what is it and what does it do

I have a p38 bmw diesel I noticed a unit from the manifold when I removed it over the weekend it goes from the manifold and then ito a chamber and then into the plastic intercooler pipe what is this unit and what does it do I believe it mayb a vent systrm but unsure can it b blocked off

Many thanks guys

Pics would help...!!

matt1987 said:

I have a p38 bmw diesel I noticed a unit from the manifold when I removed it over the weekend it goes from the manifold and then ito a chamber and then into the plastic intercooler pipe what is this unit and what does it do I believe it mayb a vent systrm but unsure can it b blocked off

Many thanks guys

Click to expand...

Sorry mate, I'd love to help a fellow diesel owner but I either need a slightly better description (that's the polite version, I actually mean a MUCH better description) or a photo or two.

Ok fellas here goes I cnt get pics as it at my mums n I can't get there withoutndragging her out to get me I dnt think she would be to happy

As you look at the engine it is on the o/s between radiator and intercooler charge pipe on top of engine

it sits above the intercooler pipe to intercooler from charge pipe on top

It is a black unit and is a circle shape from the top

It has two pipes on comes from rocker cover goes in top of unit the other pipe comes from the bottom and goes into the charge pipe that run on top of engine then to intercooler

U may need to remove the top cover two ten mm bolt to see it

It looks like a swirl pot or engine vent of some kind it just that it doesnt seal very well and I get oil residue from said location I'm just wonerdering if I can seal it off completely

What I think it does is vent the gases from the rocker area and then reuses them via the intercooler pipe system whilst a small amount of oil gets sucked though lubricating the system but I'm guessing here I hope someone can help me

On later models there is just a piece of pipe from the rocker cover to the inlet. You can't block it as pressure would build up in the engine.

Does one of the pipes have blue stripes? Could be the EGR. Pics would help.