More than a little oil in the breather...

[Bobbywolf]

I've noticed my car doesnt have the punch it used to have, so I decided I would check a few easy things. One of them was the air filter. The filter is soaked through, and there is nearly an inch of oil at the bottom of the filter box. See pics:



I know I need a new filter, and I will get rid of the oil, but where did it all come from? How can I stop this?

[GTP Dad]

Change the PCV valve and the problem should go away.

[AzTumbleweed]

Unless your engine has way to much oil in it then your rings are shot. The burnt oil travels up the PVC intake tube (The small tube going into the air cleaner box) in a gas form. When it cools off it condensates back into liquid form. You can buy some time by unhooking the PVC intake hose from the air cleaner box and letting it hang under the engine. (This is what semi trucks do). This will vent the bypassed gases into the atmosphere. You're air cleaner will stay clean but you will still burn oil. The blow-by enters the air cleaner box in a gaseous state. That's why it's up in the filter....

[Bobbywolf]

Hmm, I will try replacing the PCV valve. I did do an oil change a few days ago, but I don't think I overfilled it. If I did, its just slightly above the full mark. Hopefully its not a big problem. I will change the valve and replace the filter, and see if it persists.

[AzTumbleweed]

Let us know. I'm curious. I had a Ford Ranger P/U once that did the same think. A buddy f mine had an '88 Escort and he did what I advised with that hose and it is still working as far as I know. GTP Dad is right to. If the PCV Valve were clogged or stuck shut then the blow-by would have no place else to go but down that tube to your air cleaner. I hope it's the valve.

Sometimes you might see a big diesel truck stopped and smoke is coming out a hose near the oil pan. That's what this is, blow-by. By now the EPA has probably outlawed it.

[Bobbywolf]

Ok, I changed the PCV valve and filter, and air filter, and cleaned out the box. (Changed the fuel filter for good measure too). I started the engine with the cover off the air box, and sure enough, lots of whispy blow-by coming in. I found out that is was my elbow connector which connects the PCV valve to the throttle-body. The elbow as so warn and flexable that it would colapse in on itself. I replaced this elbow with a angled spark plug boot. It fits tight, and holds up to the suction. Hardly any blowby now, and it seems as if my hesitation problem as cleared up as well.

I'll add another post in a few days when I'm certain that all is well.

[AzTumbleweed]

Good Deal and good luck! I never would have thought of that but I think it would certainly cause those symptoms. With that elbow smashed there's no place else for the blow-by to go. I learned something new! Let us know. Hope it's fixed

[AzTumbleweed]

Bobbywolf, I checked my car and that same elbow is bent out of shape and collapsing. It just barely does let air flow through. I'm going to fix this. Thanks for the tip!