Rubber hose coming from the curb-side engine compartment. What is it's function? :help:
Slobber tube .... crankcase blow by tube maybe.
I'm afraid I'll trash it when backing up. :facepalm:
Are you sure that's what it is? If so somebody's added a length to possibly keep drops of oil turning to a mist.
Can you follow it back up towards the eng to see where it originates from? That would help on knowing what it is
Looks line the REMAINS of a crankcase breather/slobber tube extension that has fallen down. May have to invest $5 in a new one and a couple of new zip ties.
If that is what is it, the extension hose ID is 1" for your Caterpillar 3116.
And, if not too damaged, you may be able to zip tie it back up. CAUTION, do NOT form a drip loop what could collect moisture, freeze and block crankcase venting! Said another way, it should only go down hill from engine to back of coach.
If that's all it is, I'd say the cheapest repair I've ever done! Thanks, all. M
If you notice a change in the amount of blow by find out why. An increase in blow by oil discharge can be an indicator of significant engine wear.
To be a little more specific: If you are talking about CFM, I agree.
If you are talking about oil from the tube, quite likely it is from OVERfilling the crankcase. Will happen even with a brand new/perfect engine. Yes, it COULD indicate a problem if oil level is correct.
When my air filter failed and severe engine wear ensued, blow by spatter on the toad was the first change symptom that I saw. I guess any time you see something change it is time to start looking for the cause.
I agree with Brett, overfilling will cause excess blow by for a while but even that should get attantion. Over filling oil is not a good thing.
If you do reroute it be sure not to loop it up or kink it as Brett mentioned. Best case is straight down if it is the "slobber"tube. I know, silly name but they've been called that forever. When I park overnight i have a water bottle that I cut the top off of that I stick on the end to catch the little bit of oil that will drip out after running all day..
I made a "catch can" out of a aluminum welding rod tube. It's open at the top to allow adequate ventilation, and held in place on the end of the rubber vent line with a couple nylon ties. I check it every 6 months or so, and never find more than a bit of greasy sludge/dirt in the bottom.
I'd rather pull the Donner Pass in a snowstorm than get my old body underneath to get at that hose! Getting to it from the top is just as daunting. No oil on the hose end or on the ground and it looks like it's still hooked to the engine. News at eleven. :facepalm:
At a minimum, looks like you need to get a younger body to zip tie it back up, but no drip loop-- still betting on it being the crankcase breather/slobber tube extension. All brand new, still under $10 and maybe a beer or two for labor.
4' of 1" ID hose (reinforced clear will work fine for many many years, oil resistant a LOT more expensive.
Couple of zip ties (black last better than clear).
Screwdriver to R&R hose clamp at engine end of extension.
Knife to cut hose and zip ties to length.
Only two HAVE TOO'S: No restrictions to air flow such as kinks or sharp corners and only downhill from engine to exit end.
Once again "Perseverance Furthers". In a series of brilliant (I thought) moves to avoid crawling under the coach, I got the hose off the ground. Realized my awning hook would reach down from the top, raised the hose and blocked it with spare pieces of sewer pipe supports. BARELY got the hose wire-tied to the transverse frame rail (with plenty of drop, as suggested). Will keep an eye on it, but do believe I've dodged the bullet. Who says American ingenuity is dead? Thanks to all for your comments and insight. M
p.s.----no pics, I only had white wire ties in stock, and I was afraid Papa would be mad.