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Crankcase pressure

To: Triumphs Mail List <triumphs@Autox.Team.Net>,
Subject: Crankcase pressure
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 19:36:35 -0700
Open for the consideration and brain-teasing consternation of all that
feel inclined to think about this one.

Problem: I have a Spitfire 1500 engine that was initially designed as a
California engine.  All the emissions junk has been stripped off for the
rebuild.  As the engine is in a Mk1, all that garbage is unnecessary (at
least for the purposes of passing emissions testing).  It has high
compression pistons and twin HS2 SU carbs.  It runs beautifully, and at
idle, has no visible oil leaks.  However, when it is driven at highway
speeds, there is evidence that is is building up too much crankcase
pressure and oil is blowing out the Timing cover seal and dipstick tube.
When the car is stopped the oil that has pooled in the frame runs out
and onto the garage floor (or wherever it happens to be).

The Intake manifold has had the PCV hole blocked and the valve cover has
an after-market breather attached.  I am considering installing a Late
model PCV valve which I will attach to a different valve cover and
reopened port on the intake manifold.  I expect that I can find a PCV
that is from a modern 4 cylinder that will be compatible.

My question for the group (especially those racers) who have some
experience with these sort of inconveniences, is, "Am I on the right
track? and Have any of you pursued this avenue to solve this frustrating
problem?

Any thoughts???

Regards,
Joe Curry
-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."

 -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer

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