I got the flame trap off my 81 240. Thanks for the advice. The trap, hoses, and manifold nipple are gunked up but not completely clogged. The pipe at the ventilation box looks very gunked up, though not totally clogged either. When I did the "jiggle test" on this car before starting this job, oil splashed out all over the place and started running down the valve cover before I could get the oil filler cap back on. With these things in mind, I'm thinking that to do the job thoroughly, I should probably replace the crankcase ventilation box also. I need advice on whether I'm on the right track, the best procedure to follow, what else to replace while I have it apart, ballpark cost, etc. Thanks in advance.

Diego -

If you are planning to clean the throttle body, this is a good time to do it. Access is easier when the throttle body is off.

Also, the ECU engine temp sender is in there, too, if your car has one.

I would get a new oil separator box and not spend a nanosecond on the old one.

On the B230F the separator is bolted to the block with one or two 10mm bolts. Hard to access. I got a 10mm flat ratchet 12pt wrench for that job. It was about 10 bucks, and worth it.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Forgot to mention. Regarding my crankcase ventilation box replacement: It's a non-turbo. Just the regular four cylinder. Thanks

The ventilation box is a pain to get off with the intake manifold in place so I would remove it to gain access. The old box will clean up OK if it's not cracked. You will need to replace the intake manifold gasket ($5..put it on dry). I would also clean the throttle body while I had the intake off. Replace all the rubber hoses under the manifold. You'll need about three cans of carb cleaner. The cost to me would be about $15 and require about 4 hours labor (I'm old and slow) if I didn't have to replace the plastic box. The engine temp sensor is under the manifold (center) as is the thermal switch for the cold start injector (rear). Now is the time to replace them if they are giving any problems.