I rarely open the hood of my 56 F100 after driving because it's such a PITA. But yesterday I opened the hood after taking it for a 5 mile run. There was a pretty fair amount of smoke coming from the ole 272's oil filler cap. I started the engine again and no smoke, stopped it and it started smoking again. The truck has a road draft tube (no PCV) and both the screen in the road draft tube & the filler cap are new (less than 100 miles).

Is this an indication something's wrong? Any opinions or solutions?

 

I'd bet it's not smoke, just hot vapors. What kind of condition is the motor in? Dennis

 

Not sure. It ran well 25 years ago then sat until last year. I changed the oil & Filter, replaced the fuel pump, road draft screen and oil cap, cleaned out the fuel tank & carb. Started right up. Ran it for about 50 miles and changed the oil and filter again. Seems to have plenty of power, starts right up. Has a 4 barrel ford manifold with a 390 CFM Holley.

 

A pcv system would probably take care of that. Personally I like the smell in the garage when I bring the truck or car in. Dennis

 

It only smokes after I shut it off. Been thinking about changing over to a PCV system but was afraid the smoking might mean that the ole gal is getting too hot. I did have the radiator repaired and changed the water pump, hoses & thermostat.
Also added Petronix electronic ignition and coil.

 

Engines of that era produce lots of blow-by fumes, vaporized or misted oil and steam from condensation in the crankcase "burning off".

 

That is exactly why you should install a PCV system to get rid of all the "blow-by fumes, vaporized or misted oil and steam from condensation" from your crankcase.

Your engine will love you for it. Good for the environment also.

 

It's normal for that era. The road draft tube mechanism only works efficiently when moving. Not a cause for concern.

 

Here's what the ole Gal looks like.

 

Yep. Nice looking mill ya got there!

 

No surprise there. Maybe a bit on the high side. How long did it run before it was shut down there?

 

Maybe 20 mins. I just took it for a drive. I had some carb problems and had just replaced the old Holley 4 Barrel (390CFM) with one I had just rebuilt.
Funny thing is the cooling system was still cool enough I could stick my finger in it and not get burnt.