Hey again, Everyone...

I've got my valve cover off (1978 280ce) for a valve clearance check, and have discovered a cracked part, which appears to be some sort of crankcase ventilation / drainage / check-valve component. Can anyone help identify this, and offer advice on its function?

It's not even shown in my MBZ engine/chassis/unit catalog, so I'm at a loss.

Thanks in advance (again)..

-greg

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Filmmaker, Dad, Citizen of the World in Asheville, NC
=== current vintage stable ===
'73 VW Thing, '09 BMW 328i Convertible, '07 Honda Ridgeline, '94 Chevy Step Van

Looks like a vacuum line. Under the intake manifold there are many, but it is almost impossible to tell what it should be connected to from the picture.

On my 280slc there is a vacuum line that goes from the throttle body (close-ish from where yours is) to the other side of the engine compartment, under the water reservoir.

Do you have the workshop manual for the engine?

EDIT: Forget that. You are referring to the black vertical tube? If so, that's the positive crank case ventilation system.

It's sort of a "blow by" tube which is connected to the EGR system. When the EGR is opened a sliding piston opens on the intake manifold and pulls any vapors into the intake to be burned.

PITA to replace. The "easiest" way is to pull the intake manifold. It makes a slobbering mess when it cracks all the way though.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Makes sense... Maybe I should hold off on re-activating my EGR system (air pump is seized and long-disconnected) until I address this issue, first. Need to get the car ready for it's San Francisco to Chicago & back trip starting on Sept 23rd! The gunk around it / below it seems like it's been there a long time, probably around when the previous owner disconnected the air pump.

Thank you!

-greg

__________________
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filmmaker, Dad, Citizen of the World in Asheville, NC
=== current vintage stable ===
'73 VW Thing, '09 BMW 328i Convertible, '07 Honda Ridgeline, '94 Chevy Step Van