Info needed: M38A1 fording valves

[Les Kovacs]

Thanks Rob & Wayne.....and happy holidays!

The upper fording valve (air filter to carb to oil filler)-lever was parallel to piping but it was closed-(no air passing through)-I put the lever parallel to piping and blew into it....it was blocked-rotated lever 90 degrees to piping and blew-it was open-so I left it in the open on reinstallation. Could this have been the cause of the small oil leak at the rear main and front crank seal-engine under positive pressure?

The lower fording valve as with Wayne's picture-the lever on mine is parallel with the piping so I am assuming its open. However, I will disassemble and check as I am now weary due to the upper one being parallel but closed.

Again, the upper one being open for so long may this have caused the minor oil leak at the rear main and crank seal. Also, as both valves will soon be positively left open, will the small oil leaks seal up?

As always,

Thanks,

lesk

[rob love]

If you are checking the lower, also make sure the PCV valve is in the right direction. If it was on backwards, it would be as good as having the valve shut.
Having one valve closed should not cause the oil leak as the pressure would still exhaust out the other open one. But if both were closed, it would certainly be the cause of oil leaks.

[Lynn Eades]

Ken, I've never met one of these Jeeps, but as no one has directly answered your question and following on from what Rob has said, Then I'd say: Yes, The excessive crank case pressure could very well increase oil consumption.
Changing a negative pressure in the crankcase to a positive pressure would likely be enough.

[Les Kovacs]

Rob....as per your suggestion of checking the PCV valve...would you have a picture or diagram as to what direction the check valve is supposed to be facing in the PCV valve? Also, can I check this by blowing into the end directly coming out of the valve cover.....if air does not pass through I assume that...1. the fording valve lever is closed or 2- the PCV check valve is stuck/backwards? I am assuming that what I am looking for is blown air to pass all the way through the valve piping & PCV valve and into the fuel pump?

Regards to all that responded to this post.

lesk

[rob love]

You should have a clear path for the vapours to leave the engine side pan. The PCV valve will prevent a backfire from feeding back into the engine and blowing the oil pan off.

If you don't have a clear path, then as you mentioned either the fording valve is closed, the PCV valve is backwards, or the PCV valve is gummed closed. The PCV valve should be cleaned once in a while, otherwise any buildup could result in it not closing fully and allowing a backfire to feed into the bottom half of the engine.

[Les Kovacs]

Thanks Rob....Happy New Year!

lesk