90 240 gl wagon leaking V/C Gasket

07megacab · Post by **07megacab** » 25 Apr 2009, 04:51

good morning all.I have a 1990 240GL wagon that I purchased last year with a blown head gasket.I ad the head reworked and replaced the water pump and timing belt as well.the problem I am having is every few months the v/c gasket starts pouring.it appears to be pushing to the outside.I have replaced the flametrap,the hose it slides into as well as checked the small vacuum hose and fitting for obstructions.I still have the same problems.any ideas?

MasterBlaster · Post by **MasterBlaster** » 25 Apr 2009, 22:48

I have replaced the flametrap, the hose it slides into as well as checked the small vacuum hose and fitting for obstructions.

Did you check the oil separator? (Some people erroneously call it the flame trap, the pic below calls it a "PCV oil trap"). It's a plastic box about the size of a fist, bolted to the left side of the engine block just underneath the intake manifold, and is at the bottom of the curved hose that the little flame trap sits in. If it gets plugged up with goop, the vapours from the crankcase have nowhere to escape, and the pressure tends to create leaks from the oil cap, the crank and cam seals, and yes, even the valve cover gasket. It's only held on by 2 small bolts, so it's not impossible to get out. You can buy a shiny new one, or try cleaning any crud from inside by poking, digging, and soaking it in solvent.

Here's what it looks like off the car:

07megacab · Post by **07megacab** » 25 May 2009, 13:55

thanks MasterBlaster.I will puul that box off and check it out.will update as I know more.

07megacab · Post by **07megacab** » 30 May 2009, 11:53

as promised here is what I have found.the oil trap is as wide open as a barn door in a high wind.any other plans of attack?