1966 Impala SS Oil Cap
#1
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1966 Impala SS Oil Cap
The oil filler cap on my Impala appears to be leaking (See pics). And even spraying up on the hood. Is this normal for these kinds of caps? It's just a spring loaded type cap that fits down in the oil filler tube. Any suggestions, or do I just need a new cap?
#3
Any time you are getting something like that it's almost always due to crankcase pressure. New EGR may help but if the rings are real worn you'll be getting a lot of combustion gas blow by. From the pics, I'd say she has a few miles on her? Maybe time for a rebuild?
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Mark, the cap appears to be VERY dirty. I'll try cleaning it up. It looks like it has vent holes and some filter material in it. Ate these supposed to be replaced?
It actually doesn't have a lot of miles since the last rebuild. Mainly sits in a garage.
It actually doesn't have a lot of miles since the last rebuild. Mainly sits in a garage.
#5
The cap normally just has a sort of metal mesh inside...at least the ones I remember did.
Since the holes are on the bottom, not sure how you would be getting a lot of stuff on the hood.
Since the holes are on the bottom, not sure how you would be getting a lot of stuff on the hood.
#7
Your cap is a breather cap and allows filtered air into the engine so that a PCV valve can draw it out.
Look for a big vacuum line and a round metal device(PCV valve) that sticks thru a rubber grommet in one of the valve covers. Usually the opposite side from the breather.
I was just reading an article that said that the PCV valve may be in the dipstick tube.
Can you pull the air cleaner and shoot a few pics for us.
Look for a big vacuum line and a round metal device(PCV valve) that sticks thru a rubber grommet in one of the valve covers. Usually the opposite side from the breather.
I was just reading an article that said that the PCV valve may be in the dipstick tube.
Can you pull the air cleaner and shoot a few pics for us.
#8
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I'm not sure that you have an EGR system, can't see back far enough on the valve covers to tell, but, if you do, there will be a grommet in the top of one of the valve covers, in which the EGR valve goes, and then a hose that goes from that into the base of the carburetor. That would be a good place to start, if indeed you have one. Can't remember when they came into play. If not that, I would check that the valve covers are sealed down good, but would probably be thinking valve stem seals.
#9
Arrrg! I meant PCV not EGR. On an engine of that age, it's probably either in one of the valve covers or on the lifter valley cover...prob towards the back. Then it connects to the intake manifold.
PCV valves have different shapes, but a Google search will give you an idea.
I gotta say, I've never seen an engine that dirty and worn looking that spends most of its time in a garage unless it was put in that way. Is this car new to you and you are going off what the previous owner said?
PCV valves have different shapes, but a Google search will give you an idea.
I gotta say, I've never seen an engine that dirty and worn looking that spends most of its time in a garage unless it was put in that way. Is this car new to you and you are going off what the previous owner said?
#10
Oops...I think we may be sending you on a wild goose chase. I saw everything from just a Tee off the oil filler with a hose to the carb, to the valve being inline on the mentioned hose, to the one in the valve cover, to none at all. Apparently it wasn't required everywhere and varied throughout the production run.
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My dad bought it in 1977. He overhauled the engine just before he died in 1994. I was only a teenager, so my mom waited until I got a little older and more responsible before she passed it down to me!!! It's mine and my sisters' prized possession... Just wished I had an enclosed garage to keep it. I just take it out for a cruise every once in a while. The longest trip it's been on is a 150 mile round trip. I'll go get a pic of it with the air cleaner off.
#12
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See how easy that is Vic! Took me in hook line and sinker, and I repeated EGR. Mitigater, the PCV system, positive crankcase ventilation, draws excess oil vapors from the crankcase through the line at the base of the carburetor, theoretically burns at least some of them in the combustion stage, and ultimately spews them out the tailpipe. If the valve is plugged or the line is cracked, the vapors will still leave the crankcase, but can end up on the bottom of the hood as you have, rather than completing the cycle.
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Ok, here are a few pics from different angles with the air filter off.
I have a second question here to. The long spring in the one picture i have laying on the valve cover... I believe it is throttle spring. Do you know where the end is supposed to hook on? it came off and I don't see anywhere that looks like it would hook to. Is there supposed to be a tab for it like the front spring?
Thanks for all of your help so far.
I have a second question here to. The long spring in the one picture i have laying on the valve cover... I believe it is throttle spring. Do you know where the end is supposed to hook on? it came off and I don't see anywhere that looks like it would hook to. Is there supposed to be a tab for it like the front spring?
Thanks for all of your help so far.
#14
I highlighted the hose in yellow that we are looking at. It may go to a Tee and then hit the yellow X and them to the orange X. The orange X would be the vacuum brake booster. That line may just go to the brake booster only.
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Thanks Pete. I did a little reading and saw a picture of an "Inline PCV" valve. The closer I look at the pics, there appears to be quite a bit of oil in this area. Could this be the problem? if so, do place like auto zone or o'reilly's have these?
