Engine Crankcase Breather Element
BD Diesel 1032170 Crankcase Vent Filter Kit for 1999-2003 Ford 7.3L Power Stroke
BD Diesel 1302171 CCV Replacement Filter Element for Crankcase Vent Kits
What Is an Engine Crankcase Breather Element?
Every internal combustion engine — whether a diesel workhorse or a daily-driven gasoline car — faces an unavoidable challenge: blow-by. Blow-by occurs when high-pressure combustion gases escape past the piston rings and accumulate inside the crankcase. Left unchecked, these gases build pressure that can force oil past seals and gaskets, contaminate engine oil, and ultimately shorten engine life. The engine crankcase breather element is the unsung hero that manages this problem, filtering the air and gases flowing through the crankcase ventilation system to keep your engine breathing clean.
How Crankcase Breather Elements Work
A breather element — also known as a crankcase breather filter or oil breather filter — is installed in the engine's breather system, where its primary job is to filter out contaminants from the air drawn into the crankcase while also helping to regulate internal pressure. Working alongside the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve, the breather element allows excess pressure and blow-by gases to vent in a controlled manner, preventing the kind of overpressure that destroys gaskets and seals. Modern closed-loop PCV systems route these gases back into the intake manifold for re-combustion, reducing hydrocarbon emissions and helping vehicles stay compliant with environmental regulations.
The consequences of a neglected or clogged breather element can be serious. A blocked filter restricts airflow, causing crankcase pressure to spike — which can force engine oil into places it doesn't belong, contaminate the intake system, and even lead to oil-fouled turbochargers or intercoolers in turbocharged and diesel applications. Common symptoms of a failing breather element include external oil leaks, rough or unstable idle, increased oil consumption, and in some cases a Check Engine light triggered by the ventilation system.
What to Look for When Shopping
- Application fit: Breather elements are highly application-specific. Always verify compatibility with your engine make, model, and year before purchasing.
- OEM vs. performance replacement: Stock-replacement elements restore factory function; performance-oriented kits from diesel specialists may offer enhanced filtration for high-output or turbocharged engines.
- Service interval: Like any filter, breather elements have a finite service life. Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule — or inspect more frequently if you operate in harsh conditions.
- Kit vs. element only: Some brands sell complete kits with hardware and hoses; others sell replacement filter elements for existing housings. Know which you need before ordering.
Top Brands in Engine Crankcase Breather Elements
For diesel truck owners — especially those running Ford Power Stroke engines — BD Diesel is a category standout. Their purpose-built crankcase vent filter kits target oil vapor contamination that degrades turbocharger and intercooler efficiency in Ford 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke applications, and come complete with all necessary hardware for a straightforward installation.
Baldwin Filters brings decades of heavy-duty filtration expertise to this category, offering crankcase breather elements engineered for demanding diesel applications including Detroit Diesel Series 50 and 60 engines. Their ventilation filters are designed to reduce blow-by-generated oil droplets that would otherwise increase emissions — making them a go-to for fleet and commercial operators.
MANN is a globally recognized filtration brand with a strong reputation for precision-engineered OEM-quality filter elements, making their crankcase breather products a trusted choice for drivers seeking factory-spec replacement performance.
WIX Racing Filters brings its racing heritage to crankcase ventilation, offering performance-grade filtration for enthusiasts and competitors who demand reliability under high-load, high-RPM engine conditions.
Rounding out the category, Standard Motor Products provides one of the broadest application coverage ranges in this space, with a wide selection of breather elements suited to everyday passenger vehicles and light trucks — making it a reliable source for common OEM-style replacements.