The East Anglian kit Car Club

Can anybody help please - My crankcase breathes via a modified PCV valve, where the valve is replaced with a short length of pipe. The pipe has a flexable hose which connects higher up to a catch tank with a filter at the top so it can breathe. I started to notice that oil was making its way to the filter and then dripping oil below onto the outside of the tank to start with (Tank 1/4 full). Just recently, after a trip out, i get home and find that oil is dripping from underneath the car. Lifted the bonnet, only to find oil absolutely everywhere around the catch tank area. Checked the oil level of the engine and found the level to be at the minimum marker. (Have not checked catch tank level yet) Do i have a problem, or is that i need to fit a PCV valve in line with the catch tank instead of just a piece of pipe. (This set up was on the engine when i bought the vehicle)

This concerns me, as i didn't seem to have this problem a while back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thank you.

I had an identical problem with my XT running a zetec 1.8...it turned out that the breather filters were in need of cleaning. Mine came with a filter fitted to the top and crank case breathers.

It had been running perfectly untill one trip it spat oil out of the crank case breather all over the engine bay...took the filters of cleaned them and haven't had a problem since!

Hope this helps Steve

Hi Numb Nuts,  Thanks for the Info. Now you mention the filter being blocked, i guess that what might be happening is that the catch tank might be becoming pressurised and then forcing the oil out through the filter at the top of the catch tank when it has enough pressure to do so. I shall check the filter. What do you suggest cleaning it with? I don't have an air compressor, so i can't give it a blast with an air gun, Do i need air filter cleaner fluid, or can i use something else?

Would it hurt to still go ahead with a PCV valve for it, as i was wondering if the oil was also surging into the pipe when i corner hard to the left, as there is nothing to block it.

Thanks again for your help......

Evening

I used the K&N cleaning solution I use for my bike air filter...but I suppose any good degreasing solution should work, just be aware that some can damage the filter element. I have used washing up liquid in the past with no ill effects.

I suppose these little filters need regular cleaning as they must clog quickly considering they are breathing oily air! I am making the point of doing my filters every month now, its only a ten minute job.

Cheers Steve

I have used a degreasing solutuon as suggested (Gunk) seems to have cleaned it out ok and no damage to the filter. I have purchased a PVC valve, which i have fitted in line with the rubber hose, seems to work ok (No mess so far).  Thanks for the advice Steve, much appreciated.  - Grant