CCV question

[afstud]

Greetings All, Let me just start out by saying Im not new to the CCV system since ive replaced a few already and ive owned E46s E39s etc. but im a little stumped. So my E53 M54 engine is at about 197k miles, but the CCV replacment history is unknown. Ive been having random start ups of slight blue/white smoke, it doesnt last more than a second on start up. but it doesnt happen all the time, maybe every other or 3rd start. but it just started happening when it was Super cold last week. I presume the CCV is clogged or going to hell. I already ordered a new system with every washer etc and even a new Dipstick tube. Ive also noticed black soot on the back of the car which is probably coming from the exhaust. this also leads me to believe that its the CCV being clogged. Car runs and drives perfect. just need a second opinion.

[afstud]

Also, While the engine is running, i tried pulling the oil cap off and it had almost no vacuum, same with the dip stick tube, it didn't change anything or have any excessive pressure.

[c-bass]

Having recently gone a couple rounds with the CCV system on an M54 myself I'll say this much. The cold can play a significant role in how the CCV behaves from one day to the next.

As soon as it started getting down to freezing temps the build up of the mayo on the bottom of the oil cap was thick and this was on a CCV system I replaced less than 5000km ago.

I'm sure you are aware, but just in case...a quick test is to take the oil cap off when the engine is running and if you feel a vacuum then you can pretty much bet money your CCV system is shot.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by afstud

Also, While the engine is running, i tried pulling the oil cap off and it had almost no vacuum, same with the dip stick tube, it didn't change anything or have any excessive pressure.

ha! Got distracted before I was able to finish my post and you snuck in there

Even if it passes the quick oil cap test you can still be having issues with the CCV.

I had an X3 that ran mostly fine until you stomped on the gas pedal and it released a cloud of white smoke so thick it would put spy hunter to shame

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by afstud

Greetings All, Let me just start out by saying Im not new to the CCV system since ive replaced a few already and ive owned E46s E39s etc. but im a little stumped. So my E53 M54 engine is at about 197k miles, but the CCV replacment history is unknown. Ive been having random start ups of slight blue/white smoke, it doesnt last more than a second on start up. but it doesnt happen all the time, maybe every other or 3rd start. but it just started happening when it was Super cold last week. I presume the CCV is clogged or going to hell. I already ordered a new system with every washer etc and even a new Dipstick tube. Ive also noticed black soot on the back of the car which is probably coming from the exhaust. this also leads me to believe that its the CCV being clogged. Car runs and drives perfect. just need a second opinion.

With that kind of mileage, you could have worn valve guides. What weight oil are you using?

[richardb]

The CCV oil cap test on an M54: https://youtu.be/vODpt5b2DsM

[ahlem]

If you pull the hose off the CCV to the dipstick tube and apply a low pressure air shot to it, with the dipstick partially lifted, is it blocked there? You can attach a length of extra vinyl hose so you don’t have to stand on your head the whole time. If it’s clogged and breaks free, you can do the Seafoam down that tube and oil change to see if you solved your problem.

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by ahlem

If you pull the hose off the CCV to the dipstick tube and apply a low pressure air shot to it, with the dipstick partially lifted, is it blocked there? You can attach a length of extra vinyl hose so you don’t have to stand on your head the whole time. If it’s clogged and breaks free, you can do the Seafoam down that tube and oil change to see if you solved your problem.

I did this a couple weeks ago

I also took the CCV hose off the valve cover and shot air and brake fluid cleaner down there.

Only do this with the dipstick return hose off. For me all kind of gross mayo stuff shot out the bottom of the turbine, you don't want that crap going further down the line and clogging up your dipstick.

[afstud]

I do occasionally have the puffs of white/light blueish hue of smoke if I take it up to 4K rpm OR on a very random start up, but it’s not happening all the time, more like once every other day, though I’m pretty sure my ccv is past it’s expiration and most likely the original, since everything else was when I replaced it. Soooo it’ll be replaced this Saturday along with my rear subframe bushings, I am also fitting a new dipstick tube and Of course.... a new Dipstick,

The oil cap doesn’t have any suction, but I’ve seen the common light peanut buttery substance under the cap, however no coolant loss at all. I also drive 30 minutes to and from work.

Guess I’ll find out Saturday
I think I know the result.


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