Crank case Valve

kingsgate

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Okay, so I've established where my mystery vacuum pipe goes but this morning managed to find out that at no time at any rev setting is vacuum present on that pipe at the pressure regulator. I dug into the underside of my intake manifold and got the ICV out, it's been cleaned by someone and the grommet (?) that it fits into looks quite new, I also managed to see where the CCV is....oh heck how do I get that out? As the vacuum pipe going between the pressure regulator and the CCV has no vacuum or pressure on it I can only assume it's no longer connected to the CCV or it's split or the CCV is duff. Obviously I have to get in there to find out but is the CCV accessible without taking the inlet manifold off or is that the easiest way in? Should the ICV make a loud buzzing noise when ignition is on?
 

GazHyde

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I know @Lee & @zedonist have been doing some research on the CCV for my 2.2 engine. Perhaps they will jump in and comment when they see this ;)
 

Brian4

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zedonist

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From what I understand, it is quite common for this system to block up all the way down to the dipstick tube which is the return for the oil. Unfortunately you do need to strip the top of the engine externals to get to it all. That said its worth doing and there is an upgrade CCV available dubbed the winter version, which when fitted and the system cleaned through reduce the oil usage issue.
 

Brian4

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The upgrade is the pipe from the cam cover to the CCV is covered in insulation. I managed to do this to mine as I had access to self adhesive insulating foam which I wrapped around the original pipe after it was cleaned out. And yes there was loads in that pipe and the one to the sump.
 

t-tony

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The upgrade is the pipe from the cam cover to the CCV is covered in insulation
This was the modification Rover cars applied to the 1.6 and 2.0 engines in the Maestro and Montego as their breather hoses passed down the front of the engine block and condensed the oil vapour inside them and clogged them up.

Tony.
 

tower

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just finished doing this . ccv was clogged as was inlet and sump pipes,latter badly clogged up.ended up replacing vacuum pipe due split,as well as the rubber boots either side of mass meter,also due splits. took ages to do as access is nightmare,but doable.
 
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zedonist

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just finished doing this . ccv was clogged as was inlet and sump pipes,latter badly clogged up.ended up replacing vacuum pipe due split,as well as the rubber boots either side of mass meter,also due splits. took ages to do as access is nightmare,but doable.
Have you noticed any improvements (oil usage)?
 

tower

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Have you noticed any improvements (oil usage)?
Yes subtlely,car seems to run smoother and is more responsive.also oil smell gone at idle too.has never used much oil and haven't done enough miles to properly comment on oil usage
 

kingsgate

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@kingsgate here are some videos about changing the ccv which I used when cleaning mine. The hose from the can cover was gunged up. Need to be careful with the clips, hairdryer to warm them up.

If the top hose is clogged the top of the cam cover is also likely to be grubby as well

http://blog.bavauto.com/8003/diy-video-replacing-the-bmw-m54-crankcase-ventilation-system/
Thanks for the links, I'm going to need a nice warm sunny day and a decent bottle of red for when the job is done.

This is a bit cheeky I know but is there anyone in the Bridgwater Somerset area that could show me theirs if I show you mine!.........Z3 I mean, under the bonnet, Z3 2.0 1999 RHD manual, it'd be interesting for me to see how a good one should be. I've not had a Z3 or BMW before, except motorbikes that is, I have a R1200RT at present.
 

Brian4

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Here's mine 'tis an M54 3.0 but very similar to the 2.0 M52 engine.

You can just see the cam cover breather pipe wrapped just above the oil filter cap.

 

Brian4

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nearly 90 k but try to keep it nice. only weekend and sits on the drive all day. The seals around the bonnets are pretty good so not much gets in. This one I haven't done any thing too only 30k though.

 

t-tony

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Looking very nice, I like the blue top especially. When I get saved enough for my top replacement it going to be green, so I hope the overall effect will look as good as yours.:)

Tony.
 
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