PCV Valve 2.8 with alloy rocker covers
Discussion
Hi all, has anyone fitted the cast alloy rocker covers to their 2.8? I fitted some during the mega-rebuild, but they have no provision for a PCV valve. I've connected the vacuum hose to the plenum (it's an original Ford hose, clearly the right shape to go to it in place of a PCV valve) but I'm getting some serious ventilation issues and oil leaks.
Wondered if anyone had been there, done that, and found you need a combo of a catch-tank and in-line valve, or some such?
Also.....odd question, but did you notice it being more 'tappy' with the alloy covers? I assumed (and have also heard) it would be quieter with them on, but with the clearances at 0.30 and 0.35 (i.e. very slightly smaller than specced to alloy for worn rocker pads) it's still quite noisy. I haven't actually inspected the rocker pads, so it might be they're heavily worn, but it means taking the thing to bits again and I don't have the time until after Burghley. I wondered if the rockers are actually noiser under the cast covers, and coupled to the stainless headers which also seem slightly louder, that maybe that was the cause rather than a clearance issue.
So if you've been there and done that, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Wondered if anyone had been there, done that, and found you need a combo of a catch-tank and in-line valve, or some such?
Also.....odd question, but did you notice it being more 'tappy' with the alloy covers? I assumed (and have also heard) it would be quieter with them on, but with the clearances at 0.30 and 0.35 (i.e. very slightly smaller than specced to alloy for worn rocker pads) it's still quite noisy. I haven't actually inspected the rocker pads, so it might be they're heavily worn, but it means taking the thing to bits again and I don't have the time until after Burghley. I wondered if the rockers are actually noiser under the cast covers, and coupled to the stainless headers which also seem slightly louder, that maybe that was the cause rather than a clearance issue.
So if you've been there and done that, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Hi...
Here are my thoughts & experiences.
'That' design of Ford PCV valve has been used since at least the 70's.
I remember one of my such Fords seemed to have developed a tappet rattle, but went quiet when the engine revs were raised above idle. Yet I had checked/adjusted valve clearances... I eventually traced it to the PCV valve reacting to crankcase pressure pulsing, which stabilizes as the revs rise. And why does it make that rattling sound, well if you look at the PCV valve closely, it is no more that a metal washer blank with a weak spring behind it !! Oh, it got worse by cleaning the 'gunk' off the valve. Good old Ford...
I have fitted a PCV valve successfully into the ribbed alloy cologne rocker covers several times over the years (2.8 carb engines). It sits above the splash shield on the passenger side cover (the one without the filler cap). I have always had to reshape the splash guard slightly to allow the valve to fit snugly. Dont forget, measure twice & drill once, as its too late once you have a big hole in the wrong place. And if you get it just right, the original PCV to inlet manifold pipe will still reach..... Just !
TerryB.
Here are my thoughts & experiences.
'That' design of Ford PCV valve has been used since at least the 70's.
I remember one of my such Fords seemed to have developed a tappet rattle, but went quiet when the engine revs were raised above idle. Yet I had checked/adjusted valve clearances... I eventually traced it to the PCV valve reacting to crankcase pressure pulsing, which stabilizes as the revs rise. And why does it make that rattling sound, well if you look at the PCV valve closely, it is no more that a metal washer blank with a weak spring behind it !! Oh, it got worse by cleaning the 'gunk' off the valve. Good old Ford...
I have fitted a PCV valve successfully into the ribbed alloy cologne rocker covers several times over the years (2.8 carb engines). It sits above the splash shield on the passenger side cover (the one without the filler cap). I have always had to reshape the splash guard slightly to allow the valve to fit snugly. Dont forget, measure twice & drill once, as its too late once you have a big hole in the wrong place. And if you get it just right, the original PCV to inlet manifold pipe will still reach..... Just !
TerryB.
Rich, I've seen some folks drill the alloy covers to take the PCV valve grommet. I'd prefer not to do that and have been toying with the idea of using the existing small bore breather (~2mm dia.) spigot to fit the PCV.
From some measurements of the PCV valve I recall the flow area with the valve open is about 20mm2. Haven't done it yet but reckon I can drill out the spigot to about 4.2mm which is about 14mm2. Using some high tech flow measuring equipment (blew through it) I reckon the resistance isn't much different.
I was then going to machine up an adapter to screw onto the 8mm thread on the spigot, with a hole bored in the top to take the PCV valve.
I've made prototype 1, will try and get pics later.
Now, if only I could solve the problem of raising the alternator above the new alloy cover everything would be sorted and I could try it. Know anyone that could help with that?
Gary
From some measurements of the PCV valve I recall the flow area with the valve open is about 20mm2. Haven't done it yet but reckon I can drill out the spigot to about 4.2mm which is about 14mm2. Using some high tech flow measuring equipment (blew through it) I reckon the resistance isn't much different.
I was then going to machine up an adapter to screw onto the 8mm thread on the spigot, with a hole bored in the top to take the PCV valve.
I've made prototype 1, will try and get pics later.
