Vent Oil Separator Service Cost Guide
At our standard rate of $125/hour, here's what you can expect to pay for various Vent Oil Separator services:
Basic Maintenance Service
Estimated Cost: $250-375(2-3 hours)
- Visual inspection
- Basic cleaning
- Filter check and cleaning
- Performance testing
Deep Cleaning Service
Estimated Cost: $500-625(4-5 hours)
- Complete disassembly
- Thorough internal cleaning
- Component inspection
- Reassembly and testing
Major Repair Service
Estimated Cost: $750-1,000(6-8 hours)
- Component replacement
- Seal replacement
- Complete system overhaul
- Extended testing
Emergency Service
Estimated Cost: $375-500(3-4 hours)
- After-hours response
- Diagnostic assessment
- Temporary fixes if needed
- Basic repairs
Note: These are estimated costs based on typical service times. Actual costs may vary depending on system complexity, accessibility, and specific issues encountered during service.
Additional Costs:
- Replacement parts (if needed)
- Emergency call-out fee
- Travel time for remote locations
Vent Oil Separator Repair Procedures
Catch Can Style Separator
Step 1:Remove the catch can from mounting brackets and disconnect PCV hoses
Step 2:Disassemble the catch can by unscrewing the top portion
Step 3:Clean all internal components thoroughly using degreaser and compressed air
Step 4:Inspect filter media and baffle system for damage; replace if necessary
Step 5:Check all O-rings and seals; replace if showing wear
Step 6:Reassemble unit ensuring proper seal alignment
Step 7:Reinstall and reconnect PCV hoses
Cyclonic Separator
Step 1:Disconnect electrical connections if equipped with heating element
Step 2:Remove separator from mounting location
Step 3:Disassemble cyclonic chamber carefully noting orientation
Step 4:Clean all internal surfaces and inspect for wear patterns
Step 5:Check cyclonic vanes for damage or buildup
Step 6:Replace any damaged components or worn seals
Step 7:Reassemble ensuring proper alignment of cyclonic components
Step 8:Reinstall and reconnect all fittings and electrical connections
Centrifugal Separator
Step 1:Disconnect power supply and remove unit
Step 2:Open housing and inspect centrifugal disc assembly
Step 3:Clean all components thoroughly
Step 4:Check bearings and rotating assembly for wear
Step 5:Replace worn bearings or damaged components
Step 6:Lubricate bearings according to manufacturer specifications
Step 7:Reassemble unit ensuring proper balance
Step 8:Test rotation before full reinstallation
Mesh Filter Separator
Step 1:Remove unit from system
Step 2:Disassemble housing to access mesh elements
Step 3:Remove and clean mesh filters or replace if damaged
Step 4:Clean housing thoroughly
Step 5:Inspect gaskets and seals
Step 6:Replace any worn sealing components
Step 7:Reassemble with new or cleaned mesh elements
Step 8:Reinstall and check for proper sealing
Important Note:Always consult the manufacturer's specific guidelines before performing any repairs. These are general procedures and may vary by make and model. Professional service is recommended for complex repairs.
Understanding Vent Oil Separators
Crankcase Vent Oil Separator
ACrankcase Vent Oil Separatoris a device designed to remove oil particles from the crankcase ventilation gases before they are recirculated back into the engine's intake system. During engine operation, combustion gases can leak past the piston rings into the crankcase (known as blow-by), carrying oil particles with them.
This separator:
- Prevents oil contamination in the intake system
- Reduces engine oil consumption
- Helps maintain engine cleanliness
- Improves overall engine performance
Air/Oil Separator
AnAir/Oil Separatoris commonly used in compressed air systems to remove oil particles from compressed air. When air is compressed, oil from the compressor can become atomized and mix with the air stream.
This separator:
- Ensures clean, oil-free compressed air
- Protects downstream equipment
- Reduces maintenance costs
- Improves air quality for sensitive applications
Coalescing Oil Separator
ACoalescing Oil Separatoruses special filter elements to capture and combine (coalesce) small oil droplets into larger ones that can be easily separated from the air stream. This type is particularly effective for removing very fine oil particles.
Benefits include:
- High separation efficiency
- Effective removal of submicron particles
- Long service life
- Low pressure drop
Centrifugal Oil Separator
ACentrifugal Oil Separatoruses centrifugal force to separate oil from air or gas. As the mixture enters the separator, it's spun at high speeds, causing the heavier oil particles to be thrown outward and collected while the clean air continues through the center.
