240 Flame Trap

Post by **LA48340** » 05 Dec 2009, 13:47

Located my flame trap under the intake manifold. Can the cannister be removed for cleaning without removing the intake manifold? My Bentley says it can be cleaning with mineral spirits but it doesnt say if this can be done with it bolted to the engine.
My oil fill cap bounces around on the valve cover when its idling(not in the locked position)..IPD says this indicates a clogged flame trap??
thanks.

Post by **billofdurham** » 05 Dec 2009, 16:12

The canister is an oil separator. As the gases come out of the crankcase any oil in them, in theory, should separate and drop back into the sump. I have never found the need to clean the oil separator so have never considered this point. If you were to clean it on the car it would have to be immediately before an oil change as the cleaning fluid would drop into the sump.

If you take it off be very careful that you don't pull the return hose out of the engine as it is a major job to put it back in.

Bill.