Oil air separator failed?

[jluis]

My 3200 has a hard time starting when hot, and when cold the first few minutes it doesnt idle very well (not always, it seems to be intermitent)
To me it feels like a vacuum leak.

As im taking the intake manifold to replace the starter motor anyway i intend to vacuum test all systems that rely on intake vacuum for operation.

The first one i took off was the vacuum pipe to the oil separator and it doesnt create vacuum (leaks)
If i pressurize it it works.

I also noticed a bit of oil coming out of the valve covers where the pipe to the oil separator connects.

Looks to me as it might have failed but its a sealed unit so i cannot have a peak inside.
The car is only 55000km, oil is crystal clear and there are no oil leaks in any gaskets.
Seems a bit early for such a failure...

Anyone out there know if this is a normal behaviour?
Or anyone has the possibility to do the same test on his car?

 

[conaero]

Usual starting issues with the 3200 are down to either the fuel tank carbon canister or the Crank/flywheel position (TDC) sensor. Can't see why vaccume leak would cause starting issues?

Also check you have fuel pressure by pushing the release valve on the fuel rails (watch your eyes). The relay for the fuel pump can stick and work intermittently.

 

[jluis]

Carbon canister will be my next suspect to check.
But I'm worried the oil separator might have failed and cause a higher crankcase pressure.