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Massey Ferguson MF4200 tractor factory workshop and repair manual download

What the “blow‑by tube” is and why it matters
- Blow‑by = combustion gases that escape past the piston rings into the crankcase. The blow‑by tube (crankcase vent hose) routes those gases out of the crankcase and back into the intake or into an oil separator/breather so they don’t pressurize the crankcase or vent oil everywhere.
- If the ventilation path is blocked, leaking, or ineffective, crankcase pressure builds and forces oil out past seals and gaskets, contaminates the intake, makes smoking exhaust, and accelerates seal/ring wear. Think of the crankcase like a balloon: if it can’t vent slowly, pressure will pop seams (gaskets), or force oil out weak points.
- The repair is usually replacing a cracked/blocked hose, fixing a bad breather/PCV or oil separator, and diagnosing excessive blow‑by (engine wear) if it’s recurring.

Main components (what they are and what they do)
- Valve cover (rocker cover) breather port: the physical outlet in the valve cover where crankcase gases exit. Usually sealed with a rubber grommet.
- Grommet: rubber plug sealing the hose to the valve cover. If brittle or torn it leaks.
- Blow‑by tube / crankcase vent hose: flexible hose that carries gases from valve cover to breather, intake, or oil separator. Needs to be oil‑resistant and vacuum rated.
- Clamps: worm‑drive or spring clamps that secure the hose. Loose clamps leak air/oil.
- Oil separator / breather element (if fitted): a chamber or mesh that removes oil droplets from the gases before they’re returned to intake. If clogged, it blocks flow and allows oil through.
- PCV valve or check valve (if fitted): one‑way valve that lets gases flow out but not back in; can stick open/closed.
- Intake connection/turbo inlet/air cleaner: where the blow‑by gases are returned to be burned in the engine. If this connection is clogged or leaks, it changes intake airflow.

Tools and supplies you’ll need
- Basic socket/ratchet set, screwdrivers, pliers
- Replacement hose (oil/vacuum rated, correct ID), new clamps, new grommet(s)
- Clean rags, degreaser
- Protective gloves, safety glasses
- Small wire brush (for cleaning fittings)
- Optional: small shop vacuum to clean oil separator, compression/leak‑down tester if you suspect engine wear, crankcase pressure gauge for measurement

Diagnosis (quick checks)
- Visual: oil wet around valve cover, hose, or grommet; oil on ground; wet intake piping; visible cracks in hose.
- Smell/smoke: strong oil smell, blue smoke from exhaust or from breather.
- Feel: remove the hose end (while engine idling, careful) and feel/observe airflow. Significant steady pressure or lots of oil spray = high blow‑by.
- If simple hose/grommet/breather fixes don’t stop symptoms, do compression or leak‑down tests: high blow‑by can signal worn rings, cylinder scoring, or bad valve seals.

Step‑by‑step repair (beginner‑friendly)
Safety first: engine cool, key off, parking brake on, wear gloves/eye protection. Disconnect battery if you’ll work near electricals.

1) Locate the tube
- Follow the hose from the valve/rocker cover breather to the other end (intake, air cleaner housing, or oil separator). On MF tractors this is typically a visible hose on top/side of the engine.

2) Inspect and document
- Take photos or note routing before removal so you can reinstall correctly.
- Look for splits, hardening, oil buildup, missing clamps, or degraded grommet.

3) Remove old hose and fittings
- Loosen clamps at both ends and slide them back.
- Gently twist and pull the hose off fittings. If the grommet is brittle, pry it out carefully with a screwdriver.
- Remove any oil separator or PCV valve (if present) for inspection.

4) Clean mating surfaces and parts
- Clean the valve cover port and the intake/breather fitting with degreaser and a rag. Scrape away gummy deposits that could block flow.
- Inspect the inside of the hose connection on intake/turbo for oil and deposits — clean if necessary.

5) Inspect oil separator / PCV / grommet
- If your system has an oil separator, open/clean it per its design (mesh or baffles) or replace if clogged or damaged.
- Replace PCV/check valve if it’s sticking or worn.
- Fit a new rubber grommet in the valve cover port. Old grommets often leak.

6) Install replacement hose and clamps
- Use a hose rated for oil and heat and the same inner diameter as the original.
- Slide hose onto fittings fully. Place clamps 3–5 mm from hose end, not over the bead of a fitting. Tighten clamps snugly — not so tight that you cut the hose.
- Keep hose routing the same — avoid sharp bends, kinks, and close contact with very hot exhaust components.

7) Reinstall separator/PCV and tidy up
- Ensure any separator outlet points downward slightly and close to the intake, as originally routed.
- Replace any worn fasteners or clamps you removed.

8) Test
- Start the engine and watch/feel the breather and hose connections for leaks or oil spray.
- Idle for several minutes and check for unusual smoke or oil leaks.
- Recheck clamps and hose after a short run.

When the fix is only temporary or not enough
- If after new hose/grommet/separator the problem returns quickly, or you have persistent heavy oil in intake/excessive smoking or low compression, the engine likely has excessive mechanical blow‑by (worn rings/cylinders or valve seals). That requires compression/leak‑down tests and potentially a top end or full rebuild.

Common things that go wrong and how to avoid them
- Using the wrong hose (not oil/vacuum rated): it will swell, harden, or collapse. Use proper oil‑resistant, high‑temperature vacuum hose.
- Loose or over‑tightened clamps: loose = leaks; over‑tightened = cut hose. Use appropriate clamps and tighten firm but not destructive.
- Ignoring grommets: old grommets deform and leak. Replace them.
- Reinstalling with kinks or near hot pipes: hose collapse or melt. Reroute if necessary and use heat shielding.
- Not cleaning separator/PCV: clogging will reintroduce pressure. Replace the element or clean per manufacturer guidance.
- Treating symptoms only: replacing the hose without diagnosing high blow‑by can hide a deeper engine problem until it gets worse.

Quick ways to tell if the problem is engine wear vs. hose/separator issue
- Sudden leak after hose/clamp aged: likely hose/grommet/separator failure.
- Gradually worsening oil consumption, blue smoke on acceleration, low compression: suspect rings/valves.
- Strong continuous pressure from breather even with new hose: likely engine wear.

Analogy summary
- Think of the crankcase like a car’s house with a single vent. The blow‑by tube is the vent duct. If the vent is blocked or damaged, pressure builds, doors/gaskets blow out, and smoke/odors leak everywhere. Replacing the duct or vent cap fixes ventilation; but if the furnace inside is burning too hot (engine wear), you still have a problem to fix.

What to do if the simple repair doesn’t stop it
- Do a compression and leak‑down test or have a shop do it.
- Check turbo seals (if turbocharged) and intake for oil contamination.
- Consider professional diagnosis for cylinder wear — piston rings, cylinder honing, or valve work may be needed.

Final practical tips
- Keep a spare oil‑resistant hose, clamps, and a grommet in the field — they’re cheap and commonly fail.
- Clean any oil deposits in the intake and air cleaner to prevent fires and engine performance issues.
- If you’re unsure of the correct hose size or part, match the old parts exactly or consult OEM parts for MF4200.

Done.
rteeqp73

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