Engine oil separator

[Discodicky]

Can anyone explain to me what the function of the Oil Separator (p/n LR054999) is? (apart from the obvious of "separating" the oil, ha, ha!)
Apparently it's at the rear of the engine on a 3.0 litre V6 diesel, (and a 2.7??)

I see they are advertised with most LR/RR Parts Suppliers and I am wondering if its a "suggested" replacement part?
Cost is around $70 depending where purchased.

I intend doing my inlet manifolds and oil filter housing at the same time soon, and am interested if this separator should be replaced whilst in that area.

[DiscoJeffster]

Can anyone explain to me what the function of the Oil Separator (p/n LR054999) is? (apart from the obvious of "separating" the oil, ha, ha!)
Apparently it's at the rear of the engine on a 3.0 litre V6 diesel, (and a 2.7??)

I see they are advertised with most LR/RR Parts Suppliers and I am wondering if its a "suggested" replacement part?
Cost is around $70 depending where purchased.

I intend doing my inlet manifolds and oil filter housing at the same time soon, and am interested if this separator should be replaced whilst in that area.

It does what it says. Crankcase vapour is separated into air and oil. The oil drains back into the sump and the cleaned vapour is burnt in the intake stream during combustion. They generally break when being removed so it might pay to have another in the parts bin.

[PerthDisco]

But there’s nothing in it really and you give it a clean out with brake cleaner. The seals it docks into in the block are worth replacing. A real puzzle to get it out.

[DiscoJeffster]

But there’s nothing in it really and you give it a clean out with brake cleaner. The seals it docks into in the block are worth replacing. A real puzzle to get it out.

Correct. It’s just a plastic matrix designed to make the air turn hard corners and drop the oil onto the walls and into the sump. Mine has broken retaining clips after removal, but still seems to be holding in place

[BradC]

I cleaned mine out with shellite. Didn't even know it had clips holding it in. On the 2.7 mine has either broken clips or none at all. It's purely the friction on the bottom seals that hold it in place.

For a good primer on removal, check out Shanes oil cooler replacement video. He's got the trick pretty well documented. It's actually really easy once you know how to do it. My problem is by the time it needs doing again I've forgotten the trick I figured out last time.

[Discodicky]

It does what it says. Crankcase vapour is separated into air and oil. The oil drains back into the sump and the cleaned vapour is burnt in the intake stream during combustion. They generally break when being removed so it might pay to have another in the parts bin.

So it is basically an oil catch can but more sophisticated as it returns the oil to the crankcase.
I had heard the engine had such a thing and now know where/what it is.
Thanks.

[BradC]

Pretty much. They've been on most engines since the 70's.
Generally a catch can goes between the oil sep and the intake to try and wring out a bit more oil.

[PerthDisco]

I cleaned mine out with shellite. Didn't even know it had clips holding it in. On the 2.7 mine has either broken clips or none at all. It's purely the friction on the bottom seals that hold it in place.

For a good primer on removal, check out Shanes oil cooler replacement video. He's got the trick pretty well documented. It's actually really easy once you know how to do it. My problem is by the time it needs doing again I've forgotten the trick I figured out last time.

There’s a change between EU3 and EU4 on the fuel pump makes getting It out a little trickier on the latter. LR Time has the method for EU4.

The sense of relief and pride when you finally get it out is up their with birth of first child.

[BradC]

I have the EU4. For me the key was removing the return line from the clip in the passenger side of the valley. That allows it to be rolled that way and it "just" slides out.

[PerthDisco]

I have the EU4. For me the key was removing the return line from the clip in the passenger side of the valley. That allows it to be rolled that way and it "just" slides out.

Not to mention the fear as you pray every quick connection you undo doesn’t snap.