replacement crankcase breather

This is a bit of observation and a bit of a query, since I have changed the part anyway. Couple of years ago I replaced the old sponge filter crankcase breather with the recommended modified/vortex design. I decided to go back to the sponge type of filter while trying to hunt down some problems and I think the valve was faulty on the vortex. Does anyone know how that valve is supposed to look when it is in perfect condition? I'm asking partly out of curiosity and partly because if it was broken in some way I have probably found the source of a problem.

And what was the problem? I also changed the sponge filter.

There's argument to keep the sponge filter, as it does filter any crud out. Easy enough to change every couple of oil changes.

The vortex separator isn't an improvement over the filter type, it's a backward step as far as filtering goes. It was fitted to eliminate one service item in BMW workshops, which helped lower maintenance costs on BMW vehicles. The vortex was never offered or approved by LR for BMW sourced engines, and it does increase inlet manifold fouling due to increased oil from the breather.

The valve fitted is there to prevent excessive draw in the crankcase under high boost conditions, especially if are filter maintenance is missed.

The Pilgrim said:

And what was the problem? I also changed the sponge filter.

Click to expand...

Started with not starting when warm, which led to changing o rings on high pressure fuel regulator. Which seemed to work apart from very rough idle, which came on after I did the o rings. Then reseated an injector which dumped a shed load of diesel into the combustion chamber, which led to lots of white smoke out the exhaust which didn't seem to want to clear. I noticed that the air filter was pretty black, and since it wasn't;t really old enough be that dirty/black I thought maybe something else was up. Also the turbo vent filter was unusually dirty. Before the car began its refusing to start when warm I had noticed the car just felt wrong, like it was under some kind of torque when driving. So I changed the crankcase breather (I had had changed the crankcase position sensor and the camshaft sensor as a fix option earlier). It starts now when warm and seems more settled, but needs a run when the fog clears to see if that has cured it.

J_D said:

There's argument to keep the sponge filter, as it does filter any crud out. Easy enough to change every couple of oil changes.

Click to expand...

Yes, I shan't go back to the vortex now. It's easy to check the valve when doing the filter, but with the vortex you tend to leave it and forget it.

Nodge68 said:

The vortex separator isn't an improvement over the filter type, it's a backward step as far as filtering goes. It was fitted to eliminate one service item in BMW workshops, which helped lower maintenance costs on BMW vehicles. The vortex was never offered or approved by LR for BMW sourced engines, and it does increase inlet manifold fouling due to increased oil from the breather.

The valve fitted is there to prevent excessive draw in the crankcase under high boost conditions, especially if are filter maintenance is missed.

Click to expand...

Thanks. It seems that if the valve isn't working properly it can lead to a range of symptoms, so I'm glad to have swapped it out. Remains to be seen whether it is a cure.

Nodge68 said:

The vortex separator isn't an improvement over the filter type, it's a backward step as far as filtering goes. It was fitted to eliminate one service item in BMW workshops, which helped lower maintenance costs on BMW vehicles. The vortex was never offered or approved by LR for BMW sourced engines, and it does increase inlet manifold fouling due to increased oil from the breather.

The valve fitted is there to prevent excessive draw in the crankcase under high boost conditions, especially if are filter maintenance is missed.

Click to expand...

On that bit about fouling - that would seem reason enough not to use the vortex system. Surely too much crap in the inlet manifold is going to affect the performance of the MAP sensor. When I had a look at mine a couple of years ago the section of the manifold where it is located was thick with carbon deposits, and the sensor itself was crapped up. Although presumably it is designed to operate with a certain amount of fouling, given where it is.

Thank you, for the info. Now is running fine, as allways. I'll check the manifold for extra gunk in the spring. I have almost 2 years with the vortex.

Hello all.
Well, well. I can recall threads on this forum that the Vortex Mod was the way to go!
I did it myself and removed the filter and fitted it.

So, Who is in support of the Mod and why?
And who is not, and favours keeping the filter.

It was, as it goes put forward as an up grade.

Opinions welcome all.

Regards Gary.

I did the mod years ago and it seems okay. I've given it a clean a couple of times.

I didn't change the filter when I first had the fl, and when it blocked caused pressure and oil leak. I now change it every year or so, and it's always dirty. That proves to me that it is stopping some gunk reentering the engine. So even with the mod it would neep periodic cleaning to remain effictive.
I order a few at a time so always have one ready for oil change time.

I'm not keen on the vortex as it's not as effective at removing oil from the crankcase gasses, which causes issues in the inlet manifold instead.

The vortex was never offered by LR, or approved by them. It was used by BMW to remove work at service time, nothing more. If the intake clogs up out of the warranty period, then BMW will basically condemn the vehicle, as BMW aren't interested in keeping out of warranty vehicles on the road, it's not in their business model to do so.