Hello Bricksters,

Thought I'd pass on my troubles and observations about the oil separator boxes that I've replaced.

After replacing a main seal on red sedan, I thought it prudent to clean out the PCV system from top to bottom including replacement of the oil separator box (rather than trying to clean it out). I ordered the so called OEM unit from FCP which I recently learned is not OEM. After about 6 months the horizontal seam split and I developed a substantial oil leak. Replaced the box with a Volvo unit about 1 year ago.

Green wagon. A moderate leak turned out to be the oil separator box (again aftermarket) that was replaced as part of PCV system cleanout. Again, the leak was at the horizontal seam. I replaced that box with a Volvo unit this afternoon.

Turns out the aftermarket units are solvent welded at that seam. Sort of like the "glue" used to connect PVC pipes. The Volvo units seem to be made of the same (I think High Density Polyehtylene) material, but the horizontal seam is heat formed. They must melt both sections and then slam them toghether cause a bunch of melted plastic is woven onto the outside of the box at the seam. Looks much more sturdy.

After my troubles, I would be leery of the aftermarket boxes, or if you develop a leak near the starter, I'd head straight for that box. You may want to test the watertightness of a new (or used) box like I did by just plugging the flame trap tube, filling it with water and look for leaks. My leaker had water coming out in a number of locations along that seam.


Marty Wolfson