Technical 0.9 Twinair engine pressure issue

[jackwhoo]

It should be this one, as far as I understand.

Hi,
thank you for the photo.
Don't be misled, that looks exactly like an oil pressure switch and it's location is consistent with an oil pressure switch
Best wishes
Jack

 

[Bob Sinclair]

Hi,
thank you for the photo.
Don't be misled, that looks exactly like an oil pressure switch and it's location is consistent with an oil pressure switch
Best wishes
Jack

Hi,
Yes, can't find any information on the web regarding PCV valves for Twinair engines.

Thanks.

 

[d4zzl3r]

Hi,
Yes, can't find any information on the web regarding PCV valves for Twinair engines.

Thanks.

i'm with @jackwhoo and his oil pressure switch.

So does the TA have a crankcase ventilation valve?

 

[Bob Sinclair]

The breather pipe, I would say, as it is connected on top of rocker cover.

 

[Mistawonders]

First of all, I am an avid reader of these posts about the TwinAir engine, and this forum ressourcefullness has helped me tremendously in my maintainance endeavors of my 130.000 km old, 105HP turbo TwinAir Alfa MiTo, and for that, I would like to thank you guys.

This is my first time posting on this forum, as I wanted to give you guys my two cents on the matter.

The breather pipe, I would say, as it is connected on top of rocker cover.

Yes indeed. It seems to be a Venturi style oil trap ventilation hose, with a mesh filter inside.

This Y/T shape does look familiar, doesn’t it?


I started to investigate the issue on my TA when I noticed a huge increase in oil consumption, oil vapors deposit on the block (even through the UniAir filter cap!), and the final nail in the coffin was the oil filler cap nearly jumping out of its socket when opening it while the engine was running, along with a smoky exhaust.

Yesterday, I took it upon myself to disassemble the breather, and sprayed it profusely with carb cleaner and contact cleaner to finish the job, until no oil remained inside.

I then let the thing air dry for 20/30 minutes.

Reinstalled it back, and Lo and behold, the engine became less shaky, and unusual exhaust smoke disappeared.
Cherry on the cake, the engine became much more snappier and lively.

I don’t know if it’s a placebo effect, or if it did indeed help, I’m gonna have to check the dipstick in a few days.

 

[Mistawonders]

Hello guys, a little follow-up update on the matter of my TA engine.

Checked the dipstick today. The oil level hasn’t dropped at all since cleaning the ventilation hose, and I drove nearly 350Km since then.

So we can consider this a success!

 

[Bob Sinclair]

Hello guys, a little follow-up update on the matter of my TA engine.

Checked the dipstick today. The oil level hasn’t dropped at all since cleaning the ventilation hose, and I drove nearly 350Km since then.

So we can consider this a success!

Oil level never dropped in my case, but minor quantities leaked somewhere around the area where the steeltube is attached to the turbinehousing. Might have to do with the ventilation hose that might be partially clogged.

 

[Mistawonders]

Oil level never dropped in my case, but minor quantities leaked somewhere around the area where the steeltube is attached to the turbinehousing. Might have to do with the ventilation hose that might be partially clogged.

The steel tube attached to the turbine housing is the oil feed/return line for the turbo. It can get clogged up too, causing leaks from the banjo bolt.
If that is indeed what you are talking about.

 

[Bob Sinclair]

The steel tube attached to the turbine housing is the oil feed/return line for the turbo. It can get clogged up too, causing leaks from the banjo bolt.
If that is indeed what you are talking about.

At the bottom end of the one I mean a rubber hose to the intercooler is attached to it.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks for having us along on the forum.



Finally bought a 61 plate 0.9 yesterday for my stepdaughter. It’s done 45k



It was sold with an engine fault, there appears to be a lot of pressure when the oil cap is off while running. I know there is always a bit of pressure in engines, but being new to the twin air, I didn’t know if it was normal.



Expecting to be swapping an engine, to my surprise, I drove it home (all fine). Seems to be plenty of power.



Coolant is clean, oil is clean, checked the mesh filter in the head (looks clear), breather and vacuum pipe to air intake all clear. Pulled the plugs, look ok. Only a very small oil leak off the sump but not investigated further.



Has had a recent oil change as an attempt to solve the issue. I’ve read that aftermarket filters can be problematic, as can the correct oil.



There is an occasional grindy type noise during revving / dying down which sounds like a pulley bearing or something. Not sure if that’s linked.



I think we will just run it as is for now, but still prepared to do an engine swap. Would hope it isn’t going to die somewhere where it will put our daughter in danger mind!



Does anyone have any ideas that I could try? Or do these engines simply have a lot of pressure?

Thanks in advance!

Yes its normal its so much it seems mad.

 

[steveras57]

First of all, I am an avid reader of these posts about the TwinAir engine, and this forum ressourcefullness has helped me tremendously in my maintainance endeavors of my 130.000 km old, 105HP turbo TwinAir Alfa MiTo, and for that, I would like to thank you guys.

This is my first time posting on this forum, as I wanted to give you guys my two cents on the matter.



Yes indeed. It seems to be a Venturi style oil trap ventilation hose, with a mesh filter inside.
View attachment 460643
This Y/T shape does look familiar, doesn’t it?


I started to investigate the issue on my TA when I noticed a huge increase in oil consumption, oil vapors deposit on the block (even through the UniAir filter cap!), and the final nail in the coffin was the oil filler cap nearly jumping out of its socket when opening it while the engine was running, along with a smoky exhaust.

Yesterday, I took it upon myself to disassemble the breather, and sprayed it profusely with carb cleaner and contact cleaner to finish the job, until no oil remained inside.

I then let the thing air dry for 20/30 minutes.

Reinstalled it back, and Lo and behold, the engine became less shaky, and unusual exhaust smoke disappeared.
Cherry on the cake, the engine became much more snappier and lively.

I don’t know if it’s a placebo effect, or if it did indeed help, I’m gonna have to check the dipstick in a few days.

Speaking of dipsticks- do you know the best way to find yours if you drive a BMW is to glance at the internal mirror!