I relocated my flame trap. Not a thing going through it. I figure the breather box is gunked up. Is there a simple method for cleaning it without removing the intake and the fuel rail? If I need to replace it, is it easy?
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Chuck B '89 245 DL, '85 244 DL

The oil separator is easy to remove without taking anything else off. You pretty much can't see what you are doing but you can reach under the manifold and remove the 2 (10mm I think) bolts holding it on. I know this for an '87, since you have an '85 and an '89 take the average and it should be the same :-).

There is an o-ring on there that you could replace if so inclined, at least be aware it is there and don't lose it.

As for cleaning some people have mentioned using Gunk or carb cleaner. I think somebody said he put his in the dishwasher! I also remember somebody saying he poured gunk through the big flame trap hose (the one that goes to the air intake hose from the AMM) without even removing the separator. Of course, change your oil after doing that.

You are supposed to be careful not to dislodge the hose than runs inside the block down from the separator. I'm not sure what you would do that would cause it to come off but if it does you have to pull the pan and put it back.

Get the new o ring. My 92 was flat and hardened allowing oil out. The new version will be green. I found hardly anything in my separator. I used simple green several times with good shakes and then a garden hose to remove.
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92 244 lowered, Bilsteins, IPD sways, Unitek cam/header, TSW Revo 18x8's - 94 965 Niiice MONEY PIT! - 76 Datsun 280Z lowered, modified head, cam, headers, intake

You`ll do best by removing the intake plenum aka throttle body and clean it if you haven`t already. With the intake hose off and adjoining hoses off and replaced if necessary, you`ll have plenty of room to reach down and remove the oil separator.Replace the oil ring and watch that the small metal tube doesn`t go bye-bye into the oil pan-it shouldn`t its flared at the top end just watch it if you have to scrape off alot of gunk.

Jim S `86 245 Middletown,CT -Volvo heaven

Sounds like Jim had much better luck with his repair. When I removed the breather box the snorkle tube beneath it that leads to the oil sump had rotted. Had to remove the oil pan to replace. And after all that, it started leaking oil again within a year. :-(

Not fun. Hope your repair is easier and more productive.

OTOH, the car at age 20 and 311k miles runs better and is more fun to drive than American cars a third of its age, so I ain't complaining.
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-- Bruce / '82 244 (298k miles!), '86 745, '87 760Ti, '94 854