CCV Hose leading to Oil Pan Return Tube???!??!?!??
 

I'm in the process of changing my CCV on my 2002 4.4i. I see there is an extra nipple on the elbow of the CCV facing towards the front of the engine. It looks as though it routes under the intake manifold.

Does this hook up to the oil return pipe leading the oil pan? If so, why do they have two oil return pipes....One leading from the bottom of the oil separator and another leading from the CCV nipple. This make no sense to me...

Anyone?:dunno:

???? anyone at all?

Have a look here:
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog
There is a connection between CCV and return pipe and another connection between the same return pipe and oil separator. If you live in a cold region it's a good idea to unscrew bolt 15 and clear return pipe (of course you have to drain oil first) cause it likes to freeze during winter.

What happens when that line freezes? Does it cause oil to be pumped up into intake? THANKS for replying btw!!!

Yep, oil will be pumped into the intake and high oil pressure may blow gaskets. I had this situation last winter. In autumn I've replaced oil separator and CCV but I wasn't aware of this pipe. When it was cold return pipe frozen and I had a lot of oil in the intake, even spark plugs were in oil so I had also problems with misfires. After that issue valve covers started leaking so I had to replace the gaskets. To clear return pipe you don't have to remove it completely, you can just unscrew it from oil pan and flush it with extraction gasoline, petroleum or something like that.

If that line freezes.....where does the oil come from hat gets in to the intake? The smaller line coming from the oil pan?

Yes, I guess it's going thru the smaller pipe of part 14.

You've been a huge help!! Much appreciated!:thumbs:

:thumbup: