PCV valve question

[mpg]

This may be a silly question, but can I replace the PCV valve on my valve cover with a small breather filter?

[tylernt]

This may be a silly question, but can I replace the PCV valve on my valve cover with a small breather filter?

What kind of VW is this? Many diesels came with just a breather from the factory.

If it's a turbodiesel, you need an oil separator.

[stewardc]

Has anyone got a separator that looks better than that honkus on the valve cover?

[wyldman]

As long as the motor is in decent shape,the OEM system works quite well.The only time I would see the need for something extra is if your trying to keep a worn out engine running a little longer.

[LeeG]

your trying to keep a worn out engine running a little longer

Oh your talking to me!  What would you suggest?  I have seen various catch cans people have rigged up from popcans to custom billet.  Is there a way to get one to drain back to the sump?

[wyldman]

There are ways to make it drain back to the oil pan,but they are very involved,and not worth it.

Any good oil separator will work,or you can make one and use a catch can.Do a search,it's been discussed before.

[HarryMann]

The only time I would see the need for something extra is if your trying to keep a worn out engine running a little longer.

There are perhaps times with the 50 degree vanagon/Transporter install that the oil-separator might not be quite up to it - possibly around large UK roundabouts (long right hand bends), with the engine canted over same way as centrifugal force, a tad too much oil in the sump, and bingo - that AAZ cam cover protrusion is not as high as the original 'JX' ones, and I suspect there was reason for that - and the original JX camcover will not fit the AAZ easily (lip studs not 2 through-bolts)

[fspGTD]

The black plastic disc thing on top of the valve cover is a pressure regulator.  Its purpose is to avoid excessive vacuum from getting into the crankcase.  (This would otherwise only be possible if the air filter were to get very clogged up.)

The crankcase vent baffles are located inside the metal valve cover (just below where the pressure regulator sits.)

[wyldman]

You can install the older style rocker cover on a 1.9L.

The holes are drilled in the head,just not tapped.Tap them and install the correct studs.Get the better rubber style gasket,or drill your 1.9L gasket to fit (locations are sorted already marked on some gaskets).You will need to remove the old studs from the cam caps.

[stewardc]

The black plastic disc thing on top of the valve cover is a pressure regulator.  Its purpose is to avoid excessive vacuum from getting into the crankcase.  (This is otherwise only possibly if the air filter were to get very clogged up.)

Wow, how does it do that? I'm looking to replace the plastic part and hose with a nice braided stainless line, a billet catch can/ oil separator and another braided line to the intake tube. The intake tube will also be stainless or aluminum with nice blue silicon connectors.

[fspGTD]

I haven't had one apart, but would imagine like most other pressure regulators that it works with a spring, diaphgram, and valve.

A search revealed the following related threads:
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=219
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=430
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1086
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1490
http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1711

...plus a relevant hit from the old forum:
http://www.hostboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4037&t=138

[stewardc]

Good reading for some time. Thanks. The Mann unit looks like the ticket alright.

[dubCanuck1]

Do a search for oldman CCV. I think TDIparts.com sells a polished aluminum one.