Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Smokescreen on July 27, 2008, 02:36:58 PM

Title: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on July 27, 2008, 02:36:58 PM
I need to remove the breather from my wife's M900, what tool do I need for this?  Any hints on how to simplify?
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: bullet boy on July 27, 2008, 06:18:30 PM
I think I used some channel-locks, if I recall correctly... it was no big deal. I replaced mine with a Nichols w/K&N attached directly to it about 15K/mi. ago. Someone will chime in and tell you what a bad idea that is, but I have never had any oil belching or misting (well, the filter ain't pink anymore, but it ain't black, either!)
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on August 26, 2008, 05:57:05 PM
Thanks man.  I'ma go over to PepBoys and get a spanner tomorrow I think.  I'm hoping just to get it off, and then clean it out and reinstall.  Evidently it hasn't been venting, so I keep getting oil leaks.
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Howley on August 26, 2008, 06:30:40 PM
You don't need a spanner. Just put a center punch, screwdriver, ball head allen key etc in one of the holes and tap it with a hammer (or a rock) to turn the breather. Works a treat  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on August 27, 2008, 03:27:31 PM
this doesn't chinger up the breather?  I just want to clean it and reuse it you see
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Howley on August 27, 2008, 04:31:12 PM
Yeah if you're careful it's fine. Use a rag for padding if you want. I did the exact thing to get mine off (I put it back on too).
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on August 27, 2008, 09:36:49 PM
Thanks man.  were you taking yours off to clear a clog also?
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Howley on August 28, 2008, 05:20:40 AM
Nah just to clean it and seal it up.
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: ghostface on August 28, 2008, 09:20:12 PM
Quote from: Smokescreen on July 27, 2008, 02:36:58 PM
I need to remove the breather...


May I ask, why the NEED?
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Jobu on August 28, 2008, 09:33:13 PM
Quote from: ghostface on August 28, 2008, 09:20:12 PM
May I ask, why the NEED?

Quote from: Smokescreen on August 26, 2008, 05:57:05 PM
Thanks man.  I'ma go over to PepBoys and get a spanner tomorrow I think.  I'm hoping just to get it off, and then clean it out and reinstall.  Evidently it hasn't been venting, so I keep getting oil leaks.
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Capo on August 29, 2008, 03:00:08 AM
They don't get dirty, will be covered with a film of engine oil. What you should be looking at is the operation and sealing of the reed valve.
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on September 02, 2008, 04:12:16 PM
Well I pulled the thing off without issue.  almost bought a pretty alloy one till I realized the innards were EXECTLY the same for $160...  It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, but after reinstalling and rerouting the tubing, she's breathing much more freely, so that's nice. 

As to the why, there seems to be excess crank case pressure, and very little going on at the breather...  so I took it out, cleaned it, replaced it, and once again, took off the alternator cover, cleaned it, switched from #2 gasket to Permatex "the right stuff" gasket maker.  I think another part of the problem is that Ducati discontinued a paper gasket leaving me to run a bead that has to be, at one point, a few mm wide, which really isn't ok, but, what can I do, other than start a factory in China making paper gaskets for Ducatis....  hmm....  Tempting....
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Howie on September 02, 2008, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: Smokescreen on September 02, 2008, 04:12:16 PM

<snip>

took off the alternator cover, cleaned it, switched from #2 gasket to Permatex "the right stuff" gasket maker.  I think another part of the problem is that Ducati discontinued a paper gasket leaving me to run a bead that has to be, at one point, a few mm wide, which really isn't ok, but, what can I do, other than start a factory in China making paper gaskets for Ducatis....  hmm....  Tempting....

Chris Kelley, a sponser, already beat you to it, except I don't think they come from China.
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/engine.html
Scroll down.
Title: Re: Breather Removal
Post by: Smokescreen on September 03, 2008, 08:42:44 AM
Damnit!  I wish I'd have known that before the first gasket replacement!!  Well, it's there for the next go I suppose.  Maybe I should buy a few just to have them around.  I've always found that as long as I have spares, a part never breaks.  Don't have the spares or the tools though, and sure as shit.