Classic/Antique Car Repair: TR6 - Engine Oil Escaping, oil filler cap, pollution control system

Question
Hi Howard,

I am beginning work on a 1975 TR6. The car has been in storage since 1990 but is in original condition with 70,000 miles on it. The previous owner disconnected the pollution control system to get the car running. At the moment, when the car is running for more than 5 minutes, engine oil starts coming up through the dipstick. If the dipstick is in, the oil trickles down the side, but if the dipstick is out it sprays. Have you come across this? If not, what could cause this problem.

Thanks,

-Cam

Answer
Hi Cam,
First check the oil level in the engine to see that it is not over full. Next you need to look at the crankcase vent.
Remove the vent hose from the valve cover and confirm that it is open and that there is an open passage into the valve cover. If all this is OK remove the end of the hose from the charcoal canister and leave it off for tests. Run the engine until you see the signs again that it has pressure in the crankcase and feel the end of the hose with your thumb. With the engine reving you should feel a slight vacuum if the two hoses are still attached to the sides of the carbs. Next open the oil filler cap with a shop rag and with your hand over the opening rev the engine. You should feel a slight pressure on you hand when you first rev it up but not much. If the pressure keeps building as you rev the engine, You either have some rings stuck in their groves in the piston or a hole in a piston, If you feel a lot of pressure, do a "wet" and a "Dry" compression test. If you are not familure with this let me know and I will walk you through it.
let me know.
Howard