SECTION 4.

40
CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM
NOTE: After cleaning, servicing or replacing any
component of the crankcase breather system, recheck
the crankcase pressure to verify that it is within
specification and that all system components are
functioning properly.

OIL SEPARATOR MAINTENANCE

Clean oil separator at each oil change. Use the following procedure.

FILTER ELEMENT REPLACEMENT F18 GL AND

H24 GL CLOSED BREATHER SYSTEM
NOTE: Replace the filter element every three months.
1. To replace filter element, pull up on latching mechanisms while holding oil separator bottom half (see
Figure 4.40-2).
TOP HALF

1. Disconnect breather plumbing from separator as

required. Release two latches on separator and
remove cover (see Figure 4.40-1).

LATCHING
MECHANISM
BOTTOM
HALF

Figure 4.40-2 Oil Separator

2. Remove oil separator bottom half and filter element

(see Figure 4.40-3).

O-RING

Figure 4.40-1 Breather Oil Separator

2. Pry screen from cover and remove foam.

3. Hand wash foam in detergent solution and wring
dry by hand.
4. Install foam in retaining screen.

FILTER
ELEMENT

Figure 4.40-3 Oil Separator Filter Element

FORM 6284 Third Edition

4.40-1

CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

NOTE: All F18GL and European H24GL engines use
replaceable filter element P/N 489604. Standard
H24GL engines use replaceable filter element P/N
489605.
3. Install new filter element into oil separator. Make
sure O-ring is installed and seated properly.
4. Install and "latch" bottom half of oil separator onto
top half.

CRANKCASE PRESSURE
CRANKCASE PRESSURE CHECK
NOTE: Measure crankcase pressure at least once
every 3 months (2160 hours).
Table 4.40-1 Crankcase Pressure Specifications
CRANKCASE
PRESSURE

ADJUSTMENT LIMITS

Open system

zero to +76 mm (+3.0 in.) H2O

Closed system

-76 mm (-3.0 in.) to zero H2O

INSTALL
MANOMETER

Figure 4.40-5 F18/H24 Previous Oil Separator Tube

NOTE: G, GL and Impco carburetor GLD engines use a baffle box

located on the side of the crankcase. Attach manometer to
port in baffle box.

1. Remove 1/4 inch NPT pipe plug and install manometer tube adapter (see Figure 4.40-4, Figure 4.40-5,
Figure 4.40-6 and Figure 4.40-7).
INSTALL
MANOMETER

Figure 4.40-6 F18/H24 Current Oil Separator Tube

INSTALL
MANOMETER

Figure 4.40-4 F18/H24GL/GLD Baffle Box

NOTE: GSID and GLD (Deltec carburetor) engines

do not contain a baffle box. Install the manometer onto
the upper or lower breather tube (depending on engine
model) located on the gear housing.

INSTALL
MANOMETER

Figure 4.40-7 L36/P48 Lower Oil Separator Tube

2. Install one end of water manometer onto tube connector and vent opposite end to atmosphere. Manometer line must not protrude beyond inner surface of
gauge support or an inaccurate reading may result
(see Figure 4.40-8).
4.40-2

FORM 6284 Third Edition

CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

SHUTOFF
VALVE

SHUTOFF
VALVE

the greater the vacuum. The greater the vacuum, the

higher the negative pressure in the crankcase.
Crankcase pressure is manually adjusted by turning
the ball valve (see Figure 4.40-9 and Figure 4.40-10).
1. Run engine at rated speed and load.

VENT

TO
CRANKCASE

2. Locate ball valve in breather ejector assembly (see

Figure 4.40-9 and Figure 4.40-10).

MANOMETER

Figure 4.40-8 Water Manometer

3. Measure crankcase pressure and perform all pressure adjustments while engine is operating at rated
speed and load. See Crankcase Pressure Adjustment in this section.
NOTE: Crankcase pressure can only be adjusted on
engines that contain either a breather ejector or a
previous model closed breather (contained butterfly
valve). Excessive pressure may be a result of improper
adjustment and may also be an indicator of excessive
blowby due to wear problems within a cylinder(s).

BALL VALVE

Figure 4.40-9 F18/H24 Ball Valve Assembly

4. Remove manometer line and tube connector.

Install pipe plug.
BREATHER EJECTOR ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Before starting a new or rebuilt engine, turn
the adjusting valve three quarters open. After starting
the engine, install a water manometer. Adjust valve if
crankcase pressure is outside limits (see
Table 4.40-2).
Table 4.40-2 Crankcase Pressure Specifications
CRANKCASE
PRESSURE

ADJUSTMENT LIMITS

Open system

zero to +76 mm (+3.0 in.) H2O

Closed system

-76 mm (-3.0 in.) to zero H2O

Crankcase Pressure Adjustment:

GL engines have an optional breather ejector system
with an adjusting valve.
The breather ejector assembly employs turbocharger
compressor discharge air to create a vacuum to pull
vapors out of the crankcase. The vapors are pulled
through the oil separator and discharged into the
atmosphere through the exhaust stack.

BALL VALVE

Figure 4.40-10 L36/P48 Ball Valve Assembly

3. Slowly open valve until recommended negative

crankcase pressure is obtained.
4. Remove engine load.
5. Measure crankcase pressure again. Readjust ball
valve if it is not within specification.
6. Retest at rated speed and load. If crankcase pressure is within specification, remove handle to prevent
inadvertently changing valve setting.

The amount of air forced through the breather ejector

controls the amount of vacuum drawn. The more air,

FORM 6284 Third Edition

4.40-3

CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

CLOSED BREATHER BUTTERFLY VALVE
ADJUSTMENT
1. Install water manometer to measure crankcase
pressure.

