Canister filter debris

[philthehill]

If you do not know what is inside a canister oil separator either on the front timing chain cover or on the cam follower cover.
This is what you may find!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![frame][/frame]
The remains of the wire clips that retain the filter can be seen.
The timing cover was off a Maestro and the breather was not blocked.
Because I want to fit the cover to Marina engine with a duplex chain and tensioner the timing sensor bracket and the dimple under the bracket have to be removed and whilst cleaning the cover the debris fell out.
Thankfully not into the engine.
Timing cover all cleaned up and the bracket and dimple removed.[frame][/frame]

[M25VAN]

That just doesn't bear thinking about.

[philthehill]

Having a further two Maestro/Marina/Ital simplex timing chain covers to modify as per the cover above I decided to see what condition the gauze oil separation filters were like inside the other two canisters.
I have to say that they were not much better than the mess above but was able to salvage the top and bottom filter retaining clips.
So the moral of this story is check the condition of those used canister oil separator filters before fitting either a timing cover or valve chest cover with an integral canister filter otherwise the filter element can disintegrate and subsequently fall into the sump with disastrous consequences.
I will investigate the fitting of a stainless steel pan scrubber (making sure that it does not contain any soap) inside the canister filter body retained by the salvaged clips.[frame][/frame]

[MrIan]

I've used a mesh pan scrubber on the cam cover to inlet manifold pipe on a V12 Jag. I used the coarse mesh type not the sometimes soap impregnated wire wool types. However the car isn't in daily use but has been ok for years. Easy to keep an eye on too as it's in a domed rubber fitting that can just be pulled off by hand on the Jag.

[MikeNash]

Corr! That's horrible! And that's why, I suppose, the canister on mine is blocked. I'll have it off as soon as possible.
Thanks for the demo and warning, MikeN.

[bmcecosse]

I've used copper pot scrubbers in the past for a similar application.Perhaps easier to get hold of. Not sure it actually needs anything to be honest.

[Declan_Burns]

I think it is intended to act as a flame trap but ends up working like a dirt trap.
Regards
Declan