Oil Leak at Breather Tube

[Earl]

After 2 weeks of getting the 61 TR3 running, after a 15 year storage, we have a heavy oil leak at the breather tube. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cryin.gif Oil appears to be seeping out around the tube. Is it possible to remove the tube without removing the engine, how, and what should I do after I get it out?

Thanks for any advice, BTW the fuel pump is not leaking, but is also not in use as we replaced it with an electric pump.

Earl

 

[pace]

The only way I solved this problem was to install new piston sleeves and rings. It stopped it completely. Mine really started leaking after I had a valve job and I think the extra compression forced oil by the old rings.

 

[Louie]

I just did a valve job on the MGB, now I have a drip at the breather.
The breather is right above the exhaust headers. Temporarily, I attached a vinyl tube to extend the drips below the exhaust,
to stop annoying burnt oil smell.

 

[Geo Hahn]

[ QUOTE ]
Is it possible to remove the tube without removing the engine, how, and what should I do after I get it out?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sure. It is held in place by just that one oil pan bolt and a bit of friction in the block hole. The fitting is split so it shouldn't be too tight to work out, just a snug fit. Maybe a bit of Permatex Aviation form-a-gasket would help seal it?

You will probably need to remove the mechanical fuel pump if it is still in place -- might be a good time to replace it with a blanking plate if you're so inclined.

Best not to mess with the length of that tube or add a catch can... that guy is carefully designed to pull just the right bit of vacuum when underway.

Famous story about that tube involves the TR2 Jabbeke run when a junior mechanic decided (on his own initiative) to extend the tube to clear the undercar aeroshield. The result was a tube that sucked most of the oil out of the engine on Richardson's first run. The problem was corrected and fortunately the engine held together for the remainder of the high-speed runs.