Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Tube

[Nate]

Ok. I'm new to the 24v Cummins. We had 6 or 7 12v trucks at work, but no 24vs.



On the timing cover there's a vent tube. Now as I understand some years have a bottle that goes on that to catch the oil dripping instead of it leaking all over the steering box, etc. 2001?



This bottle is $18 from the dealer, and I think it would fit on my 98. I'm not sure if it had one at one point even?



This bottle worth the money, or should I just extend the tube?

 

[Supermod56]

That is about a 10 cent bottle on there, $18?? Just extend the tube. Do a search, there are several posts about it.



Tom

 

[Nate]

I have been reading up on this board for a while until I became a member and I didn't see anything on this. Oil tube bottle? What's it actually called, that would help me out maybe.

 

[Supermod56]

Some times it referred to as a "Puke", "Overflow" or "Breather" Bottle etc. It's actually a Nalgene drink bottle I think, kinda a small version of the one like the bike racers use. You empty it every oil change, not too much gets in there.



Tom

 

[jeepit]

Do a search under blow by bottle. You will find alot of posts. It basically catches oil and mist from crankcase. Where it is mounted, it will cause all kinds of problems. The main one: clogging your radiator and causing overheating, not to mention the mess all over the front of motor. Take the bottle off and extend tube down to sway bar. Throw bottle away.

 

[Nate]

Ok I was thinking of doing that. I just hate the oil leaks haha.



Clogging the radiator? I'm curious how that would happen. The fan pulls air through the front of the radiator toward the engine. How would oil get into the radiator with the air flow working against it?

 

[DMcLeod]

2 wks ago, I had to remove the radiator to clean up the mess. The radiator was severely clogged with oily debris. It took several soakings of simple green and then finally a car wash to clean it up. I think the incoming air must swirl around a bit and not flow straight backward as you mentioned. The crankcase vent contributes oil to the swirling air and coats the surfaces of the radiator cooling fins. When driving, dirt, bugs, dust, and other debris collect on the oily surface and continue to build up until completely clogged. I cleaned the bottle out regularly and there was never much in there. I have now removed the bottle and extended the hose. Keep searching this site, and you will find pictures (before/after) of a radiator clogged as described.

 

[Nate]

Hmm, never would have thought.



Thanks for the help guys. I'm gonna extend the line. Any suggetions on what to use? I don't have the truck with me (in the shop... no 2nd gear) so I can't measure.

 

[Thomas]

The bottle showed up model year 2000. It's pictured on this page at the great Dave Fritz site.