How to remove oil breather valve??

[spawn21]

Anyone have any experience in removing an oil breather valve??
I am having a hard time finding the right tool to do the job.
Some post on the internet said that they used an oil filter wrench or a pipe wrench.
but the diameter of the oil breather valve is approxmately 55mm which i can't find any 3 claw oil filter wrench in that size,
alternatively an oil filter strap wrench will fit, but mine was broken after the first attempt where the strap break open before the oil breather valve start turning.
and as for the pipe wrench it simply won't work unless i take out the engine

Do i need to take out the engine and get the job done or is there a special ducati tool that i can use to losen it??

Arnold

[ducpainter]

Hammer and punch?

[spawn21]

Hammer and punch?

Hopefully not

[ducpainter]

The older breathers had holes in the base for a spanner similar to a shock preload tool like the ones pictured.



What does yours look like?

[Howie]

Hopefully not

If you try to grab the top with something you will end up with the breather in two pieces, one still in the engine.  Unless you have the proper tool the hammer and punch is the way to go.  If it has holes like the ones in the photo, punch in the hole on a tangent and carefully hammer counter-clockwise.  Yes, you will mar the old one, but if you are replacing it... 

[spawn21]

Thx guys!!! This is the one that i had it on the bike.. During today attempts i did end up separated the breather in two pieces 
I will see what i can do tmr, i will try the hammer and punch method and report back..

[ducpainter]

You should be able to remove that one with a large pair of channel lock pliers.

[spawn21]

You should be able to remove that one with a large pair of channel lock pliers.

This works prefect