I smell oil burning above 3k RPM. Thoughts?

[BrentBTK]

Well, like the title says, I smell oil burning above 3k RPM. It's a brand new Blueprint Crate Engines 350. Seems to run great, I'm about 400 miles into the initial break-in. When I get out on the highway, I notice a distinct oil burning smell when I get above 3k. Below 3k, it's not there at all. My first thought was the oil pressure sender adapter I had to use to clear the intake manifold may drip at very high pressure. I don't see any obvious leaks, but I removed the sender adapter today, re-applied teflon tape to the threads, and took her for a spin. Same thing. I've looked all over with it running and don't see anything obvious. It's lost almost no oil since the initial fill-up, but it is definitely getting pushed out onto something hot at high RPM. Any ideas? Thanks!

[kwmech]

Rings not fully seated yet? PCV valve not relieving crank case pressure?

[Caddylackn]

I am thinking you need a working PCV on each valve cover. If you can't relieve the crankcase the pressure forces oil out the valve cover gasket, front or rear main seal.

[BrentBTK]

Originally Posted by Caddylackn

I am thinking you need a working PCV on each valve cover. If you can't relieve the crankcase the pressure forces oil out the valve cover gasket, front or rear main seal.

Is this right? It seems right to me. PCV valve with vacuum on one side, and a breather on the other? I don't see anything obvious.

[geezer#99]

That system should work.
But maybe your pcv isn’t the right one.

Read post #4 here.


https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=833727

Also check inside the breather cap. Might be some oil residue inside if the Vapor’s are exiting that way causing the smell.

[dagnabbitt]

On my own blueprint 355, the breather I bought went in like a charm on the driver's side. I used a little K&N one that really breathes well, like the one below.

https://www.knfilters.com/vent.htm

During my first drive with the new engine I found when I pulled over that there was a distinct hissing sound: the crankcase was trying to force air out and was doing it in the vicinity of the breather, but not through it!

So I pulled the breather off to inspect and that was when I saw there was a rubber bung underneath the breather blocking it. It was shipped with the engine and I had not removed it.

Not my proudest moment but I found it early.

[bigmac73]

My older BP3550ct 385HP Vortec top end ( looks like you might have the same) is set up the same way and I had no issues, I will tell you this I bought that crate back in 2013 and those Blueprint/Shanghai valve covers are rusted bad the chrome job is not very good. Just something to keep an eye on and keep clean and polished

[72SB]

OP, contact BP. They answered any ? I had (email)

Your plumbing looks right, same as my BPE 355. I have had zero issues with mine

FWIW I am using the AC Delco PCV 744-C.

https://www.autozone.com/emission-co...74c/625460_0_0

I do not have the BP chrome covers (they exceeded my allowable chrome in engine bay limit), but the Proform ones I have also has PCV & breather located as you do

[Steeveedee]

That's low miles, and if you're not losing oil, maybe it's just paint gassing off.

[BrentBTK]

Thanks all for the replies. Much appreciated. I drove about 15 miles last night and it seems to be less noticeable. I'm going to keep a close eye on it over the next 100 miles or so until the first oil change and go from there. Fingers crossed!

[1967GMCC20]

Agree with ring sealing, 500mi is normal break in before you stand on it. 2k-3k should be done. Make sure baffle in PCV location is not getting blasted with rocker oil... One think about rings... is you can have blowby without oil consumption, some brands of oil have distinct odors. Good luck with the breakin.

[Ironangel]

Next time you smell oil burning pull the PCV valve and see if it's wet. If it is wet, it may be oil getting past the baffle at higher rpm. Your PVC set up is correct, I have my PVC valves located in the front opening on the left valve cover and the breathers located in the rear opening on the right side. The oil drains to the rear of the head and with the PVC valve located right there next to the drain holes oil can be sucked up right past a baffle that is open to the rear. Thats less likely to happen when the PVC is located forward. Check the baffles and try swapping your breather and PVC valve locations to see if that's your issue.