PCV Valve problems

[Matthew12M]

Hey guys

I got a 1988 c1500 5.7 350. I have been noticeing oil in my pcv valve and sometimes while decelerating the engine idles a bit low. I also have a little white smoke on startup. I believe that the white smoke on startup can have something to do with the pcv valve being contaminated with oil (even though its new) (and no I dont have any coolant leaks, its not the only thing that can burn white). Is oil supposed to even get on the pcv valve? I know its attached to the valve cover, but isnt there some sort of a filter where the pcv valve fits into the rocker arm cover that protects the pcv valve from oil contamination? I noticed some thick oil sludge in the compartment, and cleaned it out before I installed the pcv valve. Anyways, I was wondering if I could take the valve out or put a breather in its place or something. Or is there an oil/air seperator for the pcv valve? Or should I replace my valve covers? Thanks,

Matthew

P.S. (Im also contending with the idea of bad valve stem seals, but I dont wanna fix something difficult if I caan do a quick fix on my pcv valve.)

[sierrap615]

new you say? where did it come from? PCV valves should be considered a dealer-only peice, the ones get at auto part stores and jiffy lube type place are commonly universal, and as such do not flow properly for your engine, but it will also fit in a Daihatsu if that counts for anything

[Ironic]

Had the same problem you have, my case was the oil return holes in the heads. Took off valve covers- ran a heavy gage wire down on each end of the heads.

[Mikes Mechanics]

First how many miles are on the engine? The pcv valve should be replaced with a factory one. That was a problem that GM had put out a Technical Service bulletin to all dealers in the 80s. The problem was that the aftermarket PCV valves would pull to much vaccum and suck in oil, But it would also cause a higher idle because of the fuel injection. If you know anything about fuel injection if a vaccum leak is created the system goes lean and the computer compensates and richens the mixture and raises the idle to lower the emmisions. As far as the early morning smoke thats usualy caused by valve guide or seals being worn. If the oil returns are clogged that normaly will cause lite smoke hot or cold under a load. If your mileage is high you should look into the seals or guides.