[Murdoc]

Hey, I've been searching the internet for a bit trying to figure out why there's a vaccum pump that's connected from the crankcase to the upper block on my engine. The best explanation I could find was

"The only diesel crankcase pumps I'm aware of are "crankcase exhausters" used on certain diesel locomotives (Alco for sure; uncertain about EMD or General Electric....). This is an electric-driven pump that continuously exhausts the crankcase. The blowby is pumped into the intake manifold and thence passes to the combustion chambers where it is burned.

Primary purpose for the exhauster is to reduce the risk of a crankcase explosion. It however also reduces engine emissions and helps extend lube oil life. "

Is this the case for these engines and if so, is it needed?