35d: adding crankcase breather oil separator

[AlpineD]

I think ecs offered a kit but im not sure if its particular for the x5

[daytonatrbo]

Seattle, have you resolved the issue you had with the filter media saturating and not working correctly?

[seattle]

It is actually working correctly. I insinuated it may not be based on popping off post-Ingercooler charge pipe at throttle body and seeing oil or/and soot in the pipe and in throttle body.

However, when I popped the tube returning from ProVent into turbo intake, I found it completely dry and clean. Before, lots of oil would be returned in there from CCV. So, ProVent is doing an excellent job.
The oil/soot in the intercooler pipe are likely from turbo seals. A lot less of this stuff in the pipe than before.

[daytonatrbo]

Glad to hear!!

I assume, given the function and location of the intercooler, it's possible that there is a relatively large quantity of oil trapped in it. Even with no addition of oil from the turbos you may continue to see it in the intake.

[seattle]

Originally Posted by daytonatrbo

Glad to hear!!

I assume, given the function and location of the intercooler, it's possible that there is a relatively large quantity of oil trapped in it. Even with no addition of oil from the turbos you may continue to see it in the intake.

The intercooler and both pipes were soaked and washed, intercooler properly drained, of course. So, that oil/soot is new I think.

[seattle]

Thought I would mention something related to ProVent behavior after starting and taking for a spin my newly EGR/DPF/SCR deleted X5D.

Before deleting, I was running ProVent since January 2017. It looked to be doing its job separating oil from blowby - the return hose was always clear and free of oil.

In January-February of this year, I did a big project:
1. Replaced both turbos, suspected as culprit of severe oil leaks.
2. Deleted and tuned out: EGR, DPF, SCR.
3. Added a "normal" diesel cat (DOC).
4. Cleaned intercooler, pipes, intake.

At the same time, modified my ProVent setup, as I feel it was not quite what was recommended in this thread.
1. Replaced my hoses that while oil resistant, were softer than shoud have been with these (sgrice post)
2. Made the 3 holes larger, to match size (on photos) as ZetaTre's recommendation. My 3 holes were a little smaller.

So, after taking the x5d for a spirited drive, observed fumes coming out off the top of ProVent relief valve while idling.
Removed filter element and with mirror, confirmed the side valve is stuck closed. So, due to higher sucking powers of the new turbo and tune, that valve got stuck closed - exactly what ZetaTre predicted happens when he tested!

On the other hand, I observed the spring of the valve is not able to retract it quick and all the way.

So, decided to not drill more holes and instead stretch the spring.
After stretching, the valve retracted much more readily and farther.

Put it all together, did more testing and haven't observed fumes coming out of top relief valve.

Question: what is the function of that side valve anyway? It seems that it does nothing good in our case.

The rubber boot around the valve introduces a lot of friction, making the spring work harder. By design?

[ZetaTre]

Originally Posted by seattle

Question: what is the function of that side valve anyway? It seems that it does nothing good in our case.

The rubber boot around the valve introduces a lot of friction, making the spring work harder. By design?

The valve is meant to avoid excessive vacuum to be pulled from the crankcase. High vacuum as well as pressure are both bad for the crank seals, more so vacuum because what would happen is dust getting pulled past the crank seals, damaging crank journals.

That's part of the reason why I left it there. In addition, from a practical perspective, the valve is also the seal of the exit cavity so if you remove it it would leak air.

Since I'm here: 90,000 miles on the ProVent setup and still working beautifully. The hoses from the Porsche tuner work beautifully

[DoubleA98391]

I know this is an old thread, but I am getting ready to do the same thing on my 2009 X5. I have a question about drilling holes in the Provent 200 valve. I can't figure out how to disassemble it to drill the holes.

I am also curious why a takeoff plate is needed. Someone else asked why but unfortunately didn't get a response.

[POBEP]

Reviving old thread for some additional input:

Kalifornia owners - any issues passing smog check (visual inspection) with Provent installed?
Can someone advise on provent valve holes diameter for the stock (non-tuned) car?
Any tips for removing / re-installing dipstick guide tube (specifically lower bolt)?
Should I use worm clamps to secure vacuum hose extension?
Should I use clamps to secure 1/2" oil drain tube (T / 90-degree / valve)?
Any recommendation for the CCV plate pentagon bolts torque specs?

[POBEP]

Huge thanks to ZetaTre and sgrice for the guide, pictures and parts.

I got base parts manufactured and positioned (no piping yet).
Spent too much time time removing 3" vacuum link.

Any advise how to remove lower dipstick bolt?
I can not reach it from the top.
Also, there is AD piping near lower dipstick mounting section.