So as I was going along bringing the engine up to operating temp to purge the cooling system of air, so it was showing about 190 if I held the throttle at 1500 for a few mins. Then when I'd walk over to the radiator to check the coolant level I'd see what looked like very faint steam, same as if you blow hot air out of your mouth in the cold, in the light from the headlights.

Busted out the work lights and noticed (besides the pin hole leak in my rad) there was vapor coming out of the blow by vent tube. There was NO scent of oil, and barely got 2 small drops on the ground underneath the tube, which I imagine is oil vapor that got pushed out by water vapor in the front cover?

So I took some video's and did the paper floating test in front of the output.

Now the oil filter on the engine is from the previous owner, its just a plain white filter so it doesn't appear to be a Fram but it could be equally as shitty. Oil in the engine is also probably 2 years old (engine was pulled 2 years ago and was just first started up in my truck 2 weeks ago), so I imagine there is moisture built up inside the engine and in the oil now.

The paper test didn't appear to really move the paper much at all, in the video it was bowing down but the paper was also rolled down, so that's why you'll see me flip it over so its pretty much flat. I'm assuming the engine is just burning off the up moisture in it.

Engine is a 2001 STD w/100k miles on it. Was in a non-bombed work truck (construction so not a lot of idling like a tow truck) up in the Sierra's. Just ran it to 190*s, had 40-80lbs showing on the oil pressure gauge in the dash.


What's your take?


http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/bajabomber87/?action=view&current=DSCN1573.flv
http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/bajabomber87/?action=view&current=DSCN1574.flv
http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/bajabomber87/?action=view&current=DSCN1575.flv

 

well by looking at your videos i would not be worried either

 

why dont you change the oil& filter......its cheap and easy get that old **** out!!

 

I will be soon, just trying to gather up some info while I'm not working on it.

 

CHange the oil and then take another look. I couldn't see the vids, darned thing buffered then it went to the screen you see at the end, but based on what you are saying I would call it normal. These motors always have vapor coming out of the vent. On a side note, it would have been a much better idea to change over to the vented side plate and eliminate the gear housing vent all together. This way oil vapor doesn't get all over the front of the motor and run the risk of clogging up the radiator over time. You can extend the hose down, but I personally like the other vent better.

 

Yeah those vids are all facked up. I'm reloading them now.

But what is this side plate you talk of? I've only seen people run a line to a catch can somewhere on the truck.


Working Vids

 

I am going to say that is a normal amount of vapor, especially considering the fact that the motor has 2 years worth of condensation in it. I don't see it puffing, its a steady stream. Also, its not coming out with an y real force, so I think you are good.

As for the side plate, there is a plate on the pump side of the motor that is also called a tappet cover, as it covers where the tappets pop up through the block. These were available both vented and non vented. Most 12V trucks have the vented one.