Head breather on the Sprint

[73sprint]

I Have removed the little plate and had a look at the mesh clogged up to high heaven. My question is , is this mesh needed, does the head breathe in or out if you get my drift ? Does it stop oil getting in the carbs or anything getting into the head ?

[wiggybum]

It breathes out and the mesh is supposed to catch oil mist so they dribble back in. Wash out in petrol and it should be good to go again. If left bunged up,the crankcase can pressurise up and then oil leaks start appearing.

[xvivalve]

I was once told the mesh also acts as a precautionary flame break as the gases breathed out are fed into the carbs and burned off. The TR6 has an in line mesh filled canister for the same purpose.

[shaunroche]

I put my mesh in a jar of petrol and gave it a good shake to clean it out and then have put it back in again....mine too was virtually solid after nearly 40 years!