[Speedracer350]

Hey all,

I changed out my starter and when buttoning her back up, I apparently broke one of the vent hoses to the oil separator in the process. I realized this when I started it and it idled super rough, and a saw a little bit ok smoke from where oil was hitting the hot engine. I am assuming that this entire thing is under vacuum and that this broken hose is causing a major leak. I am going to replace it, along with all the other ones while I am back in there. I just wanted to confirm that the whole thing is under vacuum...

Assuming it is, are all three hoses under vacuum? There is one from the valve cover breather side, one from the bottom of the intake manifold, and one that returns to the oil pan. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks

Joseph

[Clifton]

If you've broken any of the hoses that are part of the oil separator, you've introduced a vacuum leak and will need to replace. Just like trying to run your car without an oil cap.

In addition to blue smoke and a rough running motor, if you don't correct you may end up with a check engine light (CEL) along with other potential issues.

[Speedracer350]

Thanks for the reply! So just so I understand how this thing functions, the hose from the manifold creates a vacuum inside the separator, which pulls air/oil vapor from the valve cover vent. Magic happens inside and the air is returned via the small line to the tank, leaving the oil to drain down to the pan. Am I correct?

[Clifton]

Originally Posted by Speedracer350

Thanks for the reply! So just so I understand how this thing functions, the hose from the manifold creates a vacuum inside the separator, which pulls air/oil vapor from the valve cover vent. Magic happens inside and the air is returned via the small line to the tank, leaving the oil to drain down to the pan. Am I correct?

In a nut shell, yes. Oil vapor is drawn into the separator from the valve cover down pipe (looks like a snorkel on some BMWs). The separator condenses the vapor and oil is sent back to the pan and the air pulled into the intake manifold.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by Clifton

In a nut shell, yes. Oil vapor is drawn into the separator from the valve cover down pipe (looks like a snorkel on some BMWs). The separator condenses the vapor and oil is sent back to the pan and the air pulled into the intake manifold.

Like a factory catch can?

Anyone have a photo of this?

[Clifton]

Originally Posted by roundle

Like a factory catch can?

Anyone have a photo of this?

Yes, very similar. Not from an N52, but a good pic I found (not mine) that illustrates how what goes where.

[samchoi604]

Another picture:

[roundle]

Originally Posted by Clifton

Yes, very similar. Not from an N52, but a good pic I found (not mine) that illustrates how what goes where.

Genius. Thanks.