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Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 2:26 pm
by Monty-4
Hi folks,

Now I've moved to Scotland (that was a long drive), I have a garage! This had led to me trading some 'rust anxiety' in for some worry over dripping oil inside. I've reduced the amount of oil the car drops significantly through gasket replacements (oil filter housing to block was an unexpected culprit), but there's still a dribble under the engine bay after parking at normal running temps (70-80c by my water gauge).

I've been looking around at things like oil catch tanks but I'm still very much a novice here, I take it they connect up to the swan-neck breather and vent to the open air or back to the air filter housing like the rocker cover breather?

Do they make a big difference? Would having one with a filter on reduce the rate of oil dirtying as it wouldn't be sucking plain air straight in?

Thanks & sorry for my ignorance!

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 3:18 pm
by bmcecosse
You do not need a catch tank - unless entering competitions - and a filter there is a waste of time/money. Find exactly where the oil is dripping -and make sure all the breathers are clear.

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 5:54 pm
by mike.perry
Its a Morris Minor, it drips oil

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 6:07 pm
by GBond
I'd recommend a drip tray, even a car in good condition and no discernible oil consumption will probably leave a few drops from time to time.

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 6:51 pm
by philthehill
A Morris Minor should not be considered an oil dropping machine. If it is dropping/oozing oil find were it is coming from and rectify.

If not possible to rectify a grow bag tray filled with a small amount of cat litter/saw dust placed under the engine/gearbox is a good means of protecting the drive/parking area.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-1M-HEAVY- ... 541f58474f

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2015 7:43 pm
by Budgie
I have the same problem, after all its a morris minor! although I am awaiting the results of an engine breather clean out, which was pretty clear any way, I have under my minor a tray which is used for pet feeding and is quite big as in about 18 inches wide by almost 3 foot long and cost £1.99 and my local "Home Bargains " store. I'm not sure if you have one of them near you but it does the job and for good measure at the same store I bought a 14 pack of "dog trainer pads" for £1.99 and place one of them in the tray for good measure, jobs a good unn!

Re: Engine Breathing & Oil Catch Tanks

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 12:28 pm
by Monty-4
Thanks folks.

Like I say it's only a drip, the level on the dipstick hasn't moved appreciably since I fixed the most recent leak a couple of months ago. As for keeping things pretty - I've got a couple of flattened cardboard boxes under the car at the moment until I can find something cleanable/re-usable.