Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Crankcase Breather Bottle Question?

[chazj]

I just noticed that the front differential & surroundings is covered with oil which looks more excessive than usual. This may have previously gone unnoticed as I powerwash the underside regularly during winter to remove salt/sand that accumlates.



"Bad back" issues limited by time underneath the truck to wiping the area-s clean & also locating the Crankcase Breather Bottle. The latter looked as though it had never been emptied (it was caked with crud) in 113,000 miles... even though ALL the oil changes have been performed by Dodge dealers & figured they should know to empty the bottle at each oil change.



QUESTION: Once the bottle is Full... does the excessive oil have a place to safely vent & thus explain what I am seeing???

If so I am inclined to leave the bottle alone (and back intact) & just tell the service department to empty the bottle next oil change.

 

[Diesel Nut]

The bottle has holes around the top of it to vent the vapor. Once it is full of oil the oil will get blown out and clog your radiator and coat your engine block and drip on your driveway. Alot of the overheating or hot running motors are caused by the clogged radiator. There are many members that have removed the bottle and used hose and extended it to the rear of the truck. Either do that or empty the bottle.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Check this out for at least one option:



http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?p=800079#post800079post800079

 

[chazj]

"Live and Learn"... more "truth than fiction".

Finally was able to get under the truck & empty puke bottle (was about 1/2 full).

Still was leaking a "fluid" & decided to take to dealership to check it out (read many posts about bad seals in vacumn pump/power steering).



Ended up being a broken clamp on the high pressure hose to the VP44. The fluid was diesel fuel... unfortunately my nose was unable to detect the smell of the diesel and I didn't see it leaking around the broken clamp. All the evidence was lower.



"Live and Learning" here... and sometimes paying for the privilege...