Q: On Fulvia engines there is the oil canister on the rear of the cylinder head where oil is poured in. Inside the canister is a steel wire mesh to act as a flame trap for oil vapors before being routed back to the air cleaner assembly. Someone told me that over time, 30 years, these steel meshs begin to rust and allow rusting particles to fall into the crankcase. Are there replacement canisters available, as the unit itelf is sealed with no way of removing the mesh. Have you had experience with this at any time? Other than that, I have only been replacing steering tie rod ends and CV axle boots, so not much exciting as far as working on the car itself. Car is running well with excellent high speed stability, it is in fact the most stable and precise steering car I own at high speed.

A: Good to hear from you. The question about the oil canister is a recurrent one. The steel mesh inside can rust (due to moisture build-up) and subsequently disintegrate inside the engine wrecking bearings etc. It is very hard to find new canisters but I do know that people have removed the top and bottom lids (drifting them out with gentle force and care) and split open the canister body to replace the internal mesh with a suitable new one. Reassembly includes resoldering the components together. I am pleased to hear that your Fulvia is running well in the right direction!
- Andrea -