;DI just changed the oil again, and the oil smell is back. I haven't really decided to relocate the bottle yet, but here is something I think I will try. I am using Valvoline Premium Blue, and the smell never really goes away, even in 5000 miles. I have no idea why the bottle is located right directly behind the fan, bad engineering design day I guess. Would it be possible to put a sponge in the bottle to prevent the oil blow by smoke from escaping to the vent holes? Since there is no suction on the hose there would be no chance of anything being sucked back up into the engine. Do you think it will work? I will post back on my findings.<br><br>Tim

 

My understanding is you do not want to block or imped airflow fro the breather bottle. It can cause back pressure build-up in the engine and lead to seal or gasket failures. You are better off to just relocate the breather bottle. All you need is a 3/4&quot; to 3/4&quot; barb fitting (from hardware store) and some 3/4&quot; heater hose (length depends where you want to relocate, just make sure you have no spots where oil can accumulate....you want a steady downward slope in the hose from the engine)

 

My 99 has not bottle, it just has the 3/4&quot; hose that points down to the front diff. As long as you don't mind the occasional drip on the garage floor it works great to keep the mess out of the engine compartment. I didn't like the drip marks on my floor so I park over a large 6'x18' rubber mat. (curtisie of UPS) Once a month when I clean the shop floor I take and pressure wash the mat with some degreaser and all's clean again. 8)<br><br>DB

 

Do you think a sponge would cause back pressure? I mean it is a sponge. Its pretty porous.<br><br>Tim

 

I know what you mea with the oil smell,I had to use a different oil last time instead of the Amsoil and it stinks,I cant wait to get the Amsoil back into it.<br>I still have the bottle on mine,I have heard of someone who put some sponge material on it and it worked ok.But if it gets pluged you could be asking for trouble..

 

I don't have the bottle either on my '98.5, just the breather tube. The smell is gone since I've been running Amsoil.

 

I don't have a bottle or an oil smell but sure have an oil coated front differential. Anybody gotta fix for that ?<br><br>PISTOL

 

i ran 5/8&quot; heater hose all the way back to the tranfer case area, being careful to keep a constant downward slope all the way. been that way for 30K miles without problems--but,hey, i kinda like the smell of fresh Rosmella T. ;D

 

After trying the sponge idea----It did help but did not eliminate the smell all together (which is what I was hoping for). So I took the sponge out. I am getting into the habit of turning the heater control to off, when I am sitting still.<br><br>The only time I really notice the smell is when sitting and idling with the heater/AC controls on. Driving is no smell. I have not yet found a location suitable to relocate the bottle.<br><br>Tim

 

I know this has been brought up before, but has anyone tried this:<br><br>http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2002/09-002-02.htm<br><br>with any success?<br><br>Supposedly covered under warranty.<br><br>I'm considering trying it, but wary due to the complicated nature of it (so much to disconnect and move and risk messing up, especially with un-diesel friendly Dodge mechanics).<br><br>phox