There
have been some of the N, Y, and F series Continental engines
which have had a tendency to pour oil out the breather pipe
in certain types of operation. The breather pipe is located
on the valve train side plate, and the problem occurs due to
flooding of the valve chamber with oil. Where this occurs the
problem is excessive oil pressure.
Continental
Motors recommends 20-30 lbs. oil pressure at full throttle
for the N, Y, and F series of engines. Oil pressure at idle
should be a minimum of 7 lbs. at 400-600 R.P.M.'s. There have
been some misapplications of oil pump relief valve springs
for these applications in the field. Where this has happened
we have seen oil pressures twice as high as specifications
allow. This of course, results in excessive oil throw-off
from bearings, lifters, and other rotating parts.
The problem
has been compounded on some engines by the removal of the governor
cone stop from the cover. The governor is fed full line pressure
through the camshaft, and when the stop is gone the cone acts
as a slinger. A steady stream of oil will be directed from the
cone to the timing gears, which then act as an oil pump. The
cam gear then loads with oil and pumps it through the valve
chamber vent in the upper front part of the valve chamber. When
this occurs the chamber is flooded and this results in oil pouring
out the breather pipe, or being pulled through the P.C.V. system
and valve guides.
After rebuilding
these engines the oil pressure should be checked with a master
gauge directly from an oil line. Where pressure is excessive
the problem can be corrected by obtaining the correct pressure
relief valve spring. The rebuilder should also take care not
to remove the governor cone stop from the cover.
