Breather Tower troubleshoot - New Van

[seeking_eden]

Hey ya'll! First post, been reading a lot on here on the "finding a van" now transitioning into the next wave of owning a van. Exciting, yet now even more questions to dig into!

I drove the van home (87 Vanagon, Automatic) and realized breathe tower "top" had been... jerry rigged on there with what looked like some adhesive. When I looked up this part, it appears to be one solid item so it confused me. The breather tower created smoke coming from the engine which is from what I assume to be oil being released and burned up.

My question - I obviously ordered a new breather tower on gowesty, I intend to clean up these hoses... but is there potentially something more that could have popped that tower top initially. I'd like to make sure there isnt something deeper than the need for a new tower.

Thanks guys!

[0to60in6min]

replacing the breathe tower is very easy... be super careful not to drop a bolt or a washer in the engine when you take the tower out.

[danfromsyr]

at one point someone 'might' have thought the top was removable and broken it.
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[Ahwahnee]

Yeah, to the casual observer the top looks like it might be removable... and, in fact, it is -- with a big enough wrench (think chain wrench with a cheater bar).

Just a one-shot deal though. Blame it on the DPO and enjoy the new one (you're fortunate as for many years replacements were NLA).

[dhaavers]

Related thought...PLEASE say you have a new o-ring ready for this install...???



- Dave

PS: Belongs in the POS/PO thread...
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[danfromsyr]

they take a non-standard thicker O-ring
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[borninabus]

well, it would appear from your pic that someone took the time to replace the studs that breather should be sitting on with bolts. i personally, would put the studs back in. there should be two washers each mount and the tightening torque is real low, like 5ft/lb.

there is also something weird going on with your fuel line. it should run under the alternator and to the rear of the breather. the "T" fuel junction lives to the left of the base of the breather. search some gallery pics and you'll get it.

kinda just looks like some hacky work has been done so be prepared for that and welcome
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88 Van WBX, A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T - 2012 Touareg TDI Sport

[VWeGoBeachNow]

Hey what's up. Check your breather hose too. If it's the original then replace it as well. I'm replacing my breather tower and hose this Sunday 🌝
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88 Wolfsburg Limited Edition Vanagon GL Tin Top
Vesuve Grey underneath cheapo Vesuve Grey paint job
2.1 L
4spd