Surge Tank and PCV catch canI never liked the fact that my old radiator setup didn't automatically purge itself of bubbles so I've been working on a surge tank (aka expansion tank) using the tried and true Howe expansion tank. I went direct to Howe so I could orient it how I wanted and use a little nicer fittings but it's the same basic idea that a lot of folks have run.
That said, once this had a bracket welded it in, there was not way to tighten or loosen the 90 degree fitting at the bottom (it couldn't spin a 360 without contact.) At the same time I was trying to figure out how best to package a trick little catch can I'm planning for my PCV line since I don't really want to be sending oil back into my intake manifold.
Quick side note on the PCV catch can. I did quite a bit of looking before I picked what I did. The catch can itself is a product of research and experimentation coming from some corvette guys. This was the post that really got me thinking.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-tech/1899749-catch-can-experiments-continue.html Key post from the link:
"Regarding the filters I am currently using:
The first one in-line with the PCV-to-intake hose is the
Watts 504-02DH (a particulate filter that is a bit more "open" when compared to the F501 coalescing filter). This is followed by the Watts F501-02DHX67 (coalescing filter that includes a mounting bracket).
I swapped the zinc body of the F504 with my extended length aluminum housing, since much of the non-aerosol liquids will be trapped there. Keep in mind that if I had room for only one filter, it would be the F501 coalescing assembly. This is what I ran for 6000 miles and from what I can see in the return hose, only a small amount of oil made its way through. But this is why I'm trying out the combo - so far (1000 miles), so good - no oil in the hose.
I am going to start testing a new design (when I get back to work, where there are a few environmental chambers) soon, It will include a Watts F501, but will have a newly designed top piece and body. More info will follow. I can PM you with more info as the testing progresses."
After all that I figure I could either just run two filters in line (exactly as the gent recommended) or I could order from him and support a small vendor doing interesting stuff. I went with the later.
Couple good reads:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/PCV%20Line%20Oil%20Removal%20102.pdfhttp://www.conceptualpolymer.com/Air_Oil%20SeparationBeyondBasics.pdfI did the high efficiency version with the glass reservoir (just something you don't normally see under the hood).
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/High%20Efficiency%20Air.htmThe problem was that I didn't have a good place to put that. I did go back to power steering (going to be trying out some Turn one goodies) so the driver's head is taken. I wasn't that excited about more lines bridging between block and engine compartment walls. Between that and the fact I didn't really like how my expansion tank was lining up (the line to radiator ran uphill even though I'd mounted that as high as I could), I decided to get a little creative.
I think most of us have taken a perfectly good part and cut it up at some point so it's nothing new but still... Making this change was the straw that broke the camel's back for trying to finish my car for SevenStock.
Recapped tank, added mount point for PCV, tapped filter for m6 hardware (it came with some tiny stuff), moved input npt thread to the side (which will let my line flow downhill as God intended).
That little bonus bracket to the left is there as insurance to be sure the glass jar can't vibrate loose and drop off. Here it is in position.
Backside:
To service this I'll just undo the two fittings closest to the radiator cap and pick up vertically. I should have enough flex in the lines to be able to unscrew and dump. I intentionally oriented my tank this way so that the overflow line would exit toward the block and route underneath.
What do you think, leave it raw or powdercoat it black? I'm thinking the later as it should offset the powersteering on the other side.
Added bonus: I have only half the weight of the fluid up high on my block. I didn't see a reason I would need any real volume up there.
