> Questions:
>
> 1. What is the function of the spring, disk and post?
... as I understand it -- the "Smith's Anti Pollution Valve" is a
vacuum regulator, not just a check valve. The idea is to keep a slight
vacuum in the crank case at all times. This helps keep oil on the
inside of the engine. This is a good thing. The gases in the
crankcase are mostly blow-by fuel/air from the rings. Burning this is
a good thing.
> 2. What is the effect of the spring being missing? Dangerous to the engine?
I guess it means that the regulator is stuck in the "closed" position
-- I don't think it would hurt anything --- except it might not be
scavenging the crankcase effectively at speed.
> 3. If it were, could I just disconnect the PCV valve from the system and
> plug the hole in the intake manifold for the time being?
--NO! Unless you want oil on the OUTSIDE of the engine where it does
precious little good.... Even just venting it doesn't work as well....
the engine blocks are different -- the earlier blocks are
vented down near the sump!
> 4. It seems like at tune up time, one is always trying to eliminate leaks
> in the intake manifold. Doesn't the PCV valve act like a leak in the intake
> manifold, with similar bad consequences?
No -- it's referred to as a "closed system" and, it still should
be, unless something is wrong....take the oil cap off while its
idling -- it will (should) stumble if not stall....
>
> The missing spring not available from any of the usual suppliers. I may
> have located a source for a suitable replacement. If so, it would be good
> if the suppliers picked up on it. Anyone have experience working with the
> suppliers to develop replacement parts sources?
Please let me know about your source. I'd just get a used one if I
couldn't find new....
Anyone, please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of the
above points.
In general I feel that this system is much maligned as a dreaded
power robbing "smog device"....All it's doing is recirculating
fuel/air charge which should have been burned in the first place and
got by the rings! These things appeared before any pollution controls
became mandatory (I think, after all I was only one or two at the
time). Like the rest of our TR's -- it's simple and very effective!
Hope this helps!
"Still ride in triumph over all mischance..." - Shakespeare
Chris Lillja
TR4A
Norton Commando
Spit MKIV
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