RTH: SBC PCV Valve Questions (1 Viewer)

[RWBeringer4x4]

Hey all,

After 600 miles on a brand new crate 350, (still breaking in) the intake gaskets started leaking. That’s another story, but I started tearing the top of the motor down this morning and found this.

Which side of the intake do you think the PCV valve is on?

Is this normal from oil vapor, or excessive?

I was also thinking that maybe this is just a byproduct of excess blow-by when the rings are/were seating.

The valve covers is baffled. I did however, notice that at idle, the PCV valve rattles loudly - kind of a loud “sucking” rattle that I can hear from inside the cab.

The PCV valve rattles when I shake it, and has good strong suction at idle. If I pull the breather on the opposite cover it pulls a mild valcuum. All the spark plugs look clean. I’m just wondering if the two problems are related...

What are your thoughts? Normal or excessive?

Any help is appreciated - I’d like to get this buttoned back up this weekend.

 

[Downey]

I say normal residue, and the rattle in the PCV valve shows that it is working, not stuck or clogged.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

@Downey - Thanks! I'm hoping the residue is normal - I'm just surprised to see it that dirty after 600mi on the new engine. Then again, with rings breaking in, etc. there may be some additional blow-by.

As for the PCV valve - I fully expect it to rattle in my hand when I shake it - I'm just surprised it rattles/slurps so loud when the engine is idling. I've tried two different ACDelco valves at this point and the noise persists.

I don't see any sign of spark plug fouling, oil in the carb port or on the gasket, oil loss, or smoke in the exhaust so you're probably right - just seems like a LOT of discoloration and oiliness in such a short time.