Smokey the Bandit

[Jack W.]

[Larry M.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

Start with the PCV system operation and make certain it is working good.

Larry

[Jack W.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

Hate to admit…I’ve never looked at the PCV system on the old girl.
What do I need to do?

O.K,….seems the 327/365 motor uses a Holley with no PCV valve, just an orifice in the line from the oil filler tube to the carb that needs to be reamed with a fine wire. Will do. Stay tuned. If that’s all it is I’ll throw a party.

[Leif A.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

just an orifice in the line from the oil filler tube to the carb

Jack,
You should have a PCV screwed into the side of your oil fill tube with a hose mounted to it and going to the side of your carburetor. Remove the PCV and spray carb cleaner in it (several times) until you can shake the PCV and hear a metal ball rattling inside. If you have never serviced the PCV (shame on you) you may need to buy a new one...cheap enough.
Here's what your looking for:

[Keith B.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

Leif the 64-65 L76 did not use a PCV like pictured above. In the side of the carb is a 90* fitting that had restrictive opening that acts like a valve.

[Duke W.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

1964-'65 Corvette engines do not have PCV valves.

As far as checking timing is concerned understand that it is essentially IMPOSSIBLE to check initial timing on mechanical lifter 327s because the centrifugal curve starts at about 700 and you have to get the engine down to BELOW 700 to get a true reading, and these engines will rarely idle stably below 700 long enough to check/adjust initial timing.

So the way to set it is to use the total WOT method. With the VAC hose disconnected and plugged raise engine speed to above the point of max centrifugal and use a dial back light to set it at 36-40, as high in that range as the engine will tolerate without detonation.

On the 365/375 HP engine this is pretty easy because centrifugal is all in at 2350, so you can set at say 2500-2600, but verify that this OE curve has not been modified.

On earlier mechanical lifter 327s with the Duntov cam full OE centrifugal does not arrive until 4600 and most guys don't want to rev the engine that high. The solution is to install lighter springs to bring in full centrifugal in the range of 2500-3500.

The OE spark advance map specs are in the service manuals and AMA specs, but NEVER assume that your engine is still OE. Prior to any adjustments VERIFY the centrifugal start and stop points. Also check the data on the VAC bracket and verify that it meets spec. The 365/375 HP engines the OE VAC is 236 16, and the modern replacement is B28.

They should also be used on the '63 327/340 because the OE 201 15 does not pass the Two-Inch Rule, which results in idle instability and stalling unless you blip the throttle ever 30 seconds or so while idling.

The OE OE 201 15 is okay for the 360 HP FI engine because it has ported vacuum advance, however, I recommend converting it to full time in which case you will need a 236 16 or B28.

If you want to take a deeper dive into this subject read my tuning seminar.

Duke

[Jack W.]

[Leif A.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

Leif the 64-65 L76 did not use a PCV like pictured above. In the side of the carb is a 90* fitting that had restrictive opening that acts like a valve.

Right you are and if I had stopped to think a minute, I knew that.

[Keith B.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

if you have the oem 2818 carb then you just have the 90* elbow. if you think its clogged you could soak it in break clean for a little then blow it out with a little compressed air. the 3/8 line seems about the right size. its the same size as the rubber fuel hose from the filter to the carb

[Duke W.]

Re: Smokey the Bandit

It would not hurt to remove that restrictor fitting and check it for deposits, just like we do with PCV valves.

Use carb cleaner and pipe cleaners to scrub it clean.

Most low pressure fuel hose now sold is marked "fuel evap pcv" So the same hose is used for all three applications. These hoses don't last forever. They harden and can crack. That PCV hose should fit snug on the oil filler tube nipple. If 3/8" seems loose, try 5/16".

Duke