Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: GaryBC on 06 August 2010, 13:31:07

Title: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: GaryBC on 06 August 2010, 13:31:07
Part of the cleaning regime recommended in the How To guide here calls for the 'Breather Box' to be taken off and cleaned out.

Looking under the bonnet this morning I can just about see the breather box but cannot see how it is attached >:(. This suggests to me that I'll have to work mainly by feel - which is ok, but I'd like to know what I'm feeling for first!

Or, is there some additional minor strip out that can make access much easier (I'll have the wiper scuttle off which may solve the problem - I dunno until I see.)

Cheers,
Gaz
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: Kevin Wood on 06 August 2010, 13:42:45
I wouldn't advocate removing it as it is difficult to access round the back of the engine and is rarely the cause of the problem IMHO. Blow down each pipe to the box and ensure they are clear, maybe poke through the hole in the smaller nozzle which is prone to blocking but no need to remove it IMHO.

Looking at the guide, though, I think he's referring to the plastic box on top of the plenum. This is easier to clear when removed. Not that you'll need the special O ring required to seal it to the plenum.

Kevin
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: andyc on 06 August 2010, 13:43:54
Once the scuttle is off and the plenium is removed you shouldn't have a problem getting to it.

Its held on with four small torx bolts, i used a 1/4 drive ratchet and long extension with something like and 8mm socket on the end.

Don't drop anything down the hold once its removed as you'll be taking the sump off to get the parts out

Dung all open hole with clean rags of kitchen paper so you don't lose anything.

You will also need the grey sealant that is used on the oil cooler plate to seal the breather box as there is no gasket as such

Oh might want a big flat blade screw drive to move the edge of the exhaust heat sheild to get to the outer bolts

Cheers
Andy 
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: GaryBC on 06 August 2010, 13:53:05
Quote
I wouldn't advocate removing it as it is difficult to access round the back of the engine and is rarely the cause of the problem IMHO. Blow down each pipe to the box and ensure they are clear, maybe poke through the hole in the smaller nozzle which is prone to blocking but no need to remove it IMHO.

Looking at the guide, though, I think he's referring to the plastic box on top of the plenum. This is easier to clear when removed. Not that you'll need the special O ring required to seal it to the plenum.

Kevin

Maybe this is me reading more into the guide than is actually written there (although the picture http://images.omegaowners.com/images/guides/v6_breathers/IMG_1186.jpg) looks to me as if it is lying on a rag rather than attached to an engine!!

But if cleaning it in situ works ok then that's what I'll do. I'm certainly not going to make work for myself!

Cheers,
Gaz
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: GaryBC on 06 August 2010, 13:59:30
Quote
Once the scuttle is off and the plenium is removed you shouldn't have a problem getting to it.

Its held on with four small torx bolts, i used a 1/4 drive ratchet and long extension with something like and 8mm socket on the end.

Don't drop anything down the hold once its removed as you'll be taking the sump off to get the parts out

Dung all open hole with clean rags of kitchen paper so you don't lose anything.

You will also need the grey sealant that is used on the oil cooler plate to seal the breather box as there is no gasket as such

Oh might want a big flat blade screw drive to move the edge of the exhaust heat sheild to get to the outer bolts

Cheers
Andy 

Ta for that. Will the black RTV do instead? (Having just bought a tube to do my rocker cover gaskets with!)

Does the heat shield just need easing out of the way then?

Thanks,
Gaz
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: Elite Pete on 06 August 2010, 14:01:58
Leave it where it is but if your using lots of carb cleaner it might be worth an oil and filter change ;)
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: GaryBC on 06 August 2010, 14:11:06
Looks like, to quote Blackadder, "opinion is divided" ;D ;D!!

I think what I'll do is blow down the tubes and, if it's clear, leave it.

If it's not I imagine it is far easier to remove it for cleaning than leave it in situ. Two reasons: better access, and no chance of contaminating the oil with carb cleaner.

Which just leaves the re-sealing question. Is it ok to use the black RTV?

Cheers,
Gaz
Title: Re: Breather cleaning detail
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 06 August 2010, 17:48:28
I went for the lashings of carb cleaner after I'd drained the oil, that way the carb cleaner gives the sump pan a bit of a clean out too.

The Y pipe may well be solid with gunge - so be prepared for that