Now, if only I could solve the problem of raising the alternator above the new alloy cover everything would be sorted and I could try it. Know anyone that could help with that?
Gary
In ref to the alternator mounting bracket.
I have been involved with Panther Kallista cars for some years now.
They mostly have the 2.8 in carb form fitted, & Panther moved the alternator to a passenger side location because of their steering column positioning. The alternator is fitted as high as the rocker cover !
I have a couple of Panther alternator brackets spare.... These may be of use to you 2.8 guys.
Let me find a photo out to add here of the Panther arrangement....
TerryB.
I have been involved with Panther Kallista cars for some years now.
They mostly have the 2.8 in carb form fitted, & Panther moved the alternator to a passenger side location because of their steering column positioning. The alternator is fitted as high as the rocker cover !
I have a couple of Panther alternator brackets spare.... These may be of use to you 2.8 guys.
Let me find a photo out to add here of the Panther arrangement....
TerryB.
Blue 30 said:
Hi...
Here are my thoughts & experiences.
'That' design of Ford PCV valve has been used since at least the 70's.
I remember one of my such Fords seemed to have developed a tappet rattle, but went quiet when the engine revs were raised above idle. Yet I had checked/adjusted valve clearances... I eventually traced it to the PCV valve reacting to crankcase pressure pulsing, which stabilizes as the revs rise. And why does it make that rattling sound, well if you look at the PCV valve closely, it is no more that a metal washer blank with a weak spring behind it !! Oh, it got worse by cleaning the 'gunk' off the valve. Good old Ford...
I have fitted a PCV valve successfully into the ribbed alloy cologne rocker covers several times over the years (2.8 carb engines). It sits above the splash shield on the passenger side cover (the one without the filler cap). I have always had to reshape the splash guard slightly to allow the valve to fit snugly. Dont forget, measure twice & drill once, as its too late once you have a big hole in the wrong place. And if you get it just right, the original PCV to inlet manifold pipe will still reach..... Just !
TerryB.
Hi Terry, yes I could fit the PCV to the covers, but I don't want to bother if I don't need to. I was hoping I'd get a collective opinion from people who'd been there and done that.Here are my thoughts & experiences.
'That' design of Ford PCV valve has been used since at least the 70's.
I remember one of my such Fords seemed to have developed a tappet rattle, but went quiet when the engine revs were raised above idle. Yet I had checked/adjusted valve clearances... I eventually traced it to the PCV valve reacting to crankcase pressure pulsing, which stabilizes as the revs rise. And why does it make that rattling sound, well if you look at the PCV valve closely, it is no more that a metal washer blank with a weak spring behind it !! Oh, it got worse by cleaning the 'gunk' off the valve. Good old Ford...
I have fitted a PCV valve successfully into the ribbed alloy cologne rocker covers several times over the years (2.8 carb engines). It sits above the splash shield on the passenger side cover (the one without the filler cap). I have always had to reshape the splash guard slightly to allow the valve to fit snugly. Dont forget, measure twice & drill once, as its too late once you have a big hole in the wrong place. And if you get it just right, the original PCV to inlet manifold pipe will still reach..... Just !
TerryB.
GadgeS3C said:
Rich, I've seen some folks drill the alloy covers to take the PCV valve grommet. I'd prefer not to do that and have been toying with the idea of using the existing small bore breather (~2mm dia.) spigot to fit the PCV.
From some measurements of the PCV valve I recall the flow area with the valve open is about 20mm2. Haven't done it yet but reckon I can drill out the spigot to about 4.2mm which is about 14mm2. Using some high tech flow measuring equipment (blew through it) I reckon the resistance isn't much different.
I was then going to machine up an adapter to screw onto the 8mm thread on the spigot, with a hole bored in the top to take the PCV valve.
I've made prototype 1, will try and get pics later.
Now, if only I could solve the problem of raising the alternator above the new alloy cover everything would be sorted and I could try it. Know anyone that could help with that?
Gary
Hi Gary,From some measurements of the PCV valve I recall the flow area with the valve open is about 20mm2. Haven't done it yet but reckon I can drill out the spigot to about 4.2mm which is about 14mm2. Using some high tech flow measuring equipment (blew through it) I reckon the resistance isn't much different.
I was then going to machine up an adapter to screw onto the 8mm thread on the spigot, with a hole bored in the top to take the PCV valve.
I've made prototype 1, will try and get pics later.
Now, if only I could solve the problem of raising the alternator above the new alloy cover everything would be sorted and I could try it. Know anyone that could help with that?
Gary
I've emailed you back about Burghley
Blue 30 said:
This is where the alternator sits on a Panther Kallista 2.8
That's one mingy Panther!Is the PCV valve necessary?
Obviously it is if you retain the breather to the plenum but on the other side of the engine the breather goes to the air filter (originally although many have done away with that pipe).
On mine I had all the little holes in the covers welded up before powder coating and have blanked of the plenum connection. I fitted a pipe connection to the rear of each cover, these pipes T together and into a breather catch tank.
You can possibly make one out in this photo, just behind the (modified) oil filler neck?
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