Tuesday, October 11, 2011

PCV system a major upgrade on Aeolus

This past weekend was the first time we used Aeolus since I installed the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system on her Universal 5432 motor. Wow. Not only did it completely improve the smell of the cabin and air from the cabin heater, which draws air from the engine space, but the engine itself is no longer shrouded in an oily mist when I check on her.

To elaborate, the cabin used to smell strongly of oil exhaust as the crankcase vented to the engine compartment and the cabin heater sucked air from nearby to blow into the cabin. So to be warm, you had to put up with a noxious smell.

I can't believe I didn't do this sooner, as it is a major upgrade to our experience on the boat. Yippee!

6 comments:

kibbie said...

Like to do the same on my Universal. What type of K&N filter did you order?

Brian W. said...

Hi Kibbie,
Darn it, I don't seem to have the model number on the blog here, which is unlike me. I don't remember it either. I might have it in my engine log on the boat, and we are sailing next weekend so I will try to get it there or just look on the filter.

I made the change in part because I noticed the standard Universal metal air filter housing actually has a smaller opening than the intake manifold. Don't see any reason to restrict air flow any more than is designed into the manifold!

Steve said...

Ok, I really feel bad as I have checked your blog off and on over the last several years. I have owned a 1991 Gulf 32 for the last 12 years and have wondered what to do with the oil smell in the cabin. My wife cant deal with it and it has kept her off the boat on several occasions. Can you please give me some detailed info on this upgrade. I will now start with your first blog and work my way to the latest.

Brian W. said...

Steve,
Always glad to hear this site is useful to someone, and like I've said, this particular upgrade was immensely satisfying.

There is really not much to it. You first install a K&N filter, which has other advantages, and then I bought a section of hose to match the existing outlet of the valve cover vent tube. Matching this hose, I bought a nylon hose adapter with a threaded side. I burned a hole into the end of the K&N slightly smaller than the nylon fitting, pushed through the hose barb side, hooked up the hose, and you're done. The hose keeps the fitting from getting sucked into the intake manifold, and the flange of the nylon fitting is plenty to keep the hose from pulling it through the filter.

I still don't have the K&N filter #, and haven't been back to Aeolus in a few weeks now to get it. I found the right fitting just by measuring the intake pipe and matching that to the K&N filters of that size.

kibbie said...

I'm in no rush for the K&N number as my boat is on the hard for the winter. Have all winter to have a look to see which one you ordered. In the meantime I'll have a look at the K&N Website and see if I can source the right one for my Universal.
Love your website and what you've done to Aeolus!

Brian W. said...

I've finally remembered to get the K&N filter number and it is RA0500. I just did a post on it too.