Oil Coming out of Breather?

Kevin R.

New Member
Jun 3, 2004
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www.cardomain.com
I have noticed recently, along with my many other problems with the car (deer:nonono: ) that I had an oil leak.

After about a month of having no idea where it was coming from, I came to the conclusion that is was dripping off of my breather filter.

What would cause oil to come up and into that?

:shrug:

I know the "breather filter debate" has been ongoing. I don't have EGR so should I just cap it? Or keep the breather? I thought the filter might have just been worn and dead so I bought a new one and so far no oil coming out.

Uhh..i dunno. I wish I could sell this piece.
 
The crankcase ventillation (your breather) has nothing to do with the EGR. All cars need the crankcase ventillated - old stuff used breathers and modern emissions cars use PCV valves.

It can be normal for breathers to seep - it can indicate that some blowby is getting past the rings (if you recall all the PCV air/oil separator threads, you'll see you're not alone). A sealed breather vented to a separator or someplace remote can help keep the mess off the engine. Or closing the system again will contain it (although the mess will go back into the intake or into a separator).

Once the new breather's media gets saturated, it will likely start to leak again.

Whatever you do, don't cap the crankcase. Pressure will find the next least path of resistance, which is often the front and rear main seals. All motors need pressure equalization, which is what the breather/PCV allow.

Good luck Kevin.
 
Actually, I don't think the PCV has ever been changed or checked, which is something I was looking into before I went off to school. After that I never had time.

I am glad I am not the only one with the problem. I mean, it isn't "shooting" out. I do believe it is just being saturated and then beginning to drip.

95cobraguy - They are the stock valve covers.

And Kyle...I don't feel so bad about my drip now. :p

So it isn't really a 'problem' persay then?

Thanks,
Kevin
 
I didn't realize breathers and a PCV had been mixed (it's not a route I'd go). I agree that the breather could be overwhelmed if the mesh screen is clogged. If there's not a great reason or need for the breather, I might do away with it myself (PCV actively pulls acidic vapors out of the crankcase, whereas a breather just lets the stuff ooze out when pressure builds).

Good luck.
 
Generally one either uses breathers or one uses a closed PCV system. Generally we start out using a closed PCV system and if it can't keep up (big boost on stock bottom ends, etc) then the PCV is sometimes ditched in favor of breathers. Speaking for myself, if I can make a PCV set-up work, I do it (instead of using breathers).
 
Generally one either uses breathers or one uses a closed PCV system. Generally we start out using a closed PCV system and if it can't keep up (big boost on stock bottom ends, etc) then the PCV is sometimes ditched in favor of breathers. Speaking for myself, if I can make a PCV set-up work, I do it (instead of using breathers).

I have a similair problem and am undecided on how to fix it. Motor only has approx 5K (crate motor) trick flow intake,T-Rex pump, 42.5# inj. alumin. GT-40 heads, MSD, SLP exhaust blah blah blah, I recently installed a Paxton Novi 2000 SC running 15lbs, and after having the car dyno'd I'm getting ALOT of oil blowing out the dipstick now!!!!:mad: Checked and re-checked the PCV system and still can not Figure out what the heck is causing this!! There are no breathers or any type of ventilation in the valce covers right now, was thinking about cutting a hole in the valve cover and installing a breather but am affraid that may make a bigger mess. IE.. oil blowing out breather and leakin on the exhaust.
Any Ideas what I can do to correct this?
 
I was having the same issue, the oil was leaking down onto my headers, then burning off.. Very embarassing to be sitting in traffic with smoke coming out of the cowl in my hood :-X

Anyway, I got a JEG's oil separator, and that fixed it up perfect.
 
I have a similair problem and am undecided on how to fix it. Motor only has approx 5K (crate motor) trick flow intake,T-Rex pump, 42.5# inj. alumin. GT-40 heads, MSD, SLP exhaust blah blah blah, I recently installed a Paxton Novi 2000 SC running 15lbs, and after having the car dyno'd I'm getting ALOT of oil blowing out the dipstick now!!!!:mad: Checked and re-checked the PCV system and still can not Figure out what the heck is causing this!! There are no breathers or any type of ventilation in the valce covers right now, was thinking about cutting a hole in the valve cover and installing a breather but am affraid that may make a bigger mess. IE.. oil blowing out breather and leakin on the exhaust.
Any Ideas what I can do to correct this?

Most of my forced induction experience is with turbos and none were running over one bar. I have some educated guesses but I'm going to suggest hitting the Turbo stang site so you can get some ideas that are proven. :nice: If that doesn't work, then I can pee in the ring with my two cents from a theory and dynamic perspective.

Good luck with it - such a nice combo!