Oil Blow Problem

[KirkV]

I have a summit 302 in my cobra I just got a week ago. I replaced the intake gaskets as there was a oil leak out the rear of the intake, and replaced the oil in it with Mobil One 10W-30. Now it appears I get oil blowing out of the valve cover breathers on the top of the valve covers.

The engine runs about 60-75 PSI oil pressure which seems like a lot to me.
Any Idea's on this problem?

Put in 5 quarts which is running high on the dipstick but I do not think it is the original dipstick as it has a cobra emblem on it as well.

Thanks
Kirk

[olddog]

I'm guessing the valve covers do not have a baffle. With engine off, pull breathers out. Look down hole with a light. If you can see the rocker arms, the baffles are missing.

Oil pressure is not the problem. Oil is splashing out.

[KirkV]

You are correct Olddog the valve covers do not have the baffles in them, They are a cobra valve cover knockoff but I am not sure how to fix it? Is it something that can be made and inseted from above or what?
Also why did it not do it with the previous oil????

[Jerry Clayton]

Is your oil pan a dual sump pan????Did you drain all the oil out of it???Did you get aprox 5 or 6 qts??? You may have too much oil in the engine

Secondly---if you don't have 3-400 miles minimun on it , your rings probably aren't broken in/sealed yet and its too early for Mobil One

[KirkV]

Jerry
The engine has 1300 miles on it and no it is not a dual sump as it gave up about 5 quarts. Do you think it is still too early for the mobil one?

I did find some baffles at Summit racing I could use though.

Summit Racing SUM-440332 - Summit Racing® Valve Cover Baffle Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

What do you think of these?

Thx

[Rick Parker]

Get some fuel cell foam, make a piece that will compress and fit inside the fill tube. As it expands within the tube it will stay inside the tube and prevent oil mist from being expelled. I have done this myself for years, it works good.

[KirkV]

Rick Nice idea I like it,

Thanks

[SuperHart]

If you don't mind doing a little work yourself and have the ability, you can fabricate a set of baffles yourself using the guide on my build page. I had the same problem when using a set of FE pentroof covers on my 351W equipped with the adapter kit I manufacture. I used aluminum roofing flashing. These baffles have worked perfectly for 6 years now without any problems or blow-by. Take a peek at the link below. It just might solve your problem.

Cobra Project Part 5

[KirkV]

Ok on the same subject but...... The mechanic said he put 5 quarts in but, the paerwork I have with the engine build says it is a new racing style pan. Now remember the oil dipstick shows high. Could it be that this engine and filter only take 4 quarts of oil and it is that simple?

Sorry guys but I am learnig engines again as we go. 1970's were a long time ago for this ol brain!

[Jerry Clayton]

Do you have a PCV ? and if so where is it plumbed to??

[KirkV]

No it does not.
.

[Tom Kirkham]

These breathers have worked well on several of our engines.

Moroso 68800 - Moroso Weld-In Filtered Breather Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

[Jerry Clayton]

Without a properly setuo ventilation system you will have blow by, and leaks--

You should have a pcv valve plumbed into one of you valve covers and plumbed to intake manifold vacume--The other side cover should have a filtered breather

[KirkV]

Well guys I have removed the plugged oil filler cap one the right valve cover and replaced it with a filtered breather. I have removed the for racing vent from the left side valve cover and installed a PCV valve tubed back to the intake manifold port that was capped.

Now time will tell if it works as I clean up my engine for the last time (hopefully)

Many thanks for all of the hints and suggestions, all were appreciated.

Kirk

[SwiftDB4]

I've always wondered about the PCV valve question. Is it better to run without one considering you are feeding oil fumes back into the combustion chamber? Aren't large breathers with a puke tank and filter better? I realize the emission benefit of a PCV valve, but you don't see one on a racecar.

[Luce]

I see no reason not to burn the blow by / oil mist. It lubes the top end and valve guides and keeps things tidy.

When I was younger, I built a mopar 318 with shaved 360 heads (to get the compression up with flat top pistons). I installed the PCV valve on one valve cover, and tapped the top of the Edelbrock manifold with 3/8" NPT and installed a nipple that lead to the air cleaner. I also made a baffle over the hole. There was a super fine oil film on the inside of the cleaner, but not enough to smoke or use oil and it didn't make a wet spot on the filter like a stock breather. Worked like a champ.

[ACMamba]

Kirk:

I have had a similar problem recently with my Unique 351W. It appeared to have just about
3/8in above the stick MAX FILL point. That could equate to 1/2 quart. As it is a small block with a cooler-it may have increased sensitivity without baffles or a proper breathing system. I have a breather cap on the left cover only. This subject treatment has really opened my eyes to details. Small oil amount had migrated to my headers and I could smell it and see light smoke coming out of the top hood vent. Since the SS oil line couplings and lower valve cover fasteners are in the same area-it is time to round up all the usual suspects. Not good-and time to fix it-or store a second fire extinguisher. Breather.baffle system inspection and oil level adjustment
time.

Thanks for input from all sources.

Ridge Marriott
MACV-SOG (71-72)