Pipe cleaner used as filter for blow-by hose?

[jnuke79]

So yesterday I decided to change the 'blow-by' hose that goes to the air intake air duct. Strictly b/c it was wicked hard, and I know they do tend to get brittle with age. In the 1st picture, it is the hose with the red arrow on the top that goes into the air duct.


My question is, does Nissan use what looks like a pipe cleaner, as a filter on the opposite end of the hose from the air duct?


I was able to move it a little, but did not want to fully remove it incase it was supposed to be there as a filter. Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this.

[intender]

Mine has the same thing inside of it. I assume its there to catch or at least slow down any blowby that comes through so that it will end up back down in the valve train rather than the intake manifold.

[jnuke79]

Ok, just wanted to make sure that was the case before I attempted to remove it. I asked my used car tech I have that works for me at the dealership I'm at, and he had never seen anything like that before.

[intender]

I honestly thought somebody had tried cleaning it with a pipe cleaner and broke it off, but then I saw the other side was the same way and decided either somebody had proven to be a failure and broken two pipe cleaners or it was meant to be that way.

I have not seen any other trucks or spoke to a mechanic or anything to verify they are supposed to be that way, but the odds of two trucks having them makes me feel a little better about the fact I never pulled them out.

[jnuke79]

I'm walking over to Nissan today to order a couple more hoses to replave and PCV valve, so I may ask one of the techs to see what they have to say. I am curious what would happen if they were removed, but also if they are a fliter, what gunk is it blocking to come through.

[miskywhisky]

Mine had it too. Took it out thinking it could escape and cause more trouble with the valves.

[jnuke79]

Originally Posted by miskywhisky

Mine had it too. Took it out thinking it could escape and cause more trouble with the valves.

Was it just a small piece? Also did you notice any difference after it was removed?

[miskywhisky]

Nope, i think it was about an inch long. I have a pic in the timing belt thread somewhere i think. I guess its for anything that gets past the air filter.

[codyr20]

i had thhat also in my 01 and thought my dad broke a pipe cleaner but i took it out over a year ago and all still swell running motor so just dump it if your worried about it

[Xterror04]

Haha I task mine out over 3 years ago, I didn't figure it was a filter lol I haven't had any issues