Author Topic: Breather pipe and TB full of crud (Read 2384 times)

anisotropy · « **on:** December 24, 2007, 10:41:04 AM »

Looking to cure a slight idling fault I recently pulled the pipe between the TB and #17 here http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF92&mospid=47256&btnr=11_0560&hg=11&fg=35
It was full of mayo/mustard/earwax type crap obviously from oil and water mixing. I removed the TB and found more of the stuff so removed the intake manifold and had a better look around. The breather pipe has lots of gunk in it but in hose #17 I can see water if I squeeze it - I see there is a coolant channel running through here -could I have a slight coolant leak in this pipe?? Any ideas -these pipes seem to be no end of trouble. I did bypass the heater plate about six or eight months ago and looking at it now with a little more experience working on cars I did the jubilee clips up a bit tight -other than that I can't see any problems. Might just remove the inner manifold too and replace everything I can find.:confused: But I don't really want to spend Christmas messing about with M42 vaccuum and coolant hoses:rolleyes:
Thanks for any help guys.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2007, 03:39:04 PM »

I believe that that is one of the 4-way pipes. Assuming that this is true, the pipe that goes straight through the rubber pipe is actually aluminum and is u-shaped. Of course, you probably noticed this when it was apart. i doubt this is leaking. The rubber part of the pipe is part of the crankcase/cam vent system. A good deal of oil mist will run through that pipe and be recirculated and burned up in the engine. My guess is that the car got a bit of water in the intake somehow and it drained into that vent. The vent doesn't really have much pressure, as it is under vacuum from the engine sucking in air, so it would be pretty easy for it to ingest air. I'd clean it out and hook it back up and check it in a month or so to see if it is clogged again.

anisotropy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2007, 05:38:47 PM »

Thanks -that sounds likely, will do that and keep an eye on it.

anisotropy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2008, 11:54:27 AM »

okay a month or so later bad news! Breather is again full of crud. I'm a bit worried about this -water is getting in there from somewhere, worst case scenario its from the cylinders. I checked for mayo. Tiny amount on dipstick and cap -but what I'd usually expect anyway from opening them in this damp climate, none found in coolant. Going on a hose replacing frenzy in the meantime. Any ideas?