Yesterday I went to a huge auto parts swap at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit. I found these cool oil breather caps-chrome with the tri-shield emblem for 10! Supposed to fit the big block valve covers. Anyway, I was wondering what benefits there are to using one of these? Does it vent some of the heat from the engine? o No: Are these good to have? If so, why didn't cars come from the factory with them? Just wondering if anybody had any thoughts about these pieces. Thanks- David
They are good to have if you want to run an open 360* air cleaner. The valve cover on most Buick motors is connected to the air cleaner. The PCV pulls air out of the crankcase, and air from the air cleaner replaces it through the hose that runs from the air cleaner to the valve cover. Less emissions that way.
My open element air cleaner base has a provision for the hose from the valve covers. It included a "knockout" metal plate and hose fitting to bolt in. Could go on either side of the engine. You don't need these breathers if your valve cover to air cleaner hose is in place.
I saw some at a swap last year but they were just the generic type push on with a Tri-shield decal on them, probably wouldn't last in the heatou:
