Breather Removal

[Smokescreen]

I need to remove the breather from my wife's M900, what tool do I need for this?  Any hints on how to simplify?

[bullet boy]

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!)

[Smokescreen]

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.

[Howley]

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 

[Smokescreen]

this doesn't chinger up the breather?  I just want to clean it and reuse it you see

[Howley]

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).

[Smokescreen]

Thanks man.  were you taking yours off to clear a clog also?

[Howley]

Nah just to clean it and seal it up.

[ghostface]

I need to remove the breather...

May I ask, why the NEED?

[Jobu]

May I ask, why the NEED?

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.

[Capo]

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.

[Smokescreen]

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....

[Howie]

<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.

[Smokescreen]

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.