Key features:
- No moving parts for reliable operation
- Low maintenance requirements
- Continuous operation capability
- Effective for larger oil particles
Note: The choice of oil separator depends on your specific application, system requirements, and the level of oil separation needed. Contact our experts for guidance on selecting the right separator for your needs.
Unbalance
Unbalance occurs when the center of mass differs from the center of rotation. This creates a centrifugal force that causes the machine to vibrate. Unbalance diagnosis identifies this condition by detecting a dominant 1X (operating speed) vibration amplitude in the radial direction. Proper diagnosis allows for correction through balancing procedures, reducing wear and extending equipment life.
Misalignment
Misalignment diagnosis identifies when rotating shafts are not properly aligned. It typically manifests as high axial vibration and shows up at both 1X and 2X operating speed. Misalignment can occur as angular, parallel, or a combination of both. Early detection prevents excessive bearing wear, seal damage, and increased power consumption.
Looseness
Mechanical looseness diagnosis detects when there is excessive clearance between parts. It appears as a series of harmonics (1X, 2X, 3X, etc.) in vibration readings, often with subharmonics present. Identifying looseness early prevents secondary damage to bearings, seals, and couplings while maintaining proper machine operation.
Bearing Faults
Bearing fault diagnosis identifies developing problems in rolling element bearings. It uses specialized frequency analysis to detect issues like inner/outer race defects, rolling element damage, and cage problems. Early detection of bearing faults allows for planned maintenance before catastrophic failure occurs.
Gear Faults
Gear fault diagnosis evaluates the condition of gearbox components by analyzing specific frequency patterns. It can detect worn teeth, cracked teeth, misalignment, and other gear-related issues. This diagnosis helps prevent unexpected gearbox failures and maintains power transmission efficiency.
Belt Drive Problems
Belt drive diagnosis identifies issues with belt-driven systems including belt wear, tension problems, pulley misalignment, and resonance issues. It analyzes specific frequencies related to belt pass frequency and harmonics. Early detection prevents belt failure and maintains proper power transmission.
Electrical Faults
Electrical fault diagnosis detects problems in electric motors such as broken rotor bars, eccentric air gaps, and stator issues. It analyzes specific electrical frequencies and their sidebands. This diagnosis helps maintain motor efficiency and prevents electrical-related failures.
Cavitation
Cavitation diagnosis identifies the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in pumps and hydraulic systems. It appears as high-frequency random vibration and can be detected through specialized analysis. Early detection prevents impeller damage and maintains pump efficiency.
Resonance
Resonance diagnosis identifies when a machine's natural frequency matches its operating frequency, causing amplified vibration. It uses impact testing and operating data analysis to detect resonant conditions. Proper diagnosis allows for structural modifications to avoid damaging resonant conditions.
Flow Turbulence
Flow turbulence diagnosis detects irregular fluid flow in pumps, pipes, and valves. It appears as random, broadband vibration and can be identified through specialized analysis. Early detection helps optimize flow conditions and prevent flow-related damage.
Common Failure Symptoms of Vent Oil Separator (VOS) Systems
Signs of Failure & Maintenance Schedules for Vent Oil Separators
Coalescing Vent Oil Separators
Signs of Failure:
- Visible oil mist escaping from exhaust
- Increased oil consumption in equipment
- Saturated or discolored filter elements
- Pressure drop across the separator exceeds manufacturer specifications
Typical Service Schedule:
- Inspect coalescing elements every 3-6 months
- Replace filter elements annually or when pressure drop indicates
- Clean housing and check seals during element replacement
- Drain collected oil monthly or as needed
Centrifugal Vent Oil Separators
Signs of Failure:
- Reduced separation efficiency
- Unusual noise or vibration
- Oil carryover in exhaust
- Bearing wear or failure
Typical Service Schedule:
- Check rotating components quarterly
- Lubricate bearings per manufacturer specifications
- Clean internal surfaces annually
- Inspect seals and gaskets every 6 months
Gravity-Based Vent Oil Separators
Signs of Failure:
- Oil overflow from collection chamber
- Visible oil in discharge
- Corrosion or leaks in separator body
- Clogged drain lines
Typical Service Schedule:
- Empty oil collection chamber monthly
- Clean internal baffles every 6 months
- Inspect for corrosion annually
- Check and clean drain lines quarterly
Note: Actual maintenance intervals may vary based on operating conditions, manufacturer recommendations, and local regulations. Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance are essential for optimal performance.
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.