Table 4.40-3 Crankcase Pressure Specification

CRANKCASE
PRESSURE

ADJUSTMENT LIMITS

Closed system

-76 mm (-3.0 in.) to zero H2O

2. Run engine at rated speed and load.

4. Remove engine load.

NOTE: When adjusting valve lever is parallel with

breather tubing, valve is wide open. When the lever is
perpendicular with tube, valve is in full closed position
(see Figure 4.40-11 and Figure 4.40-12).

5. Measure crankcase pressure again. Adjust valve

as necessary.
CRANKCASE BREATHER REGULATOR
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
The crankcase vacuum regulator assembly is above
the oil separator and connected to the venturi extractor
through a tee and pipe nipple arrangement (see
Figure 4.40-13).

ADJUSTING
VALVE

Figure 4.40-11 F18/H24 Breather System Adjusting

Valve

NOTE: All L36/P48 engines use a slotted head set

screw to hold the adjusting valve's butterfly valve in
place (see Figure 4.40-12).
SET SCREW

VACUUM
REGULATOR

Figure 4.40-13 Vacuum Regulator Location

While there is no manual adjustment of the crankcase

vacuum regulator, it should be inspected annually for
an accumulation of dirt or grit. Harsh environments
may dictate more frequent attention.

WARNING
Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes
from flying dirt and debris. Compressed air can
pierce the skin and cause severe injury. Never use
your hand to check for leaks or to determine air
flow rates. Disregarding this information could
result in severe personal injury or death.
ADJUSTING
VALVE

Figure 4.40-12 L36/P48 Breather System Adjusting

Valve

3. With engine running under normal operating conditions, open valve until recommended negative crankcase pressure is obtained.

1. Thoroughly wash all parts in a non-volatile cleaning solution or solvent to remove accumulations of
dust, dirt, grease and grit (see Figure 4.40-14). Dry
with low pressure compressed air.
2. Inspect regulator housing for cracks.
3. Inspect regulator rod for scratches or burrs.
4. Inspect O-ring for cuts, tears or loss of elasticity.
5. Inspect valve plate for nicks, cracks or damage.

4.40-4

FORM 6284 Third Edition

CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

REGULATOR FOAM CLEANING AND INSPECTION
HOUSING

The closed breather design for the L36/P48GLD and

GSID engines allow a slight negative pressure to be
maintained in the engine crankcase. Due to the drawthru carburetion, the crankcase is vented to the air
cleaner.
A breather regulator containing an open cell foam air
cleaner (see Figure 4.40-15) is installed on the separator inlet tube.

ROD

E-CLIP

VALVE PLATE

VALVE HUB

O-RING

VACUUM
REGULATOR

Figure 4.40-15 L36/P48 GLD Breather Regulator

SCREEN

LOCK NUT

Figure 4.40-14 Vacuum Regulator Assembly

If replacement of the
vacuum regulator
housing or valve assembly is necessary, be sure
to order the correct part numbers. Since air flow
requirements vary between engine models and
applications, the housings and valves are sized or
weighted differently and are not interchangeable.
Disregarding this information could result in product damage.

CAUTION

Clean the regulator foam at each oil change. Use the

following procedure.
1. Wash foam in a detergent solution and wring dry
by hand (see Figure 4.40-16).

WARNING
Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes
from flying dirt and debris. Compressed air can
pierce the skin and cause severe injury. Never use
your hand to check for leaks or to determine air
flow rates. Disregarding this information could
result in severe personal injury or death.

6. Replace any damaged or worn parts.

2. Thoroughly wash all parts (other than foam) in a

non-volatile cleaning solution or solvent to remove
accumulations of dust, dirt, grease and grit. Dry with
low pressure compressed air.

7. Verify valve plate and hub move freely on rod.

3. Inspect regulator housing for cracks.

4. Inspect regulator rod for scratches or burrs.
5. Inspect O-ring for cuts, tears or loss of elasticity.
6. Place foam in retaining screen.
7. Replace damaged or worn parts.
8. Verify valve plate and hub move freely on rod.
9. Press screen and foam into cover.

FORM 6284 Third Edition

4.40-5

CRANKCASE BREATHER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

HOUSING

Only exercise the valve

after the engine has
been shut down and allowed to cool. Failure to follow these instructions could cause engine damage
and/or personal injury.

CAUTION

The crankcase pressure relief valves are an important

part of the engine protection system and must be
properly maintained (see Figure 4.40-17).

ROD

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

VALVE HUB

VALVE PLATE

E-CLIP

O-RING

AIR FILTER

SCREEN

LOCK NUT

Figure 4.40-16 Breather Regulator Assembly

CRANKCASE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

MAINTENANCE L36/P48

WARNING
Never operate the engine without all relief valves
on the engine. The ability of the system to function
is dependent upon the proper number of valves.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
severe personal injury or death.

4.40-6

Figure 4.40-17 Crankcase Pressure Relief Valve

An explosion may occur when a localized hot spot

brings the oil mist above the flash point temperature
(approximately 191 249 C [375 480 F]). If the
crankcase is not fitted with the proper type and number of relief valves, or if these relief valves are not
properly maintained, the inspection doors may be
blown off and a secondary explosion of greater intensity might take place, resulting in personal injury or
damage to property.
NOTE: Placement of the pressure relief valves may
vary due to other engine mounted accessories.
There are a number of seals and O-rings on the shaft
and valve assembly that may leak over time if not
maintained. Exercise and inspect the crankcase pressure relief valves annually to ensure that they are in
proper working condition.
Pressure Relief Valve Exercise Procedure:
1. Shut down engine and allow it to cool.
2. Lift valve off its seat to verify that plate is free to
move.
3. Lubricate shaft with grease to ensure valve will
move freely in the event it is needed.

FORM 6284 Third Edition