What is this part on the 240D?
 

I have the engine FSM but was not able to find any reference to it. What does it do? Is a serviceable item and how? I am guessing some kind of breather/filter?

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...072107_001.jpg

Looks like the oil separator.
 

From the connections, it looks like the oil separator. I don't have a 240, so I am not 100% sure.

Looks like the Crud Adsorption Device..

I dont have one of those on my 240

I think they were '82 and '83 only, but don't quote me on that.....

Yup, it's the oil separator.

EEEEEeeewwwww.....

hey, does a '79 240 have the drain connections for one?

Sounds like something on a Klingon ship but not on a 240D.:D

Yep, but it keeps getting clogged up with Qagh!!!!!

That one is actually clean. The reason it looks ratty is that they are covered with foam , presumably to cool the oil and get it to precipitate and head back down to the oil pan. No, there isn't a provision to easily mount one on an earlier 240D, nor a VW Rabbit although I am going to give it a crack.

I bought a Ca, "82" 240D last month and it has that oil seperator on it. There is nothing in the owners manual about serviceing it. I thought it was a "Ca" thing as I have another "82" that does not have it so I would like to know about these also.:)

Mid/late 81, 82 and 83 240D's have it.

My 83 Federal has it and was wondering what it was. Guess that answers that

More info please
 

Mine looks about like that, and is the only thing that leaks on my engine. A slow drip that runs down the tube and gets on the oil pan.

What is the purpose of it (I read the what, what is the why?) and how/why is it leaking? Can you take it apart? Does it have o-rings or something to service?

Thanks!

I don't really think you can take it apart, at least I, for one, have never done it. It serves to separate oil mist out of the blowby , cool it , and return a portion of it to the oil pan. There is a similar lashup in the middle of the turbodiesel air cleaner assembly. If yours leaks from its base, you might consider removing the downtube and making sure it isn't blocked. Also, renew any o-rings you find on the end or on the downtube.

Rick