#16
They should have the part. Take a look at the old one or take it with you so they can match it. You also need to check the hose for cracks and splits. With the age of the vehicle.... the rubber parts will start showing their age quickly.
One important thing you will need to check or have checked are the metal brake and fuel lines that run under the vehicle. They rust with age and you don't want a brake line to fail while driving.
One important thing you will need to check or have checked are the metal brake and fuel lines that run under the vehicle. They rust with age and you don't want a brake line to fail while driving.
#17
Drive the car down to the store and ask for help...some old guy (like me or PJ) will gladly come look at it and help you out. If you have a car like that, you need to befriend a few local hotrodders. They love to help and teach.
I'm not sure if you realize, but if the body is not rusty (probably not in your area) and it's all original, that car is worth a $h1tload of money. Not that you'd ever sell it, I understand that. Even with a little body rot, it could easily be repaired. It needs to be cleaned up and garage stored. Or at least rent a storage unit or someones barn. It would be a huge shame to let it just rot away.
283 or 327? Not a wagon or convertible is it?
I'm not sure if you realize, but if the body is not rusty (probably not in your area) and it's all original, that car is worth a $h1tload of money. Not that you'd ever sell it, I understand that. Even with a little body rot, it could easily be repaired. It needs to be cleaned up and garage stored. Or at least rent a storage unit or someones barn. It would be a huge shame to let it just rot away.
283 or 327? Not a wagon or convertible is it?
#18
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327. 2 door hard top. Supersport.
Next question... what is the best way to get this engine cleaned up? If I take it down to the car wash and spray some degreaser on it, what areas do I need to avoid spraying? Just the distributor cap?
Trying to get it ready for a car show in October.
Thank you guys for all of your help!
Next question... what is the best way to get this engine cleaned up? If I take it down to the car wash and spray some degreaser on it, what areas do I need to avoid spraying? Just the distributor cap?
Trying to get it ready for a car show in October.
Thank you guys for all of your help!
Last edited by mitigater; 08-15-15 at 06:53 AM.
#19
what areas do I need to avoid spraying? Just the distributor cap?
#20
One can only dream of a '66 SS 327 Take care of it. It can be worth a lot.
I do like the Delco distributor cap with the lift up door for dwell adjustment. I had a '73 Jeep CJ5 Renegade (NIB $4000) that had what I would call an illegitimate engine. 304 V8 with Chrysler shortblock, Delco ignition sitting in the front of the engine (easy to get to), Motocraft carburetor, Ford solenoid on firewall. It seemed that Jeep (American Motors) took the best of designs and incorporated them into this. Sold it for $6000 12 years later, so go figure.
I do like the Delco distributor cap with the lift up door for dwell adjustment. I had a '73 Jeep CJ5 Renegade (NIB $4000) that had what I would call an illegitimate engine. 304 V8 with Chrysler shortblock, Delco ignition sitting in the front of the engine (easy to get to), Motocraft carburetor, Ford solenoid on firewall. It seemed that Jeep (American Motors) took the best of designs and incorporated them into this. Sold it for $6000 12 years later, so go figure.
#21
If you have a car like that, you need to befriend a few local hotrodders. They love to help and teach.
Going to a show is a great place to meet other car enthusiasts. You should find guys willing to work with you especially on a car like that. You can always stop back and ask us too but there's nothing like being right there.
#23
I'm not a fan of the color exactly, but that is a beauuuuuuutiful machine. Every spare dime I had would be spent on it if it were mine. In fact, I'd steal the kids tooth money from under their pillow and empty their college accounts. (If I had kids).
Btw...I live right on Rt 66 (the Mother Road for you youngsters) and we have some really pristine old cars out here due to the climate. I've seen 200+ old cars come through on the Annual Fun Run and the local club has weekly meetings at local restaurants as well as a monthly show and shine downtown where upwards of 50 cars show up. Your Impala would be a huge hit, I guarantee.
Btw...I live right on Rt 66 (the Mother Road for you youngsters) and we have some really pristine old cars out here due to the climate. I've seen 200+ old cars come through on the Annual Fun Run and the local club has weekly meetings at local restaurants as well as a monthly show and shine downtown where upwards of 50 cars show up. Your Impala would be a huge hit, I guarantee.
Last edited by Gunguy45; 08-15-15 at 05:57 PM.
#26
I am not really a fan of the color either, but I'd keep it and the car all stock. I'd also recommend you order yourself a Chilton service manual for it.
Today I also lean more toward Ford, but in the '60s I was Chevy all the way!
Today I also lean more toward Ford, but in the '60s I was Chevy all the way!
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Thanks guys! I've never been a huge fan of the color either! It's called "Lemonwood Yellow" and was the original color, so that's what my dad did back when he restored it.