Oil Separator Repair Cost Guide
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Oil Separator
Typical repair time: 1-2 hours
Labor cost: $125-$250
Parts cost: $50-$150
Total estimated cost: $175-$400
Centrifugal Oil Separator
Typical repair time: 2-3 hours
Labor cost: $250-$375
Parts cost: $200-$400
Total estimated cost: $450-$775
Coalescing Oil Separator
Typical repair time: 2-4 hours
Labor cost: $250-$500
Parts cost: $300-$600
Total estimated cost: $550-$1,100
Gravity Oil Separator
Typical repair time: 1-2 hours
Labor cost: $125-$250
Parts cost: $100-$200
Total estimated cost: $225-$450
*Please note: These are estimated costs based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make/model, accessibility, and any additional repairs needed. Parts costs are approximate and subject to market fluctuations.
Oil Separator Repair Procedures by Type
PCV Oil Separator
Common repair steps:
- Diagnose symptoms (excessive oil consumption, blue smoke, rough idle)
- Locate the PCV oil separator on the valve cover or engine block
- Remove engine cover and surrounding components for access
- Disconnect electrical connections and vacuum lines
- Remove mounting bolts and carefully extract old separator
- Clean mounting surface thoroughly
- Install new gaskets/O-rings
- Mount new PCV oil separator
- Reconnect all vacuum lines and electrical connections
- Reinstall removed components
- Clear engine codes and test operation
Centrifugal Oil Separator
Common repair steps:
- Allow engine to cool completely
- Remove separator housing from mounting location
- Disassemble separator housing
- Clean or replace centrifugal element
- Inspect bearings and seals
- Replace damaged components
- Reassemble housing with new gaskets
- Remount to engine
- Test operation at various RPMs
Coalescing Oil Separator
Common repair steps:
- Locate separator in compressed air system
- Relieve all system pressure
- Disconnect inlet and outlet connections
- Remove mounting hardware
- Open separator housing
- Replace filter element
- Clean housing interior
- Install new seals and gaskets
- Reassemble housing
- Reconnect all lines
- Pressure test system
Gravity Oil Separator
Common repair steps:
- Drain separator completely
- Remove access covers
- Clean internal baffles and chambers
- Inspect for corrosion or damage
- Replace worn components
- Install new gaskets
- Reassemble unit
- Check all drain valves
- Test operation with normal flow
Important Notes:
- Always consult manufacturer specifications for exact procedures
- Use appropriate safety equipment and precautions
- Replace all gaskets and seals during repair
- Document all steps and maintain service records
- Perform regular maintenance to prevent major repairs
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific models and manufacturers may require additional or different steps. Professional service is recommended for complex repairs.
Types of Oil Separators and Their Functions
Gravity Oil Separator
AGravity Oil Separatoris the most basic type of oil separation system that relies on the natural difference in density between oil and water. As the mixture flows slowly through the separator, oil rises to the top while water settles at the bottom, allowing for separation.
Key benefits:
- Simple and cost-effective design
- Low maintenance requirements
- Effective for large oil droplets
- No moving parts
Coalescing Oil Separator
ACoalescing Oil Separatoruses special media or plates to enhance oil separation. As contaminated water passes through the coalescing material, small oil droplets combine into larger ones, making them easier to separate from the water.
Key benefits:
- Higher efficiency than gravity separators
- Can remove smaller oil droplets
- Compact design
- Ideal for industrial applications
Centrifugal Oil Separator
ACentrifugal Oil Separatoruses centrifugal force to separate oil from water. The contaminated mixture is spun at high speeds, forcing the heavier water to the outside while lighter oil remains in the center, allowing for efficient separation.
Key benefits:
- Very high separation efficiency
- Fast processing times
- Can handle high flow rates
- Effective for emulsified oils
API Oil Separator
AnAPI (American Petroleum Institute) Oil Separatoris a specifically designed gravity separator that follows API standards. It's commonly used in refineries and petrochemical plants for treating large volumes of oily water.
Key benefits:
- Handles large volumes of wastewater
- Meets industry standards
- Includes safety features
- Suitable for continuous operation
CPI Oil Separator
ACPI (Corrugated Plate Interceptor) Oil Separatoruses a series of angled plates to enhance oil separation. The plates increase the surface area and reduce the distance oil droplets need to rise, improving efficiency.
Key benefits:
- More efficient than conventional gravity separators
- Smaller footprint than API separators
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Suitable for various industrial applications
Note: The choice of oil separator depends on various factors including flow rate, oil concentration, space constraints, and regulatory requirements. Our experts can help you select the most appropriate system for your specific needs.
Common Failure Symptoms of Oil Separators: Warning Signs and Diagnostic Indicators
Oil Separator Failure Signs & Maintenance Guide
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Oil Separator
Signs of Failure:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Blue/gray exhaust smoke
- Oil in the intake manifold
- Rough idle or misfires
- Check engine light (particularly for vacuum-related codes)
Service Schedule:
Typically requires inspection every 50,000 miles, but replacement intervals vary by manufacturer. European vehicles often need replacement between 60,000-80,000 miles.
Coalescing Oil Separator
Signs of Failure:
- Decreased compressor efficiency
- Oil carryover in pneumatic tools
- Visible oil in air lines
- Higher than normal pressure differential
Service Schedule:
Element replacement typically required every 4,000-8,000 hours of operation. Regular drain valve operation needed daily or weekly depending on usage.
Gravity Oil Separator
Signs of Failure:
- Oil visible in discharge water
- Overflow from separator unit
- Strong oil odors
- Corrosion or visible damage to unit
Service Schedule:
Requires monthly inspection of oil levels and quarterly cleaning. Complete servicing recommended annually, including removal of accumulated sludge.
Centrifugal Oil Separator
Signs of Failure:
- Unusual vibration or noise
- Reduced separation efficiency
- Higher power consumption
- Oil leakage from seals
Service Schedule:
Bearing inspection every 6 months. Complete overhaul recommended every 2-3 years depending on usage. Regular cleaning of separator disc stack every 1,000 operating hours.
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific maintenance intervals should follow manufacturer recommendations and may vary based on operating conditions and usage patterns.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
