Hello,
I have a 1977 F-150 with the 400 engine stock. Every time I look in a catalog or go to the parts store, to purchase a PCV valve and the lines and other parts, it says that there is a two tier/pronged valve and an elbow that comes with it. I don't know if mine was rigged, but I do not have an elbow or the two prong valve. I just have a one prong valve and no elbow. The valve starts from the grommet on the valve cover then connects to a rubber tube section of line and that connects to the metal PCV line. Where does the elbow go, and why is there a 2nd prong on top of the replacement valve? I'm confused. Again my system does not have an elbow nor does it have 2 tier/prong valve. See parts 2 and 4 on the link page below.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fc/0047.asp

 

This type of smog valve is a 1980's replacement. Besides fitting your application, it is used on dozens of others. The valve, with its two tiered plastic elbow, when purchased from Ford, comes with a rubber plug to block off the second nipple if not needed. The elbow is one piece of black plastic, and looks exactly like the letter F. Originally it could be removed from the valve. If you remove the elbow, the valve will look exactly the same as yours does.

 

Actually the elbow is just an elbow, not shaped like an F and is slightly larger than the PCV valve. I just don't know where the elbow is suppose to go on the system. Does anyone have a view or picture of a 77 400 engine, with the PCV valve?

 

I believe it goes to the carburetor.

 

As a Ford back parts counterman for nearly 33 years, I sold about 2000 of these valves and looked at the parts catalog illustration just to make sure, before I posted the info. The black plastic extension with its two ports originally came in the package with the valve and rubber cap. If it was needed, it was a press fit. Later, Ford made the extension a part of the valve. Everyone of these I sold for 15 years had the plastic extension shaped like an F. What some autoparts store or aftermarket supplier sells today, I haven't a klew. The valve I described above is a Genuine Ford Part.

 

So the elbow is a replacement for the F fitting, that just allows a single nipple as opposed to the dual F nipple.

Do you know where I can get the rubber tubing that connects the valve to the metal line, and then from the metal line to the intake manifold.

Thanks for your help.

 

Rubber tubing = smog hose that comes in a 30' roll. It's usually sold by the foot.

The illustration in the parts catalog shows a piece of bulk smog hose running from the smog valve to the metal tube, the tube goes towards the carb, and one end of another piece of smog hose goes from the metal tube to a nipple that screws to the front of the carb. Smog hose can be bought anywhere.

 

I've seen them a few different ways for the 400. There are some PCV's that have just a valve that come straight out of the valve cover, there is no bend. These are the style that require the separate elbow attachment. Then there are those that have a 90 degree bend with either one or two openings on top...I have seen both. Typically, I have gotten the ones that have the two openings on top. These have the attached plug that you use to plug off the top, smaller diameter, opening. The ones I typically use are just like what you have listed as #2 from the LMC catalog. Now, if you go over to Napaonline and search for a PCV for a '71 LTD, with a 400, you will find a PCV with the part number CRB29200 (For some reason, just running their own part number on their site doesn't work, but that will be a part for the LTD mentioned). These are the ones that come straight out of the valve cover and require the elbow you mentioned as #4 from the LMC catalog. I guess what I am getting at, is there are quite a few different styles I have seen for the 400 engines. If it hooks up fine, I wouldn't worry about it unless you are convinced you have the wrong one. However, given that these typically are only a couple bucks from the parts store, just go get another if you are worried you have the wrong one.

EDIT: I just checked NAPA's website for your truck and engine...I think the reason you are getting confused, is they list two different styles...the one with the bend and two openings, #2 from LMC, and the straight out of the valve cover style...the one that will require an elbow. I have never seen these for a pickup, most use the #2 style from the LMC catalog.

Go to NAPAonline and run your truck and you should get the following part numbers for your PCV: MPF 39201 (straight style), MPF 39222 and CRB29222 (the 90 degree style that you cap off the top opening with supplied plastic plug).

Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

Thanks, but I don't see any smog hose on the illustration. Are you looking at the same link that I sent you for the same catalog. I just see the PCV line itself.