My car burns oil and I want to replace the oil separator. I have a new one but don't believe I have the skills to remove and replace the part. How many hours should I expect to pay a mechanic for this job? I have called around and heard everything from 1 -3 hours.

How do you know that you have a problem with the oil separator? It would not cause oil burning but if completely clogged (not common) it may cause excessive crankcase pressure and then maybe force oil out the seals. You would see signs of this leakage. If you do have excessive pressure it is more likely caused by a clogged flame trap, it's small vacume line and/or the brass fitting to the manifold.

How much oil is being used, is there smoke from the exhaust, dripping on the ground after parking?
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David Hunter

It burns 1 litre every 1000 kilometer (1 quart every 600 miles). There is leakage near the breather box--nothing on the ground. I just thought I'll try this to see if it helps.

It's really easy to check all the PCV components - except the breather box - even with very limited tools, experience, etc. I bet you could check the Y-connector, manifold nipple and hoses yourself... drive a bit, and then consider having your mechanic install the breather box if there's no improvement in oil useage. I can post some photos if you'd like... just let me know.

- Brian '93 945T

If he's honest, an hour, max. but it really isn't an issue of skill, just the right tools. You will need a 12" - 18" or so extension, a ratchet, appropriatly sized socket and a universal (knuckle) drive. There is enough room for you to see and get the socket on the bolts (2) holding the box in place. The suggestions in the other posts should be followed also. The small hose and nipple are especially prone to clogging up, I usually run a small drill bit through the nipple and just replace the hose. Being that you have a turbo, you won't have a flame trap but the y housing for it will be there, it also needs its nipples cleaned but be careful since it is plastic. Again I usually use a drill bit but turn it by hand.
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Bob Kraushaar '94 945T, '91 940T(back from retirement), '88 240, '84 242T, '94 F-150, '89 560 SL, '68 Shelby GT-500 KR

It depends 4 cylinder not to bad, 6 cylinder a bit more work.
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1996 964 138,000 Miles

Mitchells time guide is no more than 1.8 hours. If you have just a little mechanical skills it is really not that bad of a job. I would also suggest that you replace the short piece of hose that looks like a funnel and the flame arrestor, also a good idea is the small vacuum hose and the hose to the intake snorkel. I would take the intake manifold loose and pull it away from the cylinder head it makes the job easy.

One hour in my estimation.
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john

The car is a 4 cylinder 940 with turbo. Thanks for the information.

Although the later oil trap is taller, I have not found it necessary to remove the intake manifold to remove and replace the oil trap.
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john

The mechanic charged me for 1/2 hour. I'll let you know if there is any improvement. Thanks for your suggestions. I was able to speak knowledgeably with the mechanic .

having done this job myself (twice) - dont ask! all I can say is thats a fair price - keep that mechanic he's honest!

PS it really is a job you can do yourself!

Did your car's oil consumption improve? Yes, I'll keep this mechanic--he's doing my brakes tomorrow.

nope...butthen again thats a sore point as it uses about 1 pint every 100-150 miles...and i really cant work out WHY...

it doesnt leak oil, it doesnt smoke its had the following work :-

new oil seperator / flame trap clean
compression test
new front seals
new turbo
repalcement oil filer seal
all external leaks sorted (for definate!)
new oil cooler
turbo hoses/intercooler cleaned out
oil cleaner solution/ cylinder redex treatment
cat removed (i can do this where i live legally)
new mid box...

the last 2 are the latest fix attempt and yet to be proved good or bad but looking maybe hopefull!

I have also tried playing with what oil i run, moving from fully synthetic to semi seems to have helped, but very marginally! as you will see i have the only 2 stroke 940 in history!