Oil Seperator Can

[MCS]

Hello,
The oil separator can that sits on the front of the timing cover has a metal filter inside (looks like thick steel wool). Is it really required, I keep thinking that it could come apart and contaminate the oil with metal. I want to remove it and just leave an empty can.
What do most guys do?
Thanks Phil

 

[tony barnhill]

I burn the guts out of mine.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Phil, you can remove, I do on my rebuilds, I use a set of long needle nose pliers I have, there will be a wire clip, pull that out, then the stell wool, then there will be another wire clip up top of the can, pull it out too. Some folks worry without the steel wool you may get oil splsh out of the can, but it never been a problem for me, been doing it that way for years.

 

[MCS]

Hello Tony, Hap, Thanks for the reply.
Happy to here that I can remove it.
Phil

 

[spritenut]

And if you want to replace it, pick up some copper pot scrubbers at the local food store.