Crank case breather filter

[Phal]

Well... After my recent problems with my turbo dying ( this is a 4 month old recon turbo ) I was wondering why it had failed.

Had a read around and found that the 2.5 V6 TDI engine in my car is prone to getting a blocked crank case breather filter. This in turn lets pressure build up in the engine and puts extra pressure on oil circulating around the engine and then it ends up coming out of place it shouldnt :/

Someone mentioned that if you had a blocked crank case breather filter, removing the oil fill cap whilst the engine running would sound a little like opening a fizzy drinks bottle with the pressure escaping.

Now the only experience I have with crank case breathers is with diesel engines the size of small cars and transit vans :| Crank case breathers of those were just a pipe that went outside near the funnel on my ship.

How important is it to have a filter on this crank case vent? Until I can get the breather filter sorted ( which may be a while since I dont have the tools to do it myself and Ive just spent a lot of money getting other stuff fixed ) is there anything I can do to let the pressure out? Like leaving the oil cap loose or taking the dipstick out whilst its running or something? Really dont fancy forking out to get a new turbo fitted again >.< Last turbo I got on warranty from before but I still had to pay labour :|

 

[D4VE]

On my GTE16v i just fitted a hose leading down the side of the engine and blocked up the hose at the head.
Crank case pressure was a bit of an issue on that engine and could cause lurching when slowing down towards junctions etc.

This worked well. I imagine you could do the same, but better check with others first as Im not an expert

 

[Mike UK]

I just replaced the whole crank case breather system on my girlfriends lupo (pipes had split) i would say it definetly shouldnt be blocked if it was as easy as blocking them manufacturers wouldnt bother putting them on

Filters are cheap and easy to fit (will save your engine getting splattered in oil too)

 

[Phal]

I just replaced the whole crank case breather system on my girlfriends lupo (pipes had split) i would say it definetly shouldnt be blocked if it was as easy as blocking them manufacturers wouldnt bother putting them on

Filters are cheap and easy to fit (will save your engine getting splattered in oil too)

Thats the trouble, filters on this engine are not cheap and not easily changed :|

A whole load of stuff needs to be removed before youve got clean access to the module which houses the breather filter. This is also the same module that holds the oil filter.

The Audi dealer quoted me 1.5 hours labour just to inspect it :| so its not a quick job.

 

[D4VE]

I just replaced the whole crank case breather system on my girlfriends lupo (pipes had split) i would say it definetly shouldnt be blocked if it was as easy as blocking them manufacturers wouldnt bother putting them on

Filters are cheap and easy to fit (will save your engine getting splattered in oil too)

Its only the head end that I blocked, the block end was vented to air.
The original breather hose was there emissions purposes.
With it vented to air you have some unregulated emissions which technically, you will fail the MoT for.
I didnt fail it though.

However, the Audi system is newer and probably more complex, hence my original disclaimer!