can you help me figure out where my oil went????

[gsxrken]

Acutally the PCV does connect to vacuum on the carb. and pulls air through the engine from breather on the other valve cover. Care to post a picture? Maybe we help out...

 

[Az Pete]

Sounds like the wong PCV on the engine or the one you have is bad. Get a new, proper one and be sure it is connected properly. Had a similiar problem with my 66 and an 85 engine. If the engine is not the original, buy one for the ENGINE year and such, not the car.

 

[oz]

OK, I had a big time smoking problem for awhile when I rebuilt my engine and redid my PCV system.
Here's where I went wrong:
1. I took the oil splash baffles out of my valve covers (polished aluminum finned ones from '85 GT) for clearance to my roller rockers.
2. I put the PCV valve directly into the hole in the valve cover.
3. I put a breather cap on the opposite side valve cover.

The car smoked quite a bit. I finally realized that I was sucking oil into the carb.
I tried many different things but finally solved the problem by sealing the hole in the right valve cover and adding an extension tube and push in PCV breather from NPD on the left valve cover. I routed a hose (without PCV valve) to the carb. The extension tube keeps the oil down in the valve cover and the hose applies the necessary vacuum. I checked the hose and the way it goes into the carb ensures that there is never pressure in the line (the reason for a PCV valve).

Just make sure that your PCV hose does not have direct access to oil splash. If it does, it will use tons of oil.

 

[John Z]

Hope the engine did not get "bruised" when it was run low on oil. Do you have a mechanical oil gauge in the car? If not an oil gauge and temperature gauge would be a good addition. I wouldn't rely on 40 yo idiot lights.

Just giving you something to worry about. I wouldn't take any long trips for a while. I also think it would be a good idea to compression check the engine, I would do this with any "new" classic.

For oil changes when away from home, I would look for a mechanic shop, not a chain store. At least in a mechanic shop you have a chance to find an ASE certified mechanic.

I had a garage fire a few years ago. I now buy only as much oil as I need for an oil change and return the used oil the same day. I have learned that a home garage is not the place where you want to store conbustible materials. I would like a storeage shed, but live in one of those neighborhoods where this is not an option.