Hello!

I could use some help identifying a part pictured here. This is for my '04 XJ8. There is a loud rattle coming from it. Originally it sounded like an engine knock or tick but it has developed into a rattle that I can hear and feel coming from that part I have indicated.

My second question is in regards to the plastic undercarriage guard. I hit a bag of manure this afternoon while on the freeway and did a lot of damage to the plastic underneath. How important is it replace? A lot of the fasteners were damaged so I'm not even sure I can install a replacement. I'm also not very worried about this but thought I'd ask since I was posting about the above part anyway.

Thanks for the help! ^-^

 

That's the breather valve for the high load crankcase ventilation (PCV valve).
The whole thing essentially consists of a spring loaded diaphragm inside which is allowing the slightly increase pressure inside the crankcase to be ventilated into the intake manifold. If it rattles it is probably broken, or you have a serious blowby problem in the engine.
Should be fixed with a certain priority because when this valve doesn't close properly at low engine loads or idle, when there is strong vacuum in the intake manifold, it may lead to several engine problems, including high oil consumption and bad starting behavior.

There is another crankcase ventilation system on bank 2 (the left one in driving direction) which is responsible for scavenging the blowby gas at low loads and idle. That one is only a hose without valve (always open) and has a small calibrate bore underneath to control the maximum gas flow through it at higher load and therefore higher blowby gas flow.

 

Thank you, Aix! ^-^

Luckily, I already have a service appointment Monday and I'll just at this to the list.

 

The plastic keeps water, dirt, etc, out of the engine compartment, as well as protecting the electrical connections. Useful to keep things as clean as possible.

 

I agree with Wingrider. Also, if your model year is like mine the alternator is down there mounted on the lower front of the engine and you don't want that getting soaked in wet weather.

 

Thanks, Wingrider. I do understand its purpose. I'll take what's left of it with me to my mechanic tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don't think it can be saved. Any suggestions if I need to find a replacement? Maybe a part number or proper name?

 

Parts are listed as "Protection Cover". SNG Barratt has them for just under $40, under Body Metal Panels and Sealing - Fixed Body Panels - Bodyshell Ancillary Panels. Part number is C2C28148 for the left side, there are two part numbers listed for the right side depending on a VIN break.

Dave

 

Hi Lesh,
I came across this thread today. I do not get the link to the "pictured here". If possible, can you please post the pic here again to understand what part was in question ?

Thanks.