CCV Valve - Oil Separation Failure due to cold weather...anyone else?

[SlickGT1]

I agree, the only reason I suggest compressor water separator is because its meant to run under extreme PSI, does exactly what you guys would need, you can drain it, and is meant for heavy duty action.

[jgold47]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

I agree, the only reason I suggest compressor water separator is because its meant to run under extreme PSI, does exactly what you guys would need, you can drain it, and is meant for heavy duty action.

the problem would be to separate the moisture from the oil. On an air compressor, air and water can mix reasonably and then be separated. Oil and water cannot so simply. However, something tells me that there is something out there for marine applications that would effectively separate the two.

I think the moisture in the engine is unavoidable and I dont think thats the right way to address the problem unless there is a clean and clear way to get the moisture out of the oil without affecting pressure.

I think the right POV is to figure out how to avoid CCV failure, and I really like the catch can/pressure valve approach.

However, you would still have a partially clogged CCV at all times in the winter. Think of it like a heart, you may be able to bypass the blockage, but the blockage is still there.

Having said all that, I think there is a more holistic way to approach the CCV/sludge issue, having to do with driving habits, oil weights, additives, etc...

As I've said, I am the poster child for CCV issues, and I've never had a problem. The only thing I do different is that I run very short OCI's and use a season specific oil...

[davintosh]

Here's something interesting; I was poking around on the Schmiedmann website, and they list an Oil Catch Tank; it's not built specifically for the e53, but it looks as though it might work. And only $53 (but not currently in stock.) Looks like on the M54 it would splice into the hose between the valve cover and the CCV valve. There's a sight glass to monitor the level in the tank and a drain cap in the side.

Oil catch tank, collects oil and oil sludge from the crankcase ventilation - instead of sending it into the intake again.

An oil catch can is used in turbo applications, or high-performance race applications where excessive blow-by (leakage past the piston rings) of air and fuel vapor occurs. This creates a positive pressure in the crankcase. Engine manufactures have placed a valve on the engine block which releases this pressure. This valve is known as a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve. During engine operation, blow-by gases, as well as oil mist from the rotating components of the engine, pass through the PCV valve and are routed back into the intake for the engine to burn off. However, some of the oil mist and other products settle along the engine intake and over time form a "gunk." The oil catch can collects the oil mist and condenses the fuel vapors while allowing "cleaner" gases to be passed back into the intake. Typically the blow-by gasses are passed through a wire mesh, which give the vapor droplets something to adhere to. Since the oil catch cans condense the vapor portion of the gasses, they will need to be drained periodically of all the oil, fuel and other contaminants.