I need some help, Y-blockers.  My stock 1954 256 merc has developed a leak at the crankcase oil breather assembly where the tube and adapter ass'y. join the filter can (cover).  I pulled the filter can from the top side, removed the old, hard, brittle cardboard gasket and replaced it with a proper sized o-ring.  I reassembled it, being sure the o-ring stayed in place, and now it leaks more than before.  I really expected that the o-ring would be better than the gasket.  Also, oil is pooling in the top of the breather tube ass'y. where the bolts retain it and the oil return tube to the block.  Shouldn't the oil return tube empty this portion of the breather assembly?  I'm going to disassemble it again, this time removing it all from the side of the block to be sure that the oil return tube is not plugged.  What am I missing here?  Also, should I add some sort of sealer to the o-ring and mating surfaces?

I would try a new gasket rather than an o ring and a little silicone gasket sealer.

The replacement Filters come with a flat "Rubber" Seal not the original Cardboard type. Also check the Can where the Bolt goes in.The end of the Can gets compressed from over tightening. Knock it back into shape by tapping the Can on the inside. 

  

If you installed a new filter, I have heard that some were taller than the original.  You may have to cut it down if this is the case.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks, guys.  I pulled the 0-ring and put the old gasket with silicone sealer and the old filter back in and stopped the leak.  If I have further trouble I'll tap out the top of the can as suggested.  So far, so good - put on about 150 miles yesterday and no leaks or drips!

Lanny, We all love pics of our favorite cars. Got any?

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

I'm not too techny but had my honey attach one.

Yes sirie! She's a beauty. I too am not to techy but there is a thread here that a bunch of forum members have posted pics of their cars. You ought to take a look and add her there. It really is pretty merc. Thanks for posting

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

tthose breathers are hard to stop leaking. only way is remove the complete breather,make sure the cover with no gasket has crush when bolted on, and that the nut is not bent, and is centered. this is so with the new gasket ther is crush,also that the filter element does not hold the cover frome sealing. after this dismant and be sure the drain back tube is clean,and replace the gasket  breather to block
final cure is be sure oil filler cover is clean so the road draft can function,air in top breather  out the road draft. with breather element (road draft) plugged crank case pressure is increased. ,be patent and fix the breathers  properly,no easy way out of henrys not so smart a vent system

Lanny
That is real pretty car.
I know of one similar that has been sitting in a shed for about 30 years. Driven in and parked