PCV valve question

[window_lee]

Do we need to replace PCV value???
if we do, when??????

[jambo101]

Every once in a while its a good idea to clean it or replace it,its just a ball bearing/rod in a tube that prevents the ventilation of crankcase fumes going back in the crankcase.Every 50k should do it.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/p...v_function.gif

[mikenacarato]

funny this thread popped up, i went the the dealer an hour ago to ask the same question. they said at the time you change the spark plugs..which they said was 100k... i call bs on that time frame.

[AlexNet0]

50k miles? how expensive is it and can I do it myself? im a bit over that.

[mikenacarato]

under $10 and if you follow the vacuum line from the manifold to the side of the valve cover (the back line) then you found the pcv valve.

[Tamago]

i purchased a replacement PCV valve and it leaked worse than the OE one. i'd say it does NOT need replacing. it's a steel check valve, not plastic, there's no parts to wear out.

[mikenacarato]

it gets gunked up with blowby oil and will stick the valve up and possibly blow other seals (the vacuum has to come from somewhere else if the tube is blocked up)....it does need replacing...ESPECIALLY for you tamago as you pull more vacuum than normal.

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by mikenacarato

it gets gunked up with blowby oil and will stick the valve up and possibly blow other seals (the vacuum has to come from somewhere else if the tube is blocked up)....it does need replacing.

it's a metal ball in a metal casing.

if it gets gunked up, spray some brake parts cleaner in it and some compressed air, re-install.



if it was plastic i'd agree with you that it should be replaced, but it's not.

[mikenacarato]

its called preventive maintanence for a reason. also, as hot air gets taken into the valve or just the valve heating up in general will wear that spring out and make it brittle and break, which is also another cause of a stuck pcv valve. a good way to check it is to remove the valve, shake it, if the ball clicks, put it back in.

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by mikenacarato

its called preventive maintanence for a reason. also, as hot air gets taken into the valve or just the valve heating up in general will wear that spring out and make it brittle and break, which is also another cause of a stuck pcv valve. a good way to check it is to remove the valve, shake it, if the ball clicks, put it back in.

160F air will make metal brittle?

i'm not saying it should NEVER be replaced, but it's definitely not a feeble piece of plastic like most cars (domestic especially).

[mikenacarato]

