I was looking at mules a few years ago and found out about this problem, from what I read back then there was a unannounced recall, they said it was unannounced because not everyone was having the problem, and if you checked with the dealers they would put on a new breather kit and throttle body. I have no idea what year models were having the problem, sorry good luck. If I remember correctly people that did what you are looking at, found that it ran fine after a while, but many found gas in the oil, but others said they were finding gas in the oil with it connected.

 

What model Mule? 4010?
Of your options, I like 3 the best.
IIRC I read running it hard once a week is good preventative plan.

 

It’s a 4010 model. Engine is a 617 cc Kawasaki V-twin with electronic fuel injection. I usually spend about an hour a day with it idling around the place as I load it up with manure from stalls and pastures, but then make a 5 mile round trip full speed run to dump the manure at a community dump site. Despite the daily flat out run it sometimes starts idling badly. Cleaning the throttle body helps for a while, but I am groping for a better solution than having to clean every few months.

When Kawasaki installs the replacement throttle body , I understand that the whole oil deposit problem just starts over..

 

No direct experience but #3 seems to be the better option to me too. You want something pulling crankcase fumes out of there, the catch can on the hose should collect most of the oil that is going to the throttle body.

 

yes, go with the catch can venting back to the intake. It is just a maintenance thing, have to empty the can every so often. Summit racing has some universal kits that should work good. I have a new Moroso kit I bought for a Raptor truck I sold a while back and never got installed on it. I'll cut you a deal on it if you are interested. It may have bungs a little large for a Mule, but if I remember right they do make units with smaller hose connections, and you probably don't need billet aluminum either... should be some value priced options out there.

 

Is your Mule still under warranty? If so, I would try to get the throttle body replaced before the warranty expires. Then add the catch can. If already expired, add the catch can asap.
I would have thought your daily high speed runs would have prevented the problem.
My only other idea is add a fuel cleaner to every tank of fuel.

 

OK, I have decided to go with option 3 - the oil catch can between the crankcase vent and the throttle body intake connector. I'll be doing some measurements today and then ordering the parts.

Another thing I noticed yesterday when I checked the oil level was water in the dipstick tube. The Mule has an insanely long dipstick and tube - over 3 feet long that runs up, turns horizontally across the engine and ends just under the side of the bed. The idea is that owners can check oil level without having to raise the bed. This long tube gathers condensation, lots of it. I changed the oil and filter right away. There is a fix that involves replacing the dipstick tube with a short one from another model, but it seems pretty involved. I am toying with the thought of just cutting the tube off much shorter, and finding or making a short dipstick to fit.

 

I think you made right choice of your 3 options.
I've read about the dipstick/condensation problem too. I hate to modify stock parts when I can buy alternatives. Then save the stock parts if ever a want/need to go back. I would look at what earlier Mules used. Unless the new parts are way over priced.