AdrianHaley

Hey! Just got me a 78 olds cutlass. I was messing around adjusting the carb to get it to idle right and I noticed steam coming out the driver side valve cover breather. The car was sitting for 5 plus years. What could this possibly be and where does that route to? Mindful advice appreciated.

joe_padavano

Are you sure it's steam and not oil smoke? In any case, it would not be unusual for condensation inside the motor to vaporize once the engine warms up.

AdrianHaley

I don’t think so. It don’t smell like oil

AdrianHaley

He also did say it had mad water accumulated on the engine but I’m honestly stumped. I’m tryna figure out if it’s blown or not so I can go ahead and drop something else in it

Olds64

Does the car run well besides smoking/steaming out the valve cover breather?

AdrianHaley

Yes. It runs. There’s no smoke coming from the exhaust either so I’m honestly confused lol.

Olds64

If you're concerned then do a compression test.

AdrianHaley

I’ll give that a try and I’ll keep you updated on it

Fun71

Is the PCV connected to one of the valve covers?

Koda

Engines will smoke and steam after sitting for years. This is not a reason to go Chevy.

70W-32

Did you change the oil when you got it? 5 year old oil would be crap, even if the car hasnt run in that time

oldcutlass

I would run it for a while and see if it clears up. It can also be blowby.

matt69olds

There is never a reason to go Brand “X”.

matt69olds

If the oil is clean, and it’s not using antifreeze, I’d drive it awhile before doing anything. Make sure the coolant is topped off, make sure the oil does t look like a chocolate milkshake, and take it out for a long drive on the highway. You need to get it hot enough to boil off any accumulated moisture. Once you are done with the drive, check the oil again, if it’s good wait for the engine to cool off and check the coolant again. If it’s still full, relax.