OIL...CATCH it if you CAN

[RAC68]

A while back, we had a discussion about the implementation of a PCV and, although I never choose to install one for a number of reasons, it did get me to focus upon the amount of crap that was entering my rear combustion cycle in the form of blow-by and oil saturated vapor. As a result of a little research and thought, I decided to address how to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, this contamination. Although a proper engine rebuild would be the standard solution, I recommend taking a look at this article if you consider this a problem and do not want to do an engine rebuild at this time or you just would like to improve performance by eliminating much of these contaminants from screwing up your carburetor and diminishing performance.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bx4EjcJmfaScU29Fa0d0TWNXcm8

Enjoy the read,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[BigGreen]

Nice to see, and cheap, something we love in Holland ;-)
I am happy as my wife drinks tea

With PCV being a positive crankcase ventilation

 

[Keoke]

Hi talk to David Knock or get their tech brochure which defines the installation . I used one but it did not work good at speed .--Fwiw Keoke


Yeah I used Volvo's presurised design catch can which is great PCV PITB

 

[RAC68]

First, the article was not focused upon PCV implementation but to eliminate crankcase oil vapor from entering the rear carburetor and hampering its operation as well as engine performance. Further, the approach taken in British Car Specialists technical document was their choice of a PCV from a similar engine of the time….which is almost impossible to find today. Yes, the Oil-Catch-Can will make a PCV implementation perform better. This is true because it will extract the oil out of the vapor before it enters the PCV and then the intake manifold. This extraction will also extend the life of the valve by reducing or even eliminating the valve from sticking due to the oil.

Enjoyed the article,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[HealeyPassion]

Ray,
Interesting topic... I have one on my efi car.

I didn't want oil contamination damaging my fuel injectors so I plumbed in a oil catch can. Oil catch cans are standard practice on race engines... which, of course, mine is not. Reedy mades a fairly nice cheap one and I got it. I then modified it to suit my needs and mounted it behind the front right wheel well. I have plumbed both the valve cover and the valve lifter inspection plate (forget if this is what it's called) to the catch can. So intake area is free of oil blow by.

Oh, and unlike the one shown in the article mine is almost never noticed.... in fact, can't recall anyone ever pointing it out.

Cheers,
Steve
1963 Works Rally tribute w/efi
https://stevesaustinhealey.com

 

[HealeyPassion]

GReedy oil catch can during construction and final install.



I added the breather, mounting and drain.

Cheers,
Steve
https://stevesaustinhealey.com

 

[RAC68]

Hi Steve,

First, I love what you’ve done with your BJ7 and admire the creativity and quality of your work. Your Oil-Catch-Can implementation just extends those thoughts.

When considering the implementation of an Oil-Catch-Can, I wanted to create something that would perform, fit in to the look of its surroundings, be easily reversible, and be created for as little cost as possible. The unit in the article had an implementation price of under $8.00US and performs better than many expensive racing units. However, keep in mind that this unit is not a pressure vessel, as are racing units, although it is easily capable of withstanding the vacuum of a PCV implementation.

The location of my Oil-Catch-Can was made to keep things as simple as possible and to easily insert the unit into the Healey’s original plumbing configuration. I had though of installing the unit in less obvious locations but the additional plumbing would have extended the runs and could possible have resulted in increasing gaseous flow resistance causing higher crankcase pressure and slinger leakage. Additionally, by keeping the flow of the oil-saturated gases, for the most part, in an upward direction (as original), any oil condensation within the tubes will flow back into the engine and not siphon into the Can.

Thanks and all the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[stretchit2]

Ray,

This is great. Can you tell me the approximate dimensions of the can?

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[steveg]

I installed a PCV about a year ago and it seems to be working too well - or not at all. The tube from the valve cover "T" to the manifold is clear of any oil at all and the PCV looks unused.
However the car runs well and leaks very little oil.

PCV input side

PCV output

PCV hose goes into balance pipe fitting in manifold.

 

[RAC68]

Jeff,
The dimensions of the Sarbucks Tea container I used is 51/2” deep x 3 3/8”x4 3/8”, however, any metal canister with a securely attached cover and wide mouth (that will provide sufficient access to install a partition) will do as the amount of oil collected (hopefully) will not be great. I fabricated a can perch (secured by the same screw holding the wiring harness) that provides a securing platform but allows me to easily remove and empty the can. I considered a much longer and thinner can that I would install a valve at the bottom for emptying but did not find a satisfactory can when the tea container became available. So, any can with the mentioned requirements should do.

Steve,
I will PM some questions and ideas on your problem but suggest you start a new thread for group focus.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Steve,

You can test you PCV valve by removing the oil filler cap and putting your hand over the hole with the engine at idle. You should feel a mild vacuum if the engine is otherwise sealed-up well.

 

[ttrotter]

Ray, thank you very much for this! I'm starting mine today for my 67 BJ8 based on your drawings, pics and write up. Hopefully, I will be as pleased as you are with the results!
Tom

 

[ttrotter]

Ray, I got delayed in my installation but now have all necessary components together and will get to it soon. In your article you stated

"I do intend to track the volume of extracted oil to determine my engine’s oil vapor and blow-by production and,therefore, state of wear. Additionally, by monitoring Oil-Catch-Can capture, I hope to get a clearerview of what the rear combustion cycle (and carburetor) was required to handle and if and how​

performance has been improved."

I would be very interested to know what you have learned about these subjects since your installation.
Thanking you in advance,
Tom
67 BJ8

 

[RAC68]

Hi Tom,

Let me know if you need any assistance. PM or e-mail (listed in my profile).
Good luck,
Ray