Guys...I have a 440 mopar in my 1938 Plymouth coupe, And I am having some valve cover leaks that I am having trouble with. Someone told me that the 440 engine do build a lot of crankcase pressure, So I am thinking of a Crankcase Evacuation system, what's your thoughts on this, and do I still run a PVC valve, just cut a tee into the hose ? Thanks Mike
I've never heard of 440s specifically building more pressure than any other common mill. Unless there is something about a 440 that traps pressure (large bulkheads between crank mains, small drains in heads, etc) then there should be no reason it would build more pressure than any other engine. I'd do a leakdown test to check valve seals and rings. -rick
I would do a dry and wet compression test first and foremost, or a leak down test if you have the tool to do so. Putting the system in place would be putting a bandaid on a potentially worse cause for the blowby. I have no experience with evac systems, but my gut is telling me the exhaust g***es have to be really moving in order for them to work, I don't believe they are very effective at idle and cruise engine speeds. I would be making sure that the PCV is working and that it is calibrated correctly to your engine.
As I remember it from my Dodge dealership days, valve cover leaks on a 440 with stock exhaust manifolds was common. I think Chrysler had two or three versions of the valve cover gasket that was supposed to help. Make sure the breather on the valve cover isn't plugged. That was also a common problem that caused leaks.
Does your 440 have any of the factory stuff remaining, or has everything been removed? Its kind of hard to offer suggestions when we don't know what exists. I can tell you I have had the air vent cap (where the fresh air enters into the system) on the valve cover get plugged several times. If there is a vent cap on the cover (originally would have had a hose connected to the air cleaner housing), I would be sure it is not plugged. If you are still using the high exhaust manifolds, they can toast the bottom of the valve cover gaskets. There used to be high temp gaskets available. If you have headers, that problem does not exist. Does your 38 have a full hood, including the hood sides? With a 440, there isn't much space for air to move around the covers to cool them down.
There not much stock stuff left, I have headers, cast aluminum v/c's High rise intake manifold. I just got off of the phone with a guy that knows his stuff he sad that if you see your valley pan pushing up or your dip stick coming out, then you have to much crankcase pressure, He said that I should try adding another breather in the valve cover since I already have them off the engine, So I think I will try that first. I have another one here..
@Bonehead II Do a leak down test First for health of engine .. Also if valve cover gasket to big on inside , gasket will act like a shelf & oil will lay on & leak out .. Cut as needed or look @ different bands. What kind of air breather ? If engine in good health try Adjustable Wagner PVC . No you do not use Pvc with Evacuation system ..
Off top head there about 2-3 psi in-crank Case / oil pan ... Also Evacuation neither style use Pvc But witch type Valve cover to collector / exhaust Or Vacuum Pump , sealed engine pulls vac to a reservoir tank ? If this , vac psi is adjustable & catch can need to be drained , catches oil .
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