Stuck Breather Cover...Any Tips?

BlueSideUp · 09:50 AM

I am trying to replace the gasket on my breather cover but it seems to be very well stuck to the case. I've tried putting my finger in the breather hole and pulling on it with no results. Any tricks to getting this thing off?

I was able to get the thermostat out with a tip I found here, just use an angled flat blade screwdriver from Sears and it'll pop right out (you can see the tool laying on top of the engine top left of the first photo). The O-ring was hard as a rock and it's been leaking for quite some time. As you can see the leaks made quite a mess under the shroud.

It looks like I could use some new alternator brushes too, well OK the whole thing needs to be rebuilt.

911pcars · 04-10-2007, 09:17 PM

You might try sticking a pipe or large wooden dowel into the hose outlet and use that as a lever to break the seal. I would use something slightly smaller than the ID of the outlet tube so it doesn't stress it and break off.

Sherwood

BlueSideUp · 04-11-2007, 07:22 AM

Thanks I think I'll also try a little heat from my heat gun. It doesn't look like MAPP gas would be a good thing to use in this area.

DaddyGlenn · DaddyGlenn's Garage

Chances are that it is being held on by the part of the gasket the is not leaking.

Personally, I'd give it a couple wacks with a rubber mallet of hunk of wood just to break it loose.

but thats just me.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Use a rubber mallet, I managed to crack the snout off mine using a screwdriver.

jwernquist · 04-11-2007, 08:06 AM

I agree had the same thing. I hit it really good with a rubber mallet and it popped right off!

BlueSideUp · 04-11-2007, 08:21 AM

This might be a dumb question but do you just whack it on the breather neck from the side?

DaddyGlenn · DaddyGlenn's Garage

I'd try to stay away from the neck and you don't want to hit it down toward the case. You need just a tad of lateral movement to break it loose.

BlueSideUp · 04-11-2007, 09:37 AM

OK I'll try it out. Any ideas what the tan/red wire is for? The temp sensor connects to the rubber boot in the bottom center of the photo. There is another tan/red wire over near the engine compartment fuse panel.

DaddyGlenn · DaddyGlenn's Garage

Can't help on the wires. My '78 does not have that sensor.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSideUp
OK I'll try it out. Any ideas what the tan/red wire is for? The temp sensor connects to the rubber boot in the bottom center of the photo. There is another tan/red wire over near the engine compartment fuse panel.

It's possible that's the wire to the thermotime switch on the drivers chain housing cover.

BlueSideUp · 04-11-2007, 12:43 PM

Is a thermotime something for MFI or CIS? My car came with carbs but maybe the harness is the same for MFI and carbs in 1970.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSideUp
Is a thermotime something for MFI or CIS? My car came with carbs but maybe the harness is the same for MFI and carbs in 1970.

Sorry, no as far as I know it's CIS, so please disregard.