Engine Breather

[Flat Ernie]

The 289 in my '53 is obviously a later engine. There is a breather/oil fill on the passenger side valve cover. I've got a nice pair of extra valve covers that don't have breather provisions on either. I'd like to chrome a set. Is there somewhere else I can pick up a breather/oil fill? Or do I need to use the valve cover? There's some sort of oval-ish cover on the block in front of the valley cover - what's under that? Is that part of the older style filter setup? Can I fabricate a breather/fill there? I assume I could also tap into the valley cover for a breather/fill - pros & cons?

What are the options - I like the look of clean valve covers...

Daddy always said, if yer gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough & I'm one tough sumbitch!

[gordr]

quote:Originally posted by Flat Ernie

The 289 in my '53 is obviously a later engine. There is a breather/oil fill on the passenger side valve cover. I've got a nice pair of extra valve covers that don't have breather provisions on either. I'd like to chrome a set. Is there somewhere else I can pick up a breather/oil fill? Or do I need to use the valve cover? There's some sort of oval-ish cover on the block in front of the valley cover - what's under that? Is that part of the older style filter setup? Can I fabricate a breather/fill there? I assume I could also tap into the valley cover for a breather/fill - pros & cons?

What are the options - I like the look of clean valve covers...

Daddy always said, if yer gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough & I'm one tough sumbitch!

Ernie, that oval-ish cover is where the breather stack goes, on engines so equipped. The first V8s had the fuel pump attached to that stack, but later stacks were just for vent and oil fill purposes. So if you get a vent stack and palin valve covers, you are good to go.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[StudeRich]

Well Ernie it's a toss up, if you like plain "clean" valve covers, I would think you would want a nice clean uncluttered front area of the engine! The late style '63-'64 valve covers give you better crankcase breathing and allow you to use the oil filler pipe block-off plate that you noticed.

If you really want to use the late 1960-1962 type without caps, then you will need to buy a oil filler pipe and put it where the plate is. They are readily available cheap, because most people want to go to the upgraded, newer type. Then they can opt for the Chromed ones like the Avanti!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[Mike Van Veghten]

You don't need to "buy" or "do" anything other than what you have now!

I just changed the oil in my Lark, basically equiped the same way your engine is.
When it's time to change the oil...a 3/8" ratchet with a 1/2" socket and short extension, quickly removes that cover. Stick a funnel in the cresent shaped hole, and fill to your hearts content.

No big deal.

If you have an oil burner...keep a wrench & funnel in the trunk.

Mike

[Roscomacaw]

That might be fine for a fresh, tight engine Mike, but I personally wouldn't wanna run one with nothing more than a draft tube or a PCV valve!

Ernie, I've got some filler tubes here if you need one. I've even got a couple of freshly chromed ones for a few sheckles.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[Mike Van Veghten]

A draft tube AND a PCV maybe...!

Otherwise your (Mr. Biggs) right.

The engine I'm trying...to put together right now will have large breathers in both rocker covers and an Avanti type breather in the pan. With a few new holes in the block for better air circulation.

Unless I modify the pan breather...I'll still have to remove the little front cover behind the thermostat to put the oil in!

Mike

[Roscomacaw]

"With a few new holes in the block for better air circulation"

Just so those extra holes aren't made by flying parts![:0][}][)]

Yeah, you could get a piece of hose like fits on the pan breather and put a funnel on one end of that hose piece and slip the other one onto the pan breather outlet (after you've pulled off the breather hose, of course) to add your oil.

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[1956 Hawk]

quote:The engine I'm trying...to put together right now will have large breathers in both rocker covers and an Avanti type breather in the pan. With a few new holes in the block for better air circulation.

Unless I modify the pan breather...I'll still have to remove the little front cover behind the thermostat to put the oil in!

Mike

Okay I'm confused. Can't you put oil in the rocker cover breathers?
David

[StudeRich]

To each his own I guess, but I would never break the gasket cement seal, destroy the gasket and wrench the bolts out every time I needed to add a quart or change the oil! [xx(]

quote:Originally posted by Mike Van Veghten

You don't need to "buy" or "do" anything other than what you have now!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[Flat Ernie]

Thanks for the input, everyone!

I think I'll go with a front breather (Mr Biggs, expect an email soon) & clean valve covers.

Also working on a neater way to route the plug wires (think early Olds) - will post pics when complete.

Daddy always said, if yer gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough & I'm one tough sumbitch!