CARB says I need to add a PCV hose

[Nick O'Teen]

I'm in the final stage of getting the 7 registered. The CARB (California Air Resources Board) wants me to route a hose from the back of the Zetec engine's valve cover (where the little K&N filter/breather now sits) over to somewhere on the intake side of the engine so that I have a closed loop.

The referee said it must be before the throttle plate and suggested routing it into the air filter somehow. However, that would put it before the air mass sensor's hot wire and I fear the oil vapor would foul the wire. He also cautioned against routing it into the rubber "elbow" between the air mass sensor and the throttle as he feared the elbow would crack - this despite the fact I've got the parts and expertise to reliably place a fitting there.

I've been to the local Ford dealer and got some advice based on the stock Zetec SVT motor setup. Anyone out there with a Zetec-engined 7 that has such a hose in place?

Thanks

[magnusfeuer]

If I remember correctly, my Zetec had a little fitting on its intake hose that I routed the crank case valve and valve cover vent to.

I would check exactly where the mass air flow sensor wire is in its housing and see if I could drill a hole immediately downstream of it. If that doesn't work, I'd have a look if I could put it anywhere on the throttle body itself.

You are right not to route the valve cover vent upstream of the sensor as it would gum it up and give you endless headache.


My $0.02.

/Magnus F.

[slomove]

.....You are right not to route the valve cover vent upstream of the sensor as it would gum it up and give you endless headache......

But not for a couple of days?

[rzempel]

Where does your engine block vent (on the left side of the motor under the exhaust header) go?

Randall

[Nick O'Teen]

It feeds to an Spa catch tank that is routed in line from the PCV valve back to the intake side.

[magnusfeuer]

I think Gert may be right in his assessment.

If you drill a hole through the top of the filter and another one in the air box, you can route the hose through the air box to the filter. Use that in order to pass smog, and then design a better solution later on; a solution that may look very much like your current setup.

/Magnus F.
*edit: spelling.

[rzempel]

It feeds to an Spa catch tank that is routed in line from the PCV valve back to the intake side.

Can you put a T in the line and route the valve cover vent line into the block vent?

[Nick O'Teen]

Possibly, however the CARB referee was very specific in what he wanted me to do and never mentioned anything about having a T in the line. I'll find out today if I've met his request. My appointment is in a couple of hours.

[mca]

Just remember that the smog referee should only need to inspect your car once, when he issues your exemption sticker. He won't see the PCV hose ever again.

[Nick O'Teen]

Just got back - passed with flying colors. Tomorrow I'll go to the DMV for my plates.

The interesting thing is that after putting on the hose, the 7 runs better! Even my son, who rode along with me, immediately noticed the difference. He said it felt smoother while accelerating and ran quieter. For example, before adding the hose, when decelerating the car used to have these little backfires. Now they are all but gone completely.

[slomove]

...... For example, before adding the hose, when decelerating the car used to have these little backfires. .....

O.K.....so what is wrong with that on a Se7en? I know I could eliminate it on my car with stricter overrun cutoff setting but I got kind of used to it :) Reminds me of the old times when I still had carbs on the engine.

[Sean]

Congratulations, Mr. O'Teen.

[Nick O'Teen]

Thanks.

Just got home from the DMV with plates in hand.

[sevenhead]

O.K.....so what is wrong with that on a Se7en? I know I could eliminate it on my car with stricter overrun cutoff setting but I got kind of used to it :) Reminds me of the old times when I still had carbs on the engine.

Exactly - the more popping and banging on overrun the better. Flames are also a bonus.