Crankcase Breather Pipes

[MP]

Has anyone ever removed the Crankcase Breather pipe that runs behind the exhaust down pipe.

I'm burning a bit of oil when opening the throttle after "over-run" at speeds above 3000rpm and there is oil being forced out around the sump gasket so I think I may have a pressure build up in the crankcase.

I think the crankcase breather pipe is bolted to the engine block at the thermostat and then it looks as if the pipes attach at the crankcase by means of a push fit.

I'd appreciate any tips on the best way to remove and test the system. The car is a non-turbo 16v.

Cheers
Mike

[Angle Grinder]

I found out the hard way that the downpipes need to be removed!