CCV Tube Replacement (possible Group Buy)

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
CCV Tube Replacement

A few weeks ago, I posted a custom replacement (http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=126631) for a cracked ccv tube based on the drawings by Wypij (http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=118821&highlight=CCV+tube). That worked, but I decided to try to improve it. After several evenings and a few weekends with a friend that's a CNC programmer, we've come up with what we think is a improved version. Here's the engine side of the part we built:



The custom piece is made of 1/2" aluminum. The elbow is attached with threads at an angle to reproduce the angle of the original pipe. The same O ring as before fits nicely in a groove around the hole on the inside. A galvanized elbow and copper adapter connect to a hose that leads up to the ccv. All threaded connections were treated with high-temp thread lock.



This updated version has been on my car for over a month and is working well. No leaks are visible anywhere, and engine oil level is stable.

This version uses a different hose than before that fits over the original ccv tube at the top and is easier to install. The previous version fit inside the ccv tube and required silicone to provide a good seal. Here are all the parts used in this solution and a closer view of our custom part.






Tools needed for installation:
Hacksaw
Small flat-blade screwdriver
6 mm hex key

1.) Saw the pipe near its top connection point, leaving a 1 inch stub.

2.) Use the hex key to remove the 2 bolts attaching the pipe to the engine block. Make sure the washers come off with the bolts; they have a tendency to stay stuck to the bolt holes.

3.) Remove the pipe from the engine by pulling it straight out.

4.) Clean off any leaked oil. Electric parts cleaner works well for this, because it can dissolve oil and grease without damaging rubber hoses or wire insulation.

5.) Attach the custom part using the original bolts. A small drop of grease in the head of the bolt can be helpful in preventing it from falling off the hex key.

6.) Slide the hose over the top stub, routing as shown in the photograph, and secure it with the included hose clamp.

7.) Push the other end of the hose onto the stub of the original pipe. This is a tight fit, so you may wish to place a bit of oil on the plastic stub to make it easier to slide the hose onto it.

A few people have asked about putting together a production run of this part. My friend arranged for some time at the mill for a production run. For simple installation, I'll put together a kit with the needed parts. Since you really need a vise to put the metal parts together, I'll do that so it will arrive assembled.

Updated ordering info:

Each kit costs $40. Shipping for one kit to anywhere in the US will be an additional $7.05. For payment, cashier check or money orders is fine. I can't do credit cards, but non-credit card Paypal is fine. To order, send me a PM with your preferred payment method and shipping address.

Thanks,
Bryan
 
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tditom

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 5, 2001
Location
Jackson, MI
TDI
formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
Hi Bryan-

Thanks for doing this work. Are there any issues with the dissimilar metals being used (Aluminum, galvanized steel, copper) causing galvanic corrosion over the long term?
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
Tom - In short, no, there are no issues with using the dissimilar metals. There are dissimilar metals all over the vehicle, and as we have found the plastic parts will tend to break down long before any metal parts.

In designing the system, however, I was concerned about that myself and discussed that with a diesel specialist and two mechanical engineers. The aluminum was chosen because they considered that to be one of the best metals to use against the block. It's soft, benign, and should form a good seal against the block. For the other two parts were chosen largely based on availability and cost, but I did research to make sure this was a good, long term solution. I considered using some kind of formed rubber hose that would fit the top connection better. Doing that, however, would likely add $10 to $25 to the cost of the kit. If I do find a source for a formed hose that is both cheap and fits well, I'll update the kit.
 

michTDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2000
Location
Charlotte, MI, USA
TDI
2003 Jetta and 2015 GSW MT
Put me down for one kit.......I recently replaced the plastic-and when it cracks next time this will replace it......maybe even before it cracks......thanks.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
Well, there doesn't seem to be much interest in a group purchase. That makes sense, really, as this item is something you only need when your PCV pipe is leaking oil.

I'm going to look into doing a small run and making the kit available when they are needed.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
Yes, it's installed on my A3.

