Air Breather cleaning - best way???

[MH69Coupe]

What is the best way to clean the air intake breather???

What is inside that thing? I am planning to clean the breather, replace the valve and the gaskets (my gaskets on both sides are hardened and i see some very light oil leak on the valve cover sides/trim ...).

Can there be a different reason for the oil leak?

Thanks.

[TJ Hopland]

What year? 68-81?  I'm guessing 69?   Most of the time inside the breather is a sort of mesh material.   I have heard of people cleaning them with all the usual fluids such as kerosene/diesel, gasoline, acetone, and similar.  Replacements used to be pretty easy to find but must have gone out of production a while ago and 'we' have finally used up what was on the shelves. 

Get replacement bushing / gromits if you can for the valve covers.  At this age the are not likely sealing very well. 

Clean or replace your PCV valve assuming its got one.   If there is still an level ride compressor connected that doesn't work that could be reducing the draw for the PCV so cap that line if its not working. 

[MH69Coupe]

Yes mine is 69 deville.

I am planning to replace the valve and the elbow. Is there a specific part number for the air breather rubber grommet going into the valve cover?

[cadillacmike68]

When you guys find the grommet, please let me know. I need a couple.

I just soaked mine in parts cleaner once. It never needed it again.

[MH69Coupe]

Checked with USA Parts Supply.

They confirmed part 1.745C in their catalog fits the grommet hole for the original air breather valve cover. Will be trying that soon.

[1976Deville]

Napa , Auto Zone, Pep Boy sell the Elbow grommet

[MH69Coupe]

Update...

I have tried few and the one almost similar to what i had was - Airtex 2P1005 (available at oriellys as BWD PCV271) fits perfect and so far no leaks. Can be used on both valve cover and air filter housing etc.

For a bit more snugly fit Dorman 42066 has almost same fit.

For elbow i used Dorman 47035. I got two with different inner whole sizes for the same part#. Seems there are few defective parts no correctly spec in the market. You need one with bigger inner whole and the correct grove where the valve slides into.