FIRST TPI sucking oil
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 9
From: Tucson
FIRST TPI sucking oil
I just installed a FIRST TPI a little bit ago, and ran into an issue. My motor is a stocker 85 with 1.6 rollers and long tube headers. I do want to say that the manifold works awesome. It has a better bottom end than before, killer midrange, and an actual top end.
Anyhow, I'm now finding that I have standing oil in the accordion between the TB and the MAF, and oil in the plenum. Its definitely pulling oil from the pcv port and into the TB. I have the pcv in the stock location in the valve cover, hooked up to the back port in the TB (the stock port is that tube that connects to the bottom portion of the manifold.) The front port is connect to the crank breather on the pass side. I have stud girdles that almost cover the bottom of the pcv rubber grommet in the valve cover.
I spoke with Ken at FIRST, and he said its normal for a motor to do this. What I'm looking for is why the FIRST would do this but not the stock TPI (when just swapping the manifolds) an if there is a way to fix the problem. I don't think it will hurt the motor, but its one of those nagging issues that drives me nuts.
Anyhow, I'm now finding that I have standing oil in the accordion between the TB and the MAF, and oil in the plenum. Its definitely pulling oil from the pcv port and into the TB. I have the pcv in the stock location in the valve cover, hooked up to the back port in the TB (the stock port is that tube that connects to the bottom portion of the manifold.) The front port is connect to the crank breather on the pass side. I have stud girdles that almost cover the bottom of the pcv rubber grommet in the valve cover.
I spoke with Ken at FIRST, and he said its normal for a motor to do this. What I'm looking for is why the FIRST would do this but not the stock TPI (when just swapping the manifolds) an if there is a way to fix the problem. I don't think it will hurt the motor, but its one of those nagging issues that drives me nuts.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 554
From: Glenbeulah Wi
You need the baffle in the stock valve cover, the baffle seperates the oil out of the air mist and allows mostly air into the PCV port, on both the breather and PCV valve. The stud girdle and removal of the stock baffles is causing your problem.
Suckin' gas, haulin' ass.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 8
From: Newport News Virginia
You may have to install a catch can in-line with the hose going to the intake. This will allow the mist to collect in the can and not in your intake.
I also highly recommend running some seafoam through the intake now that it's collected that much oil.
I also highly recommend running some seafoam through the intake now that it's collected that much oil.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 9
From: Tucson
Is there any way to run a baffle with a stud girdle? If all else fails I'll just get poly locks and ditch the girdle.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
IIRC, they make baffled PVC valves...for those situations where the cover doesn't include (or have room for) a baffle. Might even sell them at NAPA/OReilly's, etc...
And, kudos for the FIRST. Can't wait to hear more about it!
And, kudos for the FIRST. Can't wait to hear more about it!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 187
Likes: 70
Not pretty,, but this is what I ran with the stud girdles. It should have packing similar to a nylon cleaning pad, if not you can cut a disk shape peice to fit the inside of the case and stuff it under the PCV valve.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SNN-10078/?rtype=10
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SNN-10078/?rtype=10
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 9
From: Tucson
Thanks everyone for the help!
I may have a solution after all. I'm going to start autocrossing the Vette here in town. The class I'm going in, B Street Prepared, does not allow internal engine changes. As a result, I have to go back to the stock rockers and valve covers. The stock covers have baffles in them, so hopefully that will clear up the oil problem.
On the flipside, going back to the stock rockers is gonna suck. If you've ever revved a motor with roller rockers, you'll know what I mean. I'm going to miss the rollers.
I may have a solution after all. I'm going to start autocrossing the Vette here in town. The class I'm going in, B Street Prepared, does not allow internal engine changes. As a result, I have to go back to the stock rockers and valve covers. The stock covers have baffles in them, so hopefully that will clear up the oil problem.
On the flipside, going back to the stock rockers is gonna suck. If you've ever revved a motor with roller rockers, you'll know what I mean. I'm going to miss the rollers.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
To resolve the issue install an oil seperator in to the system....like this:
http://www.google.com/products/catal...=0CIkBEPMCMAM#
http://www.google.com/products/catal...=0CIkBEPMCMAM#
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
It seems sad to point at a problem that is really a crank case ventalation system problem when they have come through with group buys... Any way to change the title until resolved and the real problem known? Stuff like this is what dicourages helping outthe entire group with discounts.. Other manufacturers that are thinking about getting into the C4 market for whatever reason could end up walking away as well.
Dave
Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
The circle track guys use some "cheater rocker arms" which are 1.6 look like stock. Something to think about. Not roller but still lift the valve the same. playing with cam profiles can net some good results, too. Long as it sounds stock whos going to know?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 202
Likes: 9
From: Tucson
It seems sad to point at a problem that is really a crank case ventalation system problem when they have come through with group buys... Any way to change the title until resolved and the real problem known? Stuff like this is what dicourages helping outthe entire group with discounts.. Other manufacturers that are thinking about getting into the C4 market for whatever reason could end up walking away as well.
Dave
Dave
