Adam wrote:
Why do some rocker covers have a breather pipe and some not?
What's the purpose of a breather?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To let the engine breath. (chuckle) Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Adam, my boy, an internal combustion engine is basically a big air pump
without 100% perfect sealing. Think of the pistons going up and down in
the cylinders and think about what would happen if the crankcase were
completely sealed. Pressure builds up. Thus, there needs to be some way
to vent the case. Some manufacturers vent it through the crankcase (see
the early Triumph 1147 cc motor - it has a vent tube on the right side of
the block coming up from the vicinity of the oil pan). Others vent it
through a valve cover tube. It really doesn't matter how one vents the
pressure, it has to be done to prevent oil from blowing out through every
crevice, including the dip stick hole. Others on this list know more about
the "quantum physics" of motors and I am sure will jump in with a far
better explanation - but I hope this helps.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4
64 Porsche 356C Coupe
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