Another "while I'm in there" story. I'm going to add PCV to the '51s 216. Parts are finally all on the work bench and the new tubing bender shows up today so I can bend the 3/8 hard line from the new valve to the intake's vacuum port. Today I pulled the draft tube, cleaned it up and popped the top cap, amazingly it wasn't caked up with gunk.
All set to go, but wait. I've had a lot of clutch chatter for a while. Can burn the oil off and it's better for a while. My suspicion is the rear main rope seal I installed a few years ago is leaking since there's always oil on the clutch dust cover. Then I recall something Jon G posted sometime back about the side-cover (pushrod cover) leaking on the rear lower corner and most folks mistakenly thinking it's the rear main.
Nope, not messing with the side cover. Need to get the truck out of the shop. My chief consultant Mrs. Kathy said, you've got to do the side cover if it keeps you from fussing about the leaks and clutch chatter.
So, that's where things are.
Gasket ordered (Fel-Pro PS5004D Push Rod Cover Gasket Set). $10 bucks cheaper than I can buy at the local chain store. The side cover is off and ready for paint.
Next week I'll know if the side-cover fixes the clutch issue, and if the PCV valve by creating negative pressure in the engine helps with other leaks. With the gravel roads in my part of the world, the now sealed slits in the valve cover (JB Weld) will reduce the dirt pulled into the engine due to the draft tube. It'll take a few years to tell how much benefit no dust is, but it's gotta be a good thing.
RonR
