What's this pipe?

[SAnt]

So I replaced the spark plugs today and the engine actually sounds better but in doing so I noticed that a pipe has become very brittle. It's connects behind the spark plug coil box to the top of the engine, goes to the right (under the cable that goes into the coil) and then comes out the front under the silver plastic engine cover.

I've circled it in this attachment;

WhatsThisPipe.png

Since I'm a car noob, I would love to know what this is called so I can replace it. It only looks like a few push on bits so surely not a hard job to replace?

I think it's called an Engine Oil Breather Hose? Seems to be expensive for a little bit of pipe. I'm gussing just taping up any holes in it is not a solution

[Capncol]

Engine breather pipe. If it's not airtight it can lead to poor running and anti pollution faults.

[SAnt]

Thanks! I'll buy a replacement and fit it myself. It looks like 1 push-on part and 2 clips, so hopefully not create too much of an issue.

Makes me wonder if these are subject to failing as there is a part around the pipe which has obviously been designed afterwards to stop the pipe hitting and breaking against other bits. But not sure why it would go brittle, perhaps there is a problem elsewhere causing a buildup in the pipe or is that just a normal usage thing?

[gazza82]

Probably just heat from the engine bay .. ours snapped but I found I could push two halves inside some heater pipe and rejoin them ... been working like that for about two years!

[SAnt]

Bit of a sod to remove the lower part as there is no room to get your finger in to depress the yellow release clip. Ended up having to twist part of the old pipe between a few bits so I could turn it round just enough to get a flathead onto it.

With the new pipe fitted the idle revs have gone down from 1100 to 900, so hopefully job done!

Inside the old pipe appears to be oil which has an orange tint to it. Is this a normal thing or something I should be concerned about?