The Ford Barn

rnch · 05-21-2016, 10:07 AM

My low mileage (58K) '65 352 Galaxie appears to pump out a LOT of "blow by" fumes out of the oil filler cap and into the air cleaner.

Any way to slow this down?

Thicker (20/50?) motor oil?

Any additive that would help?

Thanks for your comments and advice.

reman · 05-21-2016, 11:22 AM

No, excessive blowby is not normal. You need to find the cause. I would probably start with intake gaskets if you think the motor is in good shape otherwise.

JeffB2 · 05-21-2016, 11:27 AM

Is it low mileage because it sat for a while ? If so you may have some sticking rings might try a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and a good long drive.

dmsfrr · 05-21-2016, 12:14 PM

Stuck rings would be my first guess too. Some folks swear by using Sea Foam additive in the oil.
Try it for a while or do a before / after compression test.
Dried out valve guide seals shouldn't cause blow-by, but are also possible in a '65 engine.

rnch · 05-21-2016, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffB2

Is it low mileage because it sat for a while ? If so you may have some sticking rings might try a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and a good long drive.

Yes, perhaps so.

This appears to be an all original, unmolested "barn find" car; but I don't know all of it's past history. The man I bought it from purchased it with the intention of making it into a NASCAR "tribute" stock car; but was so impressed with it's condition he didn't have the heart to tear it all up. Judging by the tightness of the gear shift lever, driver's seat firmness, lack of brake pedal edge wear, condition of all the rubber door gaskets, I do believe it is a 58K...not 158K... car that was kept indoors. So I am guessing that it has "sat up" quite a bit over time.

I added a quart of Risoline to the last oil change, can't see any blow by improvement.

This is a whisper quiet engine, no valve train noise, no oil leakage, doesn't appear to be burning much/if any oil, with a new fan clutch and clean cooling system it never over-heats, just this excessive blow-by issue.

Alaska Jim · 05-21-2016, 12:49 PM

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make sue that the pcv valve is not stuck or plugged up, also ck that the crank case air intake ( usually the oil filler cap ) is not plugged up. if any of these are not working it will give the symptoms you describe. just because it is low mileage does not mean they are working. many years of "sitting" can cause things to stick including the pcv valve, not just the rings. like what was already mentioned, it could be rings. drive it a while and see if it improves. have you done a compression check? it may, or may not help determine what the problem is.

sidevalve8ba · 05-21-2016, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

make sue that the pcv valve is not stuck or plugged up, also ck that the crank case air intake ( usually the oil filler cap ) is not plugged up. if any of these are not working it will give the symptoms you describe. just because it is low mileage does not mean they are working. many years of "sitting" can cause things to stick including the pcv valve, not just the rings. like what was already mentioned, it could be rings. drive it a while and see if it improves. have you done a compression check? it may, or may not help determine what the problem is.

^^^^^^^
What he said. I had a great friend a few years back who had the same problem. He changed the pcv valve and it cured it. I hope it cures your problem.

rnch · 05-21-2016, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidevalve8ba

^^^^^^^
What he said. I had a great friend a few years back who had the same problem. He changed the pcv valve and it cured it. I hope it cures your problem.

Thanks for ya'll's replies!

Although the pcv valve already in the valve cover looks new-ish and rattles when I shake it; I note that evilbay lists at least 3 different pcv valves for a '65 Galaxie.

Wot da hale.....for $2.92 including shipping I'll take a chance on the correct one. Perhaps the one in the car now is the wrong one. "Ya je' nevvvahhhh kno"!

rnch · 05-22-2016, 09:56 AM

Or......I could yank out the existing PCV valve and make up a downdraft, old fashioned road vent tube from a discarded washing machine drain hose to go in place of the pcv valve & grommet ?

