Soap: work, signs of wear and price

Also known as an oil separator, the breather plays an important role in reducing the oil pressure in the engine. In particular, it protects certain mechanical parts from high temperatures as well as corrosion over time.

💧 How does the breather work?

Breather will allow relief of excess oil pressure inside the motor housing. Indeed, when the oil is heated to a very high temperature, it will give off vapors that create pressure in many mechanical elements of the engine system, such as crankshaft pulley.

This is when the breather comes into play using scheme which allows you to bring these vapors of oil to intake manifold... They pass through the intake valves and then reach the engine. Depending on the model of the oil separator, we can observe the presence of a filter or sump.

If it is a filter, it will filter the vapors as they pass, and if it is a decanter, it will convert some of the gases into oil, their natural form. In the second case oil is transferred to carter without going through the intake system.

Even if the breather helps preserve many of the mechanical parts, it can still clog the engine at the intake and valves. This is why the ventilation system will operate with a breather to optimize gas circulation.

🔍 Where is the oil breather?

The oil breather is integrated directly into the intake manifold your engine. It sits between this and the top buttock... These two parts are connected to each other by a hinge.

The breather tube then runs from the top of the cylinder head to vehicle air box then ends with a hose. Gasoline or diesel engine in your car, the location of the breather will be the same.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of respite wear?

If your breathing apparatus begins to lose its effectiveness, symptoms will be very mild and then worsen over time. Thus, if he lets go, you may encounter the following situations:

• Failure turbo your car : it will not give your car as much power as it used to and may whistle when you are on the move. Thus, your car will lose power.
• Excessive engine oil consumption : If the breather circuit is damaged and the seals no longer fulfill their function, a significant spillage of engine oil will occur. Hence, it will cause your engine to consume this fluid excessively.
• Mayonnaise in the filter system : This means that the breather is completely blocked due to condensation of oil vapor.

As soon as any of these signs appear, will need to intervene quickly to prevent damage to other parts due to a defective breather.

Indeed, it can have a significant impact on your engine and intake system. If you wait too long before calling a technician, other parts may be damaged and this will significantly increase your garage bill.

👨‍🔧 Why does oil come out of the breather?

As we explained earlier, the breather allows recycle and burn oil vapors, avoid too high a pressure in the cylinder block and ventilate the crankcase. Thus, when oil vapors condense, it is possible for oil residues to drip down the wall of the breather.

However, they must be in very low amount... If you notice a lot of oil coming out of the breather, it could mean cracked chain or damaged seals who have lost their seal. In the second case, it is necessary that your breather is checked by a professional in an auto mechanic workshop.

💰 How much does it cost to replace a breather?

An oil breather is an inexpensive part: it is sold between 30 € and 60 € depending on the model and type of your vehicle. In many cases, it is often necessary just change the hose breather, not the part itself.

In terms of labor, this type of intervention requires 2 to 3 hours of work depending on the state of your engine system. Therefore, on average, it will be necessary to calculate between 150 € and 300 € for breather replacement, spare parts and work as a set.

The breather is an important part to allow proper ventilation of the components related to your engine. Recycling and combustion of oil vapors is necessary to extend the life of many of the engine's mechanical parts, which are often subjected to stress.