this project is killing me. my breather piece was broken completely, but I was not getting codes. I bought a double elbow which connects to the motor, the T fitting, and the pcv one way valve. I've been under there now for several hours and just can't quite get it done. I've gotten the T piece connected to the metal pipe, but can't quite get the breather double elbow connected to the T piece. I finally took the fuel rail off today and then quit to save my back. Is there a trick to this project? There is the oil flex line in the way down there and very little space to work. I hear that people get this done without removing the manifold. thanks

 

I've never heard of anyone getting a code from a broken breather. They usually just break and start leaking oil.

That said, I've replaced an AEB breather with the intake manifold removed and replaced an AWM breather with the manifold in place. Obviously leaving the manifold in place vastly restricts the working space and makes it a pain in the ***.

I'm confused on where you're stuck though. What do you mean double elbow? There is the elbow that comes off the block and connects to the T. Both should be replaced.

On the AWM I pulled the elbow out (it snapped off at the T), ground down the one time use clamps and broke them free, then cut off the old T and replaced it with the new one.

Here is the DIY I wrote for the AEB, the AWM will be slightly different but the same concepts apply.

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/diy...-early-199692/

 

the double elbow is the breather to the block. It elbows off of the block, then again as it heads back to the T. my problem is getting this elbow into the T. Ever so close, but can't quite make it in. I'll keep digging. With the fuel rail out I may have the access I need now. (without a manifold this would be a 5 minute project) I was really wondering in what order the parts replacements have been successful. at this point I've gotten the T onto the metal pipe, and the check valve lined up to the manifold pipe. I don't think I could get the elbow breather into the T first and get around that oil line to the metal pipe.

I went looking for a problem when I began to smell engine blow by when stopped at idle at a red light or something. that's when I found the elbow completely broken in half.

thanks

 

Maybe try connecting the elbow to the T and then rotate it down into position into the block. Looking at the pictures from my thread, the turbo oil feed line shouldn't be in the way too much.

You'll get it!

 

got it! with the fuel rail out of the way I just stayed after it and could see much better and insert various long items for leverage (long drill bit to hold the hose from moving right, and long flat head to pry the hose back into the T, and one hand on the metal pipe - with two hands and my forehead) to get the elbow into the T, then worked the elbow into the block. BTW, I did not reinsert the clip into the breather hose connection to the block. it was hard to pull out the broken hose and I basically drove it into the hole with a rubber mallet and long ratchet extension. I'm hoping for the best. thanks

 

I doubt it will pop loose, but you really should get that clip in place.

I forgot to mention that removing the throttle body opens up a ton of room to snake your left arm under the manifold. A little late for that now.