packrat5 · 05-22-2016, 10:46 AM

You may find there may be several things wrong, depending on the maintenance the engine had over the years. As for the PCV, I can't remember if 65 had a screen filter under the valve or not, it's been too many years. Pull the rocker cover(s) and check the sludge situation. If the inside is full of gook, that will be a sign that no matter what else you do, a rebuild may be necessary. However, you can still try. Clean out the covers, pull the pan and clean it out, including the pickup screen, maybe pull the rocker arm assys. and disassemble them, and clean it all up, and replace the valve seals. When you have air pressure on the cylinders doing this, listen to how much air is escaping past the rings. And lastly, as a last resort, pull the intake, (PITA) and clean that all up. Don't get carried away here, just use an old vacuum cleaner to vacuum the sludge out. Don't use any cleaners, or scrape anything off, the chunks will get elsewhere in the engine, and any cleaner solution will do the same, plus it will wash the cam and lifters clean. (not good) Anyway, do the little easy things first, and see what happens. You may not want to get too involved. There are several ways to clean up the oil. It all mainly consists of something of a very high detergent additive, and LOTS of changing, including filter. It can be not worth the cost. After all this, a rebuild may still be the only solution. It's your car and money.
Oops, never mind the screen under the valve thing, I see you have the valve in the cover.

WestCoast · 05-22-2016, 12:12 PM

no they don't do that on a good engine ,worn rings, valve guides worn , as said too much sludge in valve covers not letting the oil drain back to the pan letting to much oil getting to the intake valve guide, ive used Cadillac umbrella valve guide seals to stop that problem, and to stop a lot of smoke when first starting the engine

rnch · 05-22-2016, 01:10 PM

I need to change a leaky valve cover gasket anyway; I'll see then how much sludge is evident on the top end. I'll post some pictures when I do so.

This engine doesn't smoke at all when starting up or "getting down on it"; not burning or leaking any oil. All this blow by is quite unexpected!

bobss396 · 05-23-2016, 07:41 AM

Once the valve covers are off you'll have a better idea. If the oil run down holes at the back of the head are restricted, oil puddles on the valve train and your overall crankcase venting is limited.

40 Deluxe · 05-26-2016, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reman

No, excessive blowby is not normal. You need to find the cause. I would probably start with intake gaskets if you think the motor is in good shape otherwise.

A vacuum leak will suck oil in , not blow it out!

ponymare · 05-26-2016, 06:30 AM

If the pvc valve is open and rattles, perhaps the hose going to it is plugged.

Ford blue blood · 05-26-2016, 07:32 AM

Look inside the valve cover, there is a small "box" with steel wood inside of it. Most likely filled with hardened oil stuff. Clean with carb cleaner and that should help.

rnch · 05-26-2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford blue blood

Look inside the valve cover, there is a small "box" with steel wood inside of it. Most likely filled with hardened oil stuff. Clean with carb cleaner and that should help.

Thanks for the advice, FBB!

I need to change a leaky valve cover gasket on that side soon; so I WILL follow your lead on this.

I had one knowledgeable old timer watch my engine run and dryly comment "I've seen worse 50 years ago".

LOWRIDER · 05-27-2016, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnch

Thanks for the advice, FBB!

I need to change a leaky valve cover gasket on that side soon; so I WILL follow your lead on this.

I had one knowledgeable old timer watch my engine run and dryly comment "I've seen worse 50 years ago".

Those old cars with a road draft tube would smoke like chimneys at a stop light. Get two or three at the same light and it would fog up the area. We've forgotten (or never knew) just how it was in "the good old days".

rnch · 06-03-2016, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford blue blood

Look inside the valve cover, there is a small "box" with steel wood inside of it. Most likely filled with hardened oil stuff. Clean with carb cleaner and that should help.

Here's a picture of the underside of the pcv valve baffle plate. It's empty/hollow inside. Should I shove some steel wool inside? Is the lack of the steel wool packing why I am seeing excessive (to my eyes, anyway) blow by?

Ford blue blood · 06-05-2016, 02:04 PM

Don't know, the 65 Bird cover had the stuff in it. I put them in my buddies (machine shop) dunk tank then baked them and most of it blew out. Pulled the rest out and stuffed a stainless scub pad into the hole. Working good to this point.

rnch · 06-10-2016, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford blue blood

Don't know, the 65 Bird cover had the stuff in it. I put them in my buddies (machine shop) dunk tank then baked them and most of it blew out. Pulled the rest out and stuffed a stainless scub pad into the hole. Working good to this point.

