1996 850 (base model) PCV system

[erikv11]

In the great DIY that I linked up there, step number 10 is key. Make sure that oil drain port is wide open, if it isn't then scrub it out well with a brush and some carb cleaner (and then change the oil!).

[rspi]

It is easy to test if the PCV is clogged. Age and mileage play a great factor in a system like that. 18 year old hoses and tubes are just old old old.

Are you running 91+ octane? The NA cars have pretty high compression motors and if you are running low octane fuel, the car can retard timing to avoid predetonation (knock).

Also, a car motor can be destroyed in 25.000 miles. If someone goes that long without changing oil or runs the car 4 quarts low for several thousand miles, it can wear it out. I would do a compression test to see the true health of the motor. If compression is low, that will effect your power output.

So, I it were me, I would:
1. Check compression.
2. Pump 91+ octane.
3. Replace the PCV system.

Hope things pan out good.

[boxycar]

It is easy to test if the PCV is clogged. Age and mileage play a great factor in a system like that. 18 year old hoses and tubes are just old old old.

Are you running 91+ octane? The NA cars have pretty high compression motors and if you are running low octane fuel, the car can retard timing to avoid predetonation (knock).

Also, a car motor can be destroyed in 25.000 miles. If someone goes that long without changing oil or runs the car 4 quarts low for several thousand miles, it can wear it out. I would do a compression test to see the true health of the motor. If compression is low, that will effect your power output.

So, I it were me, I would:
1. Check compression.
2. Pump 91+ octane.
3. Replace the PCV system.

Hope things pan out good.

Noted RSPI, thank you and I always put 91+ octane, compression test looks easy enough. can't wait to try it.

Stay tuned, buying the parts today

[boxycar]

So I am back! I changed the PCV system and did a tranny drain and fill (so 3.5quart exchange)

the car shifts a little better and has some more power now, there is no more oil shooting out of the oil cap ( I can tell by now seeing fresh oil ontop of the spark plug cover) there is also barely any white smoke coming out of the oil dipstick tube.

I tried the glove test for the PCV (taking the oil cap off and putting a glove over the hole to see if it fills with air) and it still fills with air though so I fear its not 100% better. I did not use the heater hose as was advised because my car is non-turbo but now I sort of regret not doing it.

So next step from here is a compression test, drive 100miles and do another tranny drain and fill and maybe redo the PCV with the heater hose.

thanks for the advice, I will let you know what happens.

[polskamafia mjl]

I tried the glove test for the PCV (taking the oil cap off and putting a glove over the hole to see if it fills with air) and it still fills with air though so I fear its not 100% better.

You mean oil dipstick, not cap, right?

I did not use the heater hose as was advised because my car is non-turbo but now I sort of regret not doing it.

Hmmm...that may not have been a wise move. Why did you decide not to?

[boxycar]

I tried the glove test for the PCV (taking the oil cap off and putting a glove over the hole to see if it fills with air) and it still fills with air though so I fear its not 100% better.

You mean oil dipstick, not cap, right?

I did not use the heater hose as was advised because my car is non-turbo but now I sort of regret not doing it.

Hmmm...that may not have been a wise move. Why did you decide not to?

No I did it over the oil cap, that what this video suggested


I decided to not do it because my car is not turbo. that was the thought process anyways

[polskamafia mjl]

Turbo or not an older engine will still have more blow by which is what the larger diameter hose will help with.