O-Gauge Steamer
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
One of the previous owners let gunk get into the intake. The gunk that got in caused some rotational scoring of the walls and rotor edges, so I'll have to hit it with some high grit paper to clean up the ridges. Looks like the oil seals went and I'm not happy with the condition of the needle bearings, so a full rebuild kit is in order. I was hoping I could get away without it so save some cash, but I'd rather do it right this time around.
And it was for this reason and for ignition reasons I added in an oil/air separator into the PCV return. When I had the compressor off for the 68mm TB retrofit, I noticed oil puddling in the low spots of the Sprintex manifold. Increased blow by is a normal issue with any high compression engine. One that is well documented and accepted.
After adding the separator into the PCV system, I discovered that I was able to add 1 degree of timing back into the beasty. Apparently, oil vapours in the intake effectively lower the Octane of the fuel...
Funny how a solution to one issue gives an additional benefit.
SolarBell. I am with you on the need to rebuild. It is my standing recommendation to anyone installing a used compressor.
The condition is unknown and failure will leave you standing at the side of the road... Not very much fun.
IMO, I would attempt to use solvent prior to mechanical methods to remove the gunk. Any rotor reduction does two things. Firstly it reduces the rotor "seal" which reduces the efficiency and secondly, there is a risk of unbalancing the rotor. Keep in mind the speed at which this thing whirls around at...