a new Vent Oil Separator. It's underneath the exhaust manifold and behind the cat. It bolts onto the side of the crankcase. When the pressure is too much to be handled by the PCV valve it is blown into the back of the air cleaner and as 120unce says it's not to bring in fresh air, it's to handle excess pressure. The fun part is to figure out where the pressure is coming from. It could be blow by the rings, a baffle damaged inside of the valve cover or a damaged oil separator.

First I've got to ask some stupid questiions like is the crankcase overfilled or is the PCV valve clogged up? That hose running from the intake to the PCV valve is called the Crankcase Ventilation Tube. The part that the PCV valve fits into is the oil separator. The line running to the air cleaner is called the Crankcase Pressure Relief Hose and valve assembly. One cause for the excessive pressure could be a damaged Crankcase Vent Oil Separator. When it goes bad all the pressure goes to the Pressure Relief Hose and Valve Assembly which goes into the back of the air cleaner.. If the poppet valve is not working the pressure will find it's way out through the dip stick tube. Off hand, I would say you need a new Vent Oil Separator. It's underneath the exhaust manifold and behind the cat. It bolts onto the side of the crankcase. When the pressure is too much to be handled by the PCV valve it is blown into the back of the air cleaner and as 120unce says it's not to bring in fresh air, it's to handle excess pressure. The fun part is to figure out where the pressure is coming from. It could be blow by the rings, a baffle damaged inside of the valve cover or a damaged oil separator.

Dave,

No the oil level in the crankcase is correct, and the PCV valve is new. I recently replaced the original engine in this car with a used one I bought from a junkyard. It supposedly only had 70K on it. I've now put about 1K miles on it. It seems to run great, good power, etc. The only known problem right now is this PCV thing. In fact, this morning on the drive to work I smelled oil again, and when I popped the hood I discovered that the dipstick 'geyser' is back again. The engine is covered with oil.

I've still got the original motor for parts, which by the way with it's 140K looked much cleaner than the one I bought. That one also came poorly strapped to a pallet. I've since replaced the cracked oil pan that came on this engine. Anyway, I'll probably start with a compression check of the engine, and then hope that it's the Crankcase Vent Oil Separator. Is this something that could maybe also have been damaged during shipment? This engine was surely bouncing around the back of a freight truck for some time.

I sure appreciate the help. I'll let you know what I find out.

It seems my 'oil out the dipstick tube' problem comes and goes. I drove the twenty miles home from work tonight, and it didn't seem to lose any oil. Not compared to this morning's drive of the same distance, anyway. I did let the car warm up for a five minutes this morning, but it was below zero outside. That's about the only difference.

I do plan on checking the engine compression first. I just need a little warmer weather (this weekend) to do it. My fear is that the used engine I recently put in is blowing oil by the rings, although the exhaust is clean, so maybe it's just a damaged Separator. I'm hoping for the best. Does this sound like it cold be ring blow-by?

I looked at my parts engine and can clearly see the Crankcase Vent Oil Separator mentioned above. Does the exhaust manifold have to come off to remove this?

I've got a repair manual for the car, but it doesn't go into too much detail, especially when it comes to troubleshooting.

Thanks for the help, it's truly appreciated.

The reason I mentioned the crankcase oil separator as a possible cause is because my Ford service manual says it can be a reason for oil usage. It also lists the following:

Piston ring groove worn
piston ring sticking
piston or cylinder worn
valve stem seal worn or missing
Valve stem or guide worn
Broken piston or ring
Oil baffle damaged inside valve cover
Damaged oil separator

Your right. A compression check will eliminate a piston or ring problem. According to my book the exhaust manifold and the catylitic converter have to come off to get the oil separator off. If you have a parts engine you could switch the oil separator. Let us know how you progress. Dave