As clean and shinny as mine are on the inside, I suspect the Previous Owner did the same thing.

Mot complaining, just commenting.

I believe that I will "Follow your lead" and do the same.

modelaer50 · 06-10-2016, 10:12 AM

My guess would be stuck rings, PCV, or possibly a broken diaphragm in the A/T vacuum modulator that will suck transmission fluid into the engine through the vacuum line.

rnch · 06-17-2016, 11:31 AM

UPDATE: I've put about 300 miles (and another rebuilt carb) on this car since making the initial post. I opened the hood yesterday, with the engine hot & idling, and noticed that the blow by vapors coming from the oil filler cap have diminished quite a bit!

Perhaps it was just sticky rings, from sitting up so much. Perhaps the Risoline I added to the last oi & filter change helped also.

Anyway, it's acceptable (to me) now.

Thanks to all of ya'll who offered up opinions & advice.

wbedwards · 06-17-2016, 02:32 PM

My car, 59' 361 FE sat for years before I got it. It had heavy blow by when I first got it. It doesn't have PCV but it got noticeably better after a few hundred miles. In fact, working on the second year of ownership, it gets better running every time I drive it. I am changing the oil frequently because it is really cleaning bad things out of the engine and depositing them in the filter.

bobss396 · 06-18-2016, 08:24 AM

I had one '64 Ford that smoked quite a bit, cleaned under the valve covers, new oil cap. This was my DD around 1974 to 1975, figured the rings were shot. Used straight 50 weight oil (summer only) and a can of Alemite CD2 every oil change. Really cut down on the smoke and consumption.

05-21-2016, 10:07 AM	#1
rnch Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 119	DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? My low mileage (58K) '65 352 Galaxie appears to pump out a LOT of "blow by" fumes out of the oil filler cap and into the air cleaner. Any way to slow this down? Thicker (20/50?) motor oil? Any additive that would help? Thanks for your comments and advice.

05-21-2016, 11:22 AM	#2
reman Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 72	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? No, excessive blowby is not normal. You need to find the cause. I would probably start with intake gaskets if you think the motor is in good shape otherwise.

05-21-2016, 11:27 AM	#3
JeffB2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 1,417	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Is it low mileage because it sat for a while ? If so you may have some sticking rings might try a bottle of Marvel Mystery Oil and a good long drive.

05-21-2016, 12:14 PM	#4
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,613	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Stuck rings would be my first guess too. Some folks swear by using Sea Foam additive in the oil. Try it for a while or do a before / after compression test. Dried out valve guide seals shouldn't cause blow-by, but are also possible in a '65 engine.

05-21-2016, 12:49 PM	#6
Alaska Jim Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 1,576	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) make sue that the pcv valve is not stuck or plugged up, also ck that the crank case air intake ( usually the oil filler cap ) is not plugged up. if any of these are not working it will give the symptoms you describe. just because it is low mileage does not mean they are working. many years of "sitting" can cause things to stick including the pcv valve, not just the rings. like what was already mentioned, it could be rings. drive it a while and see if it improves. have you done a compression check? it may, or may not help determine what the problem is.

05-22-2016, 09:56 AM	#9
rnch Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 119	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Or......I could yank out the existing PCV valve and make up a downdraft, old fashioned road vent tube from a discarded washing machine drain hose to go in place of the pcv valve & grommet ?

05-22-2016, 10:46 AM	#10
packrat5 BANNED Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 301	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? You may find there may be several things wrong, depending on the maintenance the engine had over the years. As for the PCV, I can't remember if 65 had a screen filter under the valve or not, it's been too many years. Pull the rocker cover(s) and check the sludge situation. If the inside is full of gook, that will be a sign that no matter what else you do, a rebuild may be necessary. However, you can still try. Clean out the covers, pull the pan and clean it out, including the pickup screen, maybe pull the rocker arm assys. and disassemble them, and clean it all up, and replace the valve seals. When you have air pressure on the cylinders doing this, listen to how much air is escaping past the rings. And lastly, as a last resort, pull the intake, (PITA) and clean that all up. Don't get carried away here, just use an old vacuum cleaner to vacuum the sludge out. Don't use any cleaners, or scrape anything off, the chunks will get elsewhere in the engine, and any cleaner solution will do the same, plus it will wash the cam and lifters clean. (not good) Anyway, do the little easy things first, and see what happens. You may not want to get too involved. There are several ways to clean up the oil. It all mainly consists of something of a very high detergent additive, and LOTS of changing, including filter. It can be not worth the cost. After all this, a rebuild may still be the only solution. It's your car and money. Oops, never mind the screen under the valve thing, I see you have the valve in the cover.

05-22-2016, 12:12 PM	#11
WestCoast Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: oroville calif Posts: 893	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? no they don't do that on a good engine ,worn rings, valve guides worn , as said too much sludge in valve covers not letting the oil drain back to the pan letting to much oil getting to the intake valve guide, ive used Cadillac umbrella valve guide seals to stop that problem, and to stop a lot of smoke when first starting the engine

05-22-2016, 01:10 PM	#12
rnch Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 119	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? I need to change a leaky valve cover gasket anyway; I'll see then how much sludge is evident on the top end. I'll post some pictures when I do so. This engine doesn't smoke at all when starting up or "getting down on it"; not burning or leaking any oil. All this blow by is quite unexpected!

05-23-2016, 07:41 AM	#13
bobss396 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 721	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Once the valve covers are off you'll have a better idea. If the oil run down holes at the back of the head are restricted, oil puddles on the valve train and your overall crankcase venting is limited.

05-26-2016, 06:30 AM	#15
ponymare Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 160	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? If the pvc valve is open and rattles, perhaps the hose going to it is plugged.

05-26-2016, 07:32 AM	#16
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 821	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Look inside the valve cover, there is a small "box" with steel wood inside of it. Most likely filled with hardened oil stuff. Clean with carb cleaner and that should help. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

06-05-2016, 02:04 PM	#20
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 821	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? Don't know, the 65 Bird cover had the stuff in it. I put them in my buddies (machine shop) dunk tank then baked them and most of it blew out. Pulled the rest out and stuffed a stainless scub pad into the hole. Working good to this point. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

06-10-2016, 10:12 AM	#22
modelaer50 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 3	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? My guess would be stuck rings, PCV, or possibly a broken diaphragm in the A/T vacuum modulator that will suck transmission fluid into the engine through the vacuum line.

06-17-2016, 11:31 AM	#23
rnch Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 119	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? UPDATE: I've put about 300 miles (and another rebuilt carb) on this car since making the initial post. I opened the hood yesterday, with the engine hot & idling, and noticed that the blow by vapors coming from the oil filler cap have diminished quite a bit! Perhaps it was just sticky rings, from sitting up so much. Perhaps the Risoline I added to the last oi & filter change helped also. Anyway, it's acceptable (to me) now. Thanks to all of ya'll who offered up opinions & advice. Last edited by rnch; 06-17-2016 at 11:44 AM.

06-17-2016, 02:32 PM	#24
wbedwards Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Birmingham, Al. Posts: 339	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? My car, 59' 361 FE sat for years before I got it. It had heavy blow by when I first got it. It doesn't have PCV but it got noticeably better after a few hundred miles. In fact, working on the second year of ownership, it gets better running every time I drive it. I am changing the oil frequently because it is really cleaning bad things out of the engine and depositing them in the filter.

06-18-2016, 08:24 AM	#25
bobss396 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 721	Re: DO FE engines usually have a lot of blow by? I had one '64 Ford that smoked quite a bit, cleaned under the valve covers, new oil cap. This was my DD around 1974 to 1975, figured the rings were shot. Used straight 50 weight oil (summer only) and a can of Alemite CD2 every oil change. Really cut down on the smoke and consumption.