Help...What is that thing?
 

First off, let me just say that I suck.

I set out to change the valve cover gasket this morning. Simple enough job. Did it once on a Mazda. Things were going smoothly until it came time to pull off that thing right behind the oil fill cap. A black plastic fitting with a plastic tube leading into it. What is that thing called? It's not a PCV valve, is it? In any case, it broke. The little plastic elbow broke, right where it enters the valve cover. Notice I say "It broke," as if it broke itself and I had nothing to do with it.

I need to know what it is so that I can find a replacement--already checked the engine diagram in a detailed catalog, not shown...checked owner's manual on the off chance, not shown of course...searched these forums, no luck.

What is that thing? Oh, and by the way, how is it SUPPOSED to come off?

Ang

PS I suck.

does the tube go to the air cleaner?

Yes, indirectly (it leads to a bigass flexible tube that leads to--or maybe from?--the air cleaner).

Here is your hose with a new plastic elbow attached.

Not sure if you can purchase just the fitting. Check with Phil about that.

Thank you!

Don't forget the grommet if you need one!

-Jim

Nope. Actually if you sucked, you wouldn't have your car type under your forum name and/or in your signature.
You just sometimes break things you touch. Welcome to the club......:D

There is an upgraded version available that is in one piece.
Less likely to break and looks better to, see link.

http://www.**************.com/store/item.php?item=Turbo Diesel Breather Upgrade
$22.95

http://www.**************.com/
Click online catalogue, then scroll down to w123
chassis then click diesel engine.
It is on the last page.

Louis.

The upgraded tube is only for the 617.

He doesn't have that engine.

BTW, I didn't find those 617 hoses to be very durable. They are very soft rubber and they tend to crack, especially when hot. They also tend to leak around the vent connection more than the original hose. After a couple of the "upgraded" hoses, I went back to the original.

I'm beginning to agree with you. When I purchased the "upgraded" version last year after finishing the head, I thought it was the best thing going. One single tube that has a clean look. But, it's definitely leaking around the valve cover and needs a firm hose clamp at that location to prevent the leak. If it cracks, it's going to splatter oil all over the engine. We'll see...........

I broke one by just bending it (carefully, I thought) out of the way to remove the air filter cover while it was hot. I also suspect they they are more restrictive, especially if they push against the hood pad, I found my dipstick pushed up a little a couple of times.