Oil in breather tube...Already searched.

[mephi]

So I was pulling everything apart this afternoon, and when I pulled of the air intake ducting off in the front of the engine compartment, about 1/4 cup of oil spilled out. I know this probably indicates blow-by and/or PCV failure. I'm going to run a compression test tomorrow after I refill the oil pan (A little bit annoying), but the engine doesn't burn oil at all as far as I have noticed and runs really well besides the whole oil spurting...which makes a whole lot of sense now. Is there any way to deal with this problem besides replacing the motor? I was really hoping I wouldn't have to do that. You get what you pay for I suppose. :angry3:

[Tim]

This is a pretty common problem with Festivas.

Make sure your PCV valve isn't clogged, that could be a cause.

Otherwise I'd just keep an eye on the oil level and drive it. Most of the Festivas I owned had blowby, but they ran fine. Just replace the air filter and empty the tube out periodically and you will be OK.

[mephi]

Thanks. I just asked the previous owner, and he says he never changed the PCV valve, and it did appear to be a bit gunky. I'm going to double check the compression today, and them I'm going to put it all back together and start driving it.

[jtugfestiva]

yes for some reason even if the compression is good and PCV valve is working properly there is still gonna be oil in the air intake duct. I just clean it out everytime i clean out my K&N air filter and you will be ok. Check your oil level and clean out your PCV valve out with carb cleaner and youll be fine.

[leapin]

My compression is 175 across all 4 and ive got a new pcv and i still get oil in the intake.

[sasquatch]

mine ran ok (not great) got daily beatings and i never had oil in the intake.... maby flooring alot sucks up all the oil lol...

[JohnGunn]

I too have never seen oil in the air intake duct of my 181,000 mile '90 L.

Though I've never had occasion to use one, I know there is something called an "oil catcher can/tank" that you can splice into the hose between the PCV valve and the plenum that will trap some of that oil. I think some allow you to monitor their level and drain them when they get full. eBay has lots of them.

John Gunn
Coronado, CA

[mephi]

I was on the verge of putting one of those on another car, but it got rear ended. I'll look into getting one of those in the near future. Have to budget this thing pretty tightly.

[Fordverde]

take the valve cover off and see if it has another plate screw to it. that plate prevents oil from splashing directly to the pcv and breather holes.

[perucho]

^ I was going to mention that too. I just resealed those plates on my BP valve cover.

[mephi]

Thanks! I'm a little less worried now. If only I was a little less lazy today too. I have A LOT of cleaning to do.