The part number for this breather hose (aka CCV tube) on the AHU is 028103491J. The Impex price is currently $36.83 and according to the impex catalog that part fits:

1993 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1994 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1995 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1996 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1997 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1998 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1999 Volkswagen Golf III TDI Diesel
1993 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1994 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1995 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1996 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1997 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1998 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1999 Volkswagen Jetta III TDI Diesel
1996 Volkswagen Passat TDI Diesel
1997 Volkswagen Passat TDI Diesel
 

darkscout

Grammar Scout
Joined
May 28, 2006
Location
Michigan
TDI
2003 Golf
Mine's leaking. I just sent you an PM if there are any kits (or even just the CNC) available. I'm thinking of getting a 90 elbow so that the tube isn't kinked.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
PMs sent to darkscout and ErikM98. I finished another production run and now have four kits available. The one installed on my Jetta now has over 10,000 miles on it with no leaks or other issues.

Bryan
 
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darkscout

Grammar Scout
Joined
May 28, 2006
Location
Michigan
TDI
2003 Golf
Bryan42 said:
PMs sent to darkscout and ErikM98. I finished another production run and now have four kits available. The one installed on my Jetta now has over 10,000 miles on it with no leaks or other issues.

Bryan
Do you use red locktite or anything to keep the seal? I'd hate to start leaking again.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
I use green 'automotive grade' locktite, as it is rated for high temperatures and is very permanent. It's similar to an epoxy.
 

Lug_Nut

TDIClub Enthusiast, Pre-Forum Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 20, 1998
Location
Sterling, MA. USA
TDI
2015 GSW 6M in S trim the other oil burners: 1967 two stroke Sonett 1988 Bolens DGT1700
I needed one. I stopped by my local VW parts supplier (VWoA recently revoked their franchise so no new cars and no warranty work). They had two in stock. I bought them both. $40 each.
Maybe not as permanent as an aluminum flange, but 10 years is permanent enough for the one on the engine now.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
I wonder what the average life span is for the original pipe? Mine was brittle and leaking a mess at 134,000 miles. I heard of some people that got a new VW pipe and found it to be leaking after only a week. Others have better luck. Oh, well. I designed this part to be as permanent a solution as reasonably possible.
 

Ray_G

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Location
Tulsa
TDI
98 Jetta TDI
Bryan,
Do you have anymore kits available? BTW, the one I put on my Passat (I think the first one you sold) works like a champ. I will slightly modify the way I did the first one on the next one, mostly just hose and elblow routing. Anyway I was wondering if you have more. Also the one that I did on my Jetta was around 98,000 miles and the flange had been leaking for quite some time.
Thanks,
Ray
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
I'm glad it's working well for you, Ray! I have two kits ready to send and a few more that will be ready later this week.
 

TDI_Cubed

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2005
Location
Texas
TDI
14 BMW 328dX
Dissimiliar Metals - Ouch!

tditom said:
Hi Bryan-

Thanks for doing this work. Are there any issues with the dissimilar metals being used (Aluminum, galvanized steel, copper) causing galvanic corrosion over the long term?
I would suggest not using an gavanized parts as they do not do well under heat. :eek:

I would suggest, rather, that you substitute the galvanized elbow for a brass elbow, takes the heat much better, will not cause galvanic corrosion, and looks much better. :D
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
In designing this, I talked to a few people that are quite knowledgable in metal fabrication and mechanical engineering. What they told me was that for this application, there would be no chance of galvanic corrosion problems unless it somehow got splashed with salt water daily. If anyone does see any galvanic corrosion on this custom part, please let me know.

I do agree that brass would likely look better, so I'll look again to see if the prices for a brass elbow are reasonable. When I looked before, they looked to be 10x higher than the galvanized part.

I've also thought of powder coating the part. That might not be so hard, actually.
 

ErikM98

Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2004
TDI
Red 1998 Jetta
What size and type of alen wrench are you using to get to the bolts on a jetta? I tried a t-handle 6mm ball head and its hoping around in the bolt head and a 7mm strait wont fit into it.
 

Bryan42

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Location
Iowa
TDI
1998 Jetta TDI, Blue
You need a 6mm hex key, one that is shaped like an "L". I got one from Harbor Freight that is just the right length. There isn't much space to turn it to loosen/tighten the bolts, so you really need one that's just the right length. It might easiest to get a cheap 6mm hex key that's a bit long and cut it to the correct length with a hack saw.
 

darkscout

Grammar Scout
Joined
May 28, 2006
Location
Michigan
TDI
2003 Golf
Bryan42 said:
You need a 6mm hex key, one that is shaped like an "L". I got one from Harbor Freight that is just the right length. There isn't much space to turn it to loosen/tighten the bolts, so you really need one that's just the right length. It might easiest to get a cheap 6mm hex key that's a bit long and cut it to the correct length with a hack saw.
Install went great. Sure enough the OE had a crack in it. It also looked like it was RTVed in addition to the O-ring. Did it come from the factory like this or did some idiot decide that it would be a good idea? It took a bit of a putty knife to get rid of that.

Although I did forget to tighten the lower band clamp. I made it 60 miles and lost about 3/4 of a quart. Tightened that up and everything is awesome.

Jeff from Rocket Chip thought that it was an awesome replacement too :)
 

paramedick

TDIClub Enthusiast, Vendor
Joined
Jul 29, 2001
Location
Versailles, Kentucky
TDI
2015 Audi Q5 TDI
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darkscout

Grammar Scout
Joined
May 28, 2006
Location
Michigan
TDI
2003 Golf
paramedick said:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&keyword=ball+end+hex+socket

Some of the handiest tools I own. Great especially for intakes. The long ones make removing the J tube very easy.

If you buy them from a tool truck, don't get the Matco longs. Darn things break every time I use them. My SK ones are still going strong after 2+ years and 50+ intake manifold removals.
I used a sears hex key set with a small (10 mm) close ended wrench as leverage. For those of us that can't have all the tools :)
 

Scott58

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Location
Enterprise, MS
TDI
96 Passat, 01 Golf
Hey Bryan,

This is the part I've been looking for. What is the current status on your install? Any leaks or issues show up in the past few months? Are any kits currently ready to ship? I need two.

BTW good write up. Thanks
 

darkscout

Grammar Scout
Joined
May 28, 2006
Location
Michigan
TDI
2003 Golf
Scott58 said:
Hey Bryan,

This is the part I've been looking for. What is the current status on your install? Any leaks or issues show up in the past few months? Are any kits currently ready to ship? I need two.

BTW good write up. Thanks

No leaks on mine. Wonderful part. A bit tight to get in there. Only leaks were my fault when I didn't tighten the band clamp and lost about a quart. (Entirely my own fault). Once I got that tightened up I cleaned the engine bay with a power washer. Not a drop of oil leaked since. Given the materials I bet this will outlast the engine.
 

bayshorecs

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2006
Location
SoCal (Rancho Cucamonga)
TDI
06 Golf
Just my 2 cents...

Mine was cracked as well. Had a guy at work make me a new flange and used some brass fittings to angle back up to the stock plastic pipe. Then a 5/8 ID rubber hose and some silcone... Looks pretty good! Thanks to those who have posted ahead of me!

Also, I had a small leak on the valve cover which I thought the CCV was bad. After I took it off, I realized that the hose going to the intake had a wierd bubble where the hose clamp didn't tighten right. A little permantex B and a new hose clamp on it and we will see if the valve cover still gets oily.

The CCV itself still passed air rather well so I will be taking the replacement CCV back to the dealer and get my $70 back.

I used a 6mm hex socket with extensions to get at the flange bolts. MUCH easier than a standard L wench. One of the bolts rounded off so I pounded a 12mm 12point socket over it and the bolt backed out ok.

The cheap plastic on the stock flange broke apart and some small pieces of plastic fell into the crankcase :eek: :eek: . I poured 4 quarts of used oil from my oil change back through the crankcase and hope I got it all back out.
 
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