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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a vent oil separator?
Where can I get my vent oil separator replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my vent oil separator?
What happens if I don’t replace my vent oil separator?
What is a vent oil separator?
Can I replace my vent oil separator myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a vent oil separator?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $316 for a vent oil separator replacement, with $69 for parts and $247 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a vent oil separator? In general, it takes around 2.1 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of vent oil separator average costs for different vehicles:

Vent oil separator replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 24, 2024	Estella, 23 Fredericksburg, VA	BMW 325	$401	$169	$232	2.2 Hours
April 16, 2024	Lillie, 35 San Francisco, CA	Eagle Talon	$480	$169	$311	2.2 Hours
April 15, 2024	Isabel, 37 Wheeling, IL	Ford Freestar	$331	$69	$262	2.2 Hours
April 14, 2024	Mabelle, 40 Ann Arbor, MI	Subaru Outback	$311	$69	$242	2.2 Hours
April 11, 2024	Evan, 44 Homestead, FL	Tesla Model Y	$322	$69	$253	2.2 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my vent oil separator replacement?

The ventilation system where the vent oil separator is housed is made up of several parts, most notably:

Vent oil separator hose: The job of the vent oil separator hose is to capture any stray oil droplets to make sure they don’t make it to the combustion chamber. Vent oil separator hose parts will typically cost you around $50 to $150.

Some reputable brands we recommend include Genuine Parts Company (GPC), Vaico, and URO Parts for reliable and quality vent oil separator part replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Where can I buy parts for my vent oil separator replacement?

You can find vent oil separator replacement kits and parts at auto body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. Parts are also available on Amazon.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to your vent oil separator, aftermarket parts are enough to keep your car running smoothly. While OEM parts are guaranteed to fit your vehicle, they tend to be more expensive. To get a better deal, opt for aftermarket parts that will get the job done—just make sure to do your research and consult a mechanic if necessary before making a purchase.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my vent oil separator replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your vent oil separator a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our partner shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

123 Reviews

Zimmerman Automotive LLC

7638 Airpark Rd A, Great Falls, VA

Vent Oil Seperator Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$304

(Parts - $51, Labor - $253)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$50

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (301) 330-0299

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Vent Oil Seperator Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$238

(Parts - $51, Labor - $187)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

117 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - MOB

Vent Oil Seperator Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$326

(Parts - $51, Labor - $275)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

175 Reviews

Fuerst Automotive

8116 Broadview Rd, Cleveland, OH

Vent Oil Seperator Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$302

(Parts - $51, Labor - $251)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (440) 526-4994

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my vent oil separator?

Here are the basic steps the mechanic will take:

Locate the vent oil separator: Vent oil separator locations can vary depending on the vehicle, so your mechanic will first find the vent oil separator.

Remove the vent oil separator: Next, your mechanic will disconnect the hoses and remove any fasteners to take out the vent oil separator.

Insert the vent oil separator: Your mechanic will install the new vent oil separator and secure it with the old fasteners.

What happens if I don’t replace my vent oil separator?

Your vent oil separator is essential to a properly functioning emissions control system. Without it, pressure can build up in your crankcase, eventually leading to misfires, engine damage, and even engine failure.

What is a vent oil separator?

As your vehicle burns fuel and creates exhaust, the gasses it produces have to go somewhere. If not properly ventilated, the gasses could pass into the engine’s crankcase, which can create pressure that can blow seals, gaskets, or other essential engine parts.

So, your engine needs a crankcase ventilation system, and this is where you will find your positive crankcase ventilation valve and vent oil separator. The vent oil separator is usually located near the engine valve cover, and its job is to collect escaped oil droplets so that oil doesn’t enter the combustion chamber. The gasses will then be re-burned and eventually pass through your car’s muffler and out the tailpipe for emissions control, giving your engine a breather from harmful vapors.

When should I replace the vent oil separator on my car?

If you notice these warning signs with your vehicle, it may be time to replace your vent oil separator:

Engine oil in the PCV valve

Increased oil consumption

A lit check engine light

Poor engine performance

White or blue smoke from the exhaust

Dirt, moisture, or oil under the oil cap

How often should a vent oil separator be replaced?

You won’t see a vent oil separator replacement listed next to an oil change when it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance—there is no set mileage or time limit. Instead, you should look out for signs of a faulty vent oil separator and replace it when necessary.

Can I replace my vent oil separator myself?

It is possible to replace a vent oil separator at home if you’re confident in your car repair skills, but take care to closely follow the steps to avoid mistakes that could lead to more expensive repairs. Most drivers should contact a professional to handle a vent oil separator replacement.

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FAQs

Can I drive with a bad oil separator?

You should not drive far with a bad oil separator. Without a properly functioning vent oil separator, pressure can build up in your crankcase, eventually leading to misfires, engine damage, and even engine failure.

How important is an air oil separator?

Your vent oil separator is an automotive technology that is essential for a properly functioning emissions control system. Without it, pressure can build up in your crankcase, which can lead to engine damage and failure.

How much does it cost to replace an oil separator?

The exact price of a vent oil separator replacement will depend on your vehicle, but the average cost is $316, with $69 for parts and $247 for labor.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.