Yes, the engine is basically a vent to air design, the mushroom style oil
filler cap has a metal gauze underneath. The manual says this should be
washed in a petrol/parrafin (gas/kerosine) mix occasionally so that air
flows freely, an easier way is just squirt some carb cleaner through it once
every couple of years.
For the American market Triumph modified the design to a more closed system
to better comply with emission regs (emissions are measured on the whole
car - not just what comes out of the tail pipe !) The modified system had a
hose from the top of the rocker cover to the engine side of the air cleaner,
theory is that fumes are sucked into the engine. The oil filler cap is
replaced by one that forms a more airtight seal.
Advantages of the early system:
Slightly better performance as only clean air (which burns well) is drawn
into the engine, not stale oily fumes.
Carb is normally cleaner and less gummed for same reason.
Advantages of the later system
Less likely to smell the fumes in the car.
Probably a legal requirement in some parts of the world !
I think the description is wrong as the later type cap is unvented, and yes
you can use any sort - just looks ugly. By the way, those little decals Hugh
used to sell for the early cap came from me and are no longer available so
take care of any you have !
David Chapman in the UK
----- Original Message -----
From: <G_Zink_us@yahoo.com>
To: <amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 3:25 PM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Oil cap
Hi all,
I have a question about the proper oil filler/cap to use. My car has
an improper rubber cap that seems to melt a little when the engine
gets hot so I want to replace it with a metal one. Gordon's catalog
lists two caps- one vented for late cars with emissions and the other
non-vented. Mine's a '67 that might be considered late but I don't
see any type of emissions equipment. Anyone have the answer on the
cap to use and if there is a replacement I can use from a standard
auto parts store?
Greg Z.
'67 (white)
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