I'm just about over having my cabin fill with smoke from oil hitting the exhaust manifold, creating a smokescreen AND periodically cleaning the little aftermarket filter on top of the rocker cover! 
Why is my A12 breathing so much oil?  I'm constantly told that "Dats Life" but surely it's not merely an A-series trait, or is it?
I do have a dump pipe I can fit ("J" hose required though), but I'd prefer not to... if there is a solution. Is there any way I can stop my donk from breathing so heavily, or do I have no alternative but to live with either cleaning the filter or dumping oil onto the road?
Your expert advice is appreciated guys.

can try a PCV system,
the road draught vent system is ok, but if your motor is shagged, not much will stop it breathing..

Maybe doesnt have a PCV valve as prob previous owner used a combo of A10 and A12? 
Could have blocked the engine breather with a welsh plug as had done on my A12 on time.
Any engine pics on the inlet ex side to see?

The verdict is in.
 
After cleaning out the pcv valve and pipe and replacing the rocker cover gasket (as a precatuion), the Bush Mechanics a.k.a. Neil & Dundee confirmed that the cause is what I was hoping it wasn't...
 
Time for a re-ring!
 
Now to decide on just a re-ring (the motor isn't old nor tired, so I could possibly just get away with the quick-fix), or seeing as the motor has to come out, a complete rebuild and after seeing and hearing Levey's donk yesterday, methinks maybe the latter... 

I like your train of thought Dave!  The part that grabs me is that the side of the block still has "A12" on it! 

oh, and start hunting...if you find some,I'll grab one too...



RRK120Y
 
RRK120Y A12 Engine 1171cc OHV 1200, 120Y, Sunny 1970-81 PS1335-STD,4B2956-STD, HS132MT, HC223, HR218
rings, bearings, head set, sump set, stem seals...

Covs don't have any stock
 
Call Veales
Or have Mikes boss go across the road to Nasons and see if we can get them from there

I've been pondering this and I have no knowledge at all about this engine's internals, So I'll wait until I strip the block before I buy any bits, in case it's already been bored. 
 
I was also thinking about the A14 crank suggestion and was wondering about which pistons and conrods to use. Thanks for the pointers Dave... and big ups for giving my gutter mind a laugh! 
 
Short rod stroke, hurr hurr!! 

Then again, if I could get my mitts on a running A15 drivetrain straight out of a VB... 

Early A12 block is 10kg lighter than A15 if thats any consideration 
 
A15 pistons milled 1mm off the top, A12A conrods, A14 crank with
counterweights machined to clear block skirt is the combo.
 
1.727 RSR on stock A14 factory 32.5mm piston height
1.578 RSR A12 hybrid milled 29mm piston (a15 30mm)
 
The RSR ratio suits big valves and ports for extra zip but would be best
using a GX camshaft which Im sure Dundee could steer you towards.
However stock cam should be good with stock rejetted carb for torquer
while H89 & cam will benefit with a 28/36 weber & A15 cast manifold.