My Yeti has chewed through 3 oil separators in 48,000 kms (~30,000 miles) since new and have I been told it 'is leaking badly' and needs replacing again.  It has always been serviced on time and by an authorised SKODA agent.

 

I would appreciate any input/advice re this matter.

 

Is it usual to replace the oil separator every ~ 15,000 kms?  

 

No; very unusual. There may be an underlying problem that is causing them to fail. 

Thanks Wino ....... any idea of what sort of underlying problems?  I'm discussing it with the dealership tomorrow when they have another look.  Any pointers would be welcomed.

I don't know really, but excess crankcase pressure I suppose.  

Different engine,  but have a look here: 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Wino, that sounds like good advice and a good starting point.

Hi

 

I confess that I hadn't even heard of an oil separator for the 1.2 Tsi, and don't remember it figuring in the discussions on this forum over the years.  It is a pretty simple piece of kit that ought to last for years.

 

This video covers the one for the 2 litre engine, but it will be similar:

 

I agree that there could well be an underlying issue with the PCV system which is stressing it.  Maybe a blockage or faulty hose somewhere causing more pressure than the seal can cope with ?  It seems a bit short-sighted of the dealer to just keep replacing a part like this without finding the cause.  Hopefully their stock of spares isn't from a faulty batch.

 

Your dealer ought to check the crankcase for excess pressure caused by too much piston ring blow-by, but let's hope that isn't the issue.

Thanks Austin 7, I found the video helpful.

 

As a general update: yesterday the Yeti had it's underbelly videoed again (oil separator and water pump) by dealer and forwarded to SKODA (Au).

 

Like owner understanding 'why' something is happening and a permanent solution is important.

 

Cheers

Hi interested persons,

 

The Yeti has been repaired.

 

re water pump  - SKODA provided water pump at 50% off and no further.  The dealer came to the party with 50% off labour.  The cause of the leak was identified as an internal housing leak.

 

re oil separator - SKODA provided oil separator at 50% off and no further.  The dealer came to the party with 100% off labour.  The cause of the oil separator leak was not specified but it was regarded as being in excellent condition with no signs of any blockage in oil galleries leading to the separator.  A cylinder leak test was carried out by the dealer (my request) to "determine if there was abnormal crank case pressure and the result was everything is as the manufacturer intended".

 

re oil separator - nobody will say what the underlying problem is but from what I can gather it is the design ....... no idea which bit but as the separators show no symptoms apart from leakage my highly uneducated guess is the interface between the separator and whatever it is fixed to.  Surface interface issues???  Adhesive??  No idea.

 

It's great the work has been carried out, but it took 10 weeks to get to agreement and 6 weeks of that time was waiting for SKODA to respond on 3 occasions and even then they still had to be prompted.  Pretty shabby.

 

That said, I am happy with the dealer's final offer and the work carried out .......... as far as I can tell from peering under the bonnet!

 

The beast is back on her feet (yes, she is a she) and strolling the hills around here with renewed confidence.

 

Thanks for your help and sharing your knowledge and experiences.

 

Cheers