www.the351cforum.com

So today I'm bored as all can get out. So I go to the garage and look around for something I can do for free. I remember last year when I took my carb off I noticed my back intake ports are dirtier because I still run the PCV to the carb base. I also remember my back plugs being dirtier than the other plugs. First 2 pictures are what prompted me to have this idea. You can see the difference with the 2 ports next to each other.

I also remember I have this monstrosity Mallory fuel filter that I will never use on a fuel system again. Ding Ding Ding , lets make an oil/air separator - catch can - you know "the thing". So this is what I came up with.

I just took the filter apart and used the structure inside. Then put one of those Scotch Brite stainless steel do-hickys inside. I don't need a drain at the bottom because the whole cylinder unscrews. Basically mounted it where I could but I still have room to change plugs etc... I figured I will use the clear hose for now to see if I get any live action. I will get a new PCV tomorrow - this one has been on since 2013. What do you guys think of my free project today?

ports1 by 359daddy, on Flickr

ports2 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator1 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator2 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator3 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator4 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator5 by 359daddy, on Flickr

oil separator6 by 359daddy, on Flickr

I like it. It should do what you're after, and the clear lines will give you an idea if it's working or not.

Most race cars don't have pcv systems, but I like to see them on any car that sees any street time. Venting crankcase gases to the air leaves a real oily mess under the hood.

booyah45828

Ya hopefully it works. I'm pretty sure the clear hose is not meant for excessive heat but I will replace it when needed. My engine doesn't smoke blue or anything so i'm guessing its not alot of blow by but just that much in the ports accumulated from 2013 from ll the racing and limited drives around the block. Its only in the rear ports so I know its from the PCV system. I'm wondering what is a good safe way to clean the ports without flooding my cylinders with that stuff. I was thinking of stuffing the ports with shop towels and then spring a towel with carb cleaner and whipping them out.

I know those crank case evac breather set ups most likely work better but this was basically free to do. Also I'm not really in the mood to pull the headers - cut the holes and weld the tubes for that set up. Eventually I will put my new 5000 stall in it and when that day comes I will pull the engine and trans together. While they are out I plan to put a better oil pan on and I might do the crank case evac system then. Probably have the c4 gone through too just because.

Started the car today. I have confirmed the clear hose is not happy with heat. It was pretty squishy when it got warm lol. I think air was leaking past one or more of the clear hose ends too - I didn't put any hose clamps on any of them. The idle was a little higher and I could tell the engine was not the same. Although I did run it with aged 110 in the cell but I have done that before and no issues. Guess I will go get some 3/8 fuel line and try that.

I know this is an older post (above) but it got me to thinking of my engine. A 351W/358 CID (sorry!) with all the goodies and a Lykins custom hydro roller on fully ported 185 AFR heads. So, I bought off the 'Net a really cool oil/air separator for only $30! All spun aluminum, top screws off and it's very well made. It also has a dipstick on top, with a sealing O-ring so until it fills (which in a low mileage driven streeter should take a very long time!) the lower half, no need to unscrew the bottom catch can to empty it. Hopefully this will keep my intake, head ports and backside of the intakes clear of buildup.

Thanks again for the idea.

Post a link or description to that air/oil thing you found - Bill Jenkins has a discussion in the back pages of "The Chevrolet Racing Engine" about how they ran a combo PCV and header evac system that did very well at keeping their oil clean and helping with ring sealing in the race car. I may look into that. The header evac system doesn't pull much at idle and staging.

_________________
Chris - Merkel, TX
http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod
"Owner built, owner abused."

Late here Chris but here's a link to that cool air/oil catch can I bought. At $23, it's a steal and very well made.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184381658019