Is it really needed? I ask because some early mk2's had a style cover without a breather as did 8v 6n engine covers. I want a cast rocker cover but would prefer for looks to not have the breather pipe on it.

I had read (from another forum asking this question) that pressure may build up without it and force out the engine oil seals and gaskets, however i'm sure so many engines didnt have breather systems in place?

Can anyone please clarify for me please?

Cheers, John

When my old hose disintegrated I stuck the breather into a coke can whilst looking for a replacement, did about 500 miles in that time and the can stayed completely empty. Doesn't seem like it should be an issue, but I'm not 100% sure.

yeah it is, over time pressure will build up in the engine and leaks will appear, the mk2 only had 1 oil seperator on the back and it was found to be to slow to do the job effiecintly, thats why the mk2f has 2 and a rocker breather.

even then its not perfect but it works

ok so then I guess I'm keeping the breather, may as well stick a non gay looking filter on if i can or maybe a catch can..mine just has a bit of old garden hose on it leading down the back of the bay. I dont even know where they are supposed to go. should there be another breather at the block??

The reason that they put the engine breathers into the induction system these days, rather than simply vent 'em to atmosphere, as in times past, is twofold:

(1) It creates a small (very small) depression, so encourages air flow through the crank case, helping to prevent condensation.

(2) It complies with legislation that says, 'Thou shalt not deliberately deposit oil on the road surface'.

Regards

The reason that they put the engine breathers into the induction system these days, rather than simply vent 'em to atmosphere, as in times past, is twofold:

(1) It creates a small (very small) depression, so encourages air flow through the crank case, helping to prevent condensation.

(2) It complies with legislation that says, 'Thou shalt not deliberately deposit oil on the road surface'.

Regards

Good info there caretaker, I'm asking the company to tap or weld a breather now

You can use a metal tyre valve instead of tapping or welding.

You can use a metal tyre valve instead of tapping or welding.

How would I go about doing that?

Drill a hole in the cam cover the same width as the valve and fit this:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201384383625&alt=web

Brilliant mate thanks for that!

Remember to remove the valve core from the centre so that the air can pass through freely.

i have a valve core remover somehwere, was a tyre fitter many moons ago :)