Thread: Breather and Fire Trap Cleaning?

Hi Paul,

I just recently completed this task on two 3.9L V8s. I assume the procedure will be similar if not compltely identical on the 3.5L.

I can't say if this is the right way to do it, but it works well for me.
Below is a modification on the post from my members thread;

Originally Posted by Grimace

The flame trap in situ. Hose clamp removed and unscrewed from rocker cover ready for removal;


With the flame trap out first step is to remove the o-ring, inspect/clean/replace if necessary;


Then using a hose or solid object slightly smaller then the top opening push out the internal gauze;


With the gauze removed unravel it and expand it in preperation for cleaning;

Note: There are two gauzes visible above as I cleaned two flame traps.
Note2: Be carefull handling the gauze as it is a fine gauge wire and can peirce the skin easily, gloves are a sensible option but I am hard core

I then cleaned the gauze in three steps, first step was acetone, followed by degreaser then finally compressed air. Then I expand the gauze and leave them to sit and dry further;


I then went about locating the correct size o-rings, as one required replacing;


Installed o-ring to the clean flame trap/s (lots of degreaser used);


Now to install the gauze. First I fold the gauze in half;


I start rolling the gauze (as you would and air matress/sleeping bag). Make sure the first two rols are very tight, then loosely roll it all up into a cylinder shape;


The simply screw the gauze into the flame trap with minimal force. Make sure to push it in over the bottom lip and use your finger through the top to make sure the gauze is nice and evenly compressed.
Two flame traps cleaned and ready for action!;

Many thanks for the detailed step by step guide. I'll give it a try at the weekend and see how I go.

Is there another breather or filter on the right hand rocker cover that would also benefit from a clean out?

Paul

Originally Posted by lidvii

Many thanks for the detailed step by step guide. I'll give it a try at the weekend and see how I go.

Is there another breather or filter on the right hand rocker cover that would also benefit from a clean out?

Paul

No worries.

I don't think the 3.5 is the same but on the 3.9 I generally replace the small inlet filter found on the rear of the passenger side rocker cover.
If you can locate the unit on the 3.5 (assuming its is different??) It is certainly worth checking it, most of the ones I have inspected (3.9s) have been completely blocked.

It's a simple filter, that involves a bit of sponge with a plastic clip over it.
You can remove the plastic clip easily and remove the sponge and clean it, but again I generally replace the entire unit, including the mushroom adaptor that pushes into the rocker cover (can be hard to remove & replace at times).

The other option is to remote mount the filter (which is something I am about to do) with a kit from megasquirt-v8.co.uk


Cheers
Grimace

Brilliant. I just hosed mine out with brake cleaner.