What is this for?

[2001SportFailboat]

while checking around my engine I found this tube, when i noticed it before I thought it was for wiring and maybe the mercathode wires slipped out, but today i noticed it was connected to the valve cover, the other valve cover has a pvc connected to the manifold. there was and some slight suction to it. I checked the books and service manuals it is shown on some pictures in the SELOC manual not connected to any thing some diagrams look like a vent hose connected to the carb but i dont see where it should go.
2002 merc 5.0 MPI with a bravo 3, ser OM34xxxx

 

[Don S]

Re: What is this for?

It's a breather tube, about 16" long, goes from the valve cover to the flame arrestor. Should be a metal tab sticking off the top part of the flame arrestor. It goes over it so the smoke,fumes, and oil vapor in the engine get burned and go out the exhaust.

 

[2001SportFailboat]

Re: What is this for?

thanks again, sure seems like a cheesy way to do things. it seems like the only time fumes come out is when the engine is off...

 

[Don S]

Re: What is this for?

Or under load.