Crankcase Ventilation

[Chimo]

I am running a D3-150 in our 2017 R25SC and just in the process of completing annual service. One of the items required to be changed annually is the crankcase ventilation filter insert, part # 21368879. I am annually amazed at the price of this filter at CDN $213 or approx. US $160. Last year I purchased from Ranger parts department at US $132 but with no Rendezvous this year I didn't have the opportunity without paying shipping and possibly duty (filter is made in Germany). I can imagine that the price in the US has risen in any case because that's the Volvo level.

Apart from the price I question the size of the filter. It's obviously necessary to change it but why after only 93 hours since the last change? I will change again next year because the engine has the 5 year extended warranty and I want to maintain it but I asked a tech. if he had a better solution going forward. He told me that many D3 owners had fitted the filter from the D4. Apparently it's a fairly simple retrofit and the result is a much bigger filter that's actually less expensive after the initial outlay. Has anyone on TugNuts made this change? Does it sound like a good move? Any D4 owner like to share the price of their filter insert, possibly in Canada? I have put the parts diagrams for both systems in my album for reference.

 

[dclagett]

For my 2014 D3 -150 the manual indicates inspection of the filter every year, not replace every year. I agree with you that the price is ridiculous.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

its not like the D4 item is what I would consider cheap!

 

[Chimo]

For my 2014 D3 -150 the manual indicates inspection of the filter every year, not replace every year. I agree with you that the price is ridiculous.

That's interesting! I'm using the 2015 schedule that I have now added to the folder. It clearly shows Replace. I'm going to do that while in warranty. So, for interest, how are you judging the state of the filter when you inspect it?

 

[RichBirk]

Just wondering, why can't it be cleaned and be put back in?

 

[BB marine]

The scheduled maintenance for the crankcase ventilation filter (D3) is every 200 hrs or once every 12 months. Based on the Volvo manual. It is a expensive maintenance item but in my opinion an important item to replace. The crank case filter removes impurities in the carry over oil from the crankcase and the oil is returned to the crank case. Over a period of time this filter can start to restrict. The more restricted the better chance of some of the oil to be carried overto the turbo. This carry over can over a period of time start to foul the compressor side of the turbo and the after cooler. Many older diesels do not have this system and rely on the access carry over to be burned during combustion. I realize the cost of this filter each time I service my D3 but just chalk it up to owning small displacement modern High output diesel. Being a marine technician for a number of years I always used OEM parts and always realized the extra cost. I had to remind myself of what the initial investment was of the boat and it's equipment. This seemed to help me justify the cost of the OEM original parts. I do all the maintenance on the engine and boat so I get a great discount in Labor. My opinion is what is in the parts manual is what goes in or on my engine.

There is one exception to this rule. The D3 air filter is in my opinion poor quality and expensive. Walker makes a more substantial filter and is reusable ( It can be cleaned ) Walker Volvo D3 -Part# 1001835
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1287/ ... 1462920503

 

[dclagett]

Chimo,

My approach to this filter is to replace it every other year since I put less than 100 hours a year on the boat and the filter inspection (according to my schedule) is on a 200 hour/12 month interval. Unlike the engine air filter, this filter is enclosed and I would not think it can get dirtier when the engine is not running during the 6 months of winter. If anyone has any concerns on my approach please let me know.

As far as inspection of the filter I have no Idea what criteria one would use. I assume a Volvo Penta certified mechanic could provide more information on that subject.

Rich,

The Volvo Penta manual I have clearly states that this filter cannot by cleaned.

 

[Gin]

For folks who need the D4 crankcase filter, or anyone considering retrofitting the D4 crankcase onto the D3 engine, check out this thread for a filter option: http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14097&p=93704&hilit=Crankcase+MANN#p93704

Jim Favors (trailertrawlerskismit) found a third-party replacement made by MANN, a German manufacturer. The price is dazzlingly low — under $30. The link to purchase one (Diesel Filters Online) is in the thread. I ordered one, half out of curiousity (at $30 versus $130, I was willing to indulge myself), and then to have as a backup if it looked good. To my eye, the two filters are all but identical, and it sure looks like MANN makes the part and brands it for Volvo. I will stick with the branded Volvo part as long as my engine is under warranty. But for anyone not under warranty or looking for an affordable spare to use in an emergency, I think Jim found a great option.

Gini

 

[tlkenyon]

Easy question. Going to change out the crankcase vent filter. I seem to be able to drop things (like screws) into the bilges to be forever lost. The torx screws holding the lid on appear to be captive...is that true?

THANKS

TK

 

[BB marine]

I never had a screw fall out of the cover but I was always careful when removing it. I would leave the hose attached to the cover and keep the cover level pulling the hose out of the air cleaner. I would say your correct but I never tested the screw to be captive. I to have spent many hours retrieving items that found there way into the bilge area under the engine. 5 years worth of words that can not be said on this forum. Good luck and keep your eyes on the fasteners!

 

[tlkenyon]

BB - THANKS! Any idea why the torx screws? This is the only place I have found them. CHEERS