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[GaryBC]

Hi guys

When I resealed a leaking rocker box last year I cleaned out the breather components but the one part I couldn't get to is the small box attached to the rear of the crankcase from which the breather pipes emerge. I posted a thread here at the time and most people suggested I need not worry about it. So I contented myself with scooping out of it as much crud as I could.

Well the other rocker box has sprung a leak so I suspect I DO need to get at it and wash it through after all. The trouble was that I could barely even get my fingers on it - let alone any tools to take it off! (I had the scuttle off, by the way, and still couldn't get to it.) I did an ABS ECU change a while ago so can get at most things usually!!

So I guess I have a double question:
1) Is it possible to clean it properly in situ? If so, how? Or;
2) How do I get the bloody thing off so I can clean it properly on the bench?

Cheers,
Gaz

[Kevin Wood]

First thing to try is to remove the oil filler cap and then see if you can blow down both of the pipes going to the breather box. The thicker of the pipes (which splits into two behind the plenum) should be very free flowing. The smaller pipe has a nozzle with a small hole on the breather box so there'll be some restriction.

It's probably worth pulling the small pipe off the breather box and poking a small drill bit or similar into the nozzle to make sure it's clear. If wither of them remain blocked then you should be able to clear it by squirting in some carb cleaner and poking the holes clear.

There is some more information on removing that breather box here: http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90653.0. As you can see, there's not much in it, so chances are any blockages are at the nozzles and easily cleaned out in-situ.

[Kevin Wood]

By the way, when you say you resealed one rocker box, do you mean you didn't do both and the other is now leaking?

If so, the breather may not be at fault. The rubber seals harden given time and if the faulty bank is still on the original seal, I would change it, TBH. No harm in making sure the breathers ar up to scratch while you're at it, though.

[GaryBC]

Last time I only resealed the bank that was leaking - the other one (the one that's leaking now) I didn't disturb. (If it ain't broke.....!)

I used the "How To" guide here to clean out the breather system so am confident that all the big bits on top of the engine are clear (I can't imagine they'll bung up again that quickly). It is the bit at the back of the crankcase I could only poke and scrape at in situ with difficulty - and am not convinced I was able to clear (but have no way of knowing).

But as Kevin says, it could well be the breathers are clear but it was just a leak waiting to happen!

It is the right hand bank (looking forward) that needs doing this time. Maybe with it all off I'll have a bit better access to the back of the crankcase and can have another go at the little box. (I wish there was a better way of naming it!!)

[Kevin Wood]

Yep, once the 1,3,5 cam cover is off you'll be able to see what you're doing better. I'd be surprised if you have to do more than just poke the two nozzles to make sure they are clear, though.

[Darth Loo-knee]

Last time I only resealed the bank that was leaking - the other one (the one that's leaking now) I didn't disturb. (If it ain't broke.....!)

I used the "How To" guide here to clean out the breather system so am confident that all the big bits on top of the engine are clear (I can't imagine they'll bung up again that quickly). It is the bit at the back of the crankcase I could only poke and scrape at in situ with difficulty - and am not convinced I was able to clear (but have no way of knowing).

But as Kevin says, it could well be the breathers are clear but it was just a leak waiting to happen!

It is the right hand bank (looking forward) that needs doing this time. Maybe with it all off I'll have a bit better access to the back of the crankcase and can have another go at the little box. (I wish there was a better way of naming it!!)

I understand what you mean, but, usually when a 1998 3:0 head gasket goes it leaks at the rear of the passenger side head and not the drivers side at all.... But when you remove them both the gaskets are virtually none existant. Would it have been better to just do the side which was leaking? They were probably the genuine gaskets both effected by the lack of anti freeze....

Same for the cam cover gaskets in my opinion... Both been in the same heat conditions etc ........ Do both at the same time save doing the job again.

Just my opinion :X
 

[GaryBC]

Normally I would have done both at the same time but I was short of dosh at the time and took a punt! Hey ho!

At least I know how to do the job now!

[GaryBC]

Yep, once the 1,3,5 cam cover is off you'll be able to see what you're doing better. I'd be surprised if you have to do more than just poke the two nozzles to make sure they are clear, though.

Any idea what size the pinhole is? Would 22 s.w.g. wire go through it?

[Darth Loo-knee]

the hole i am sure is a sixteenth of an inch.

[GaryBC]

the hole i am sure is a sixteenth of an inch.

Ta for that. Gives me a guide on what I can expect to be able to poke down it.

[feeutfo]

Suspect all that needs doing is blow down the breather pipes as described, note that its clear probaby, may not be though, then fit  new cam cover gakets to 135 bank.

I used a paper clip on my breather box which was blocked. But as it turned out i didnt need to remove it, just needed to be more force full pushing the hole through. The oil film had sealed over the hole internally and gone hard/crispy. Broke that away and job done. Worth changing the oil after clearing the box though. 

[GaryBC]

Suspect all that needs doing is blow down the breather pipes as described, note that its clear probaby, may not be though, then fit  new cam cover gakets to 135 bank.

I used a paper clip on my breather box which was blocked. But as it turned out i didnt need to remove it, just needed to be more force full pushing the hole through. The oil film had sealed over the hole internally and gone hard/crispy. Broke that away and job done. Worth changing the oil after clearing the box though. 

Now I know roughly what size the hole is I know what I can ram down it!

Just one quick final question. When I did 246 bank I re-used all the manifold seals as they were all ok. Reading the "How To" this would appear to be fairly common. I've had a quote from AndyC and if I can do the same again it'll save me £50-£60.
If anyone's done loads of these, how often do they find these seals damaged?

Thanks everyone!
Gaz

[Kevin Wood]

The seals on the intake (plenum to manifold and manifold to flange) can pretty much always be re-used so I wouldn't bother buying them, personally..

[feeutfo]

Suspect all that needs doing is blow down the breather pipes as described, note that its clear probaby, may not be though, then fit  new cam cover gakets to 135 bank.

I used a paper clip on my breather box which was blocked. But as it turned out i didnt need to remove it, just needed to be more force full pushing the hole through. The oil film had sealed over the hole internally and gone hard/crispy. Broke that away and job done. Worth changing the oil after clearing the box though. 

Now I know roughly what size the hole is I know what I can ram down it!

Just one quick final question. When I did 246 bank I re-used all the manifold seals as they were all ok. Reading the "How To" this would appear to be fairly common. I've had a quote from AndyC and if I can do the same again it'll save me £50-£60.
If anyone's done loads of these, how often do they find these seals damaged?

Thanks everyone!
Gaz

only ever seen 1 damaged. They'll be fine unless your very unlucky.

[albitz]

If you havent cleaned your breathers since you changed the other gasket last year,your breathers will need doing again.A minimum of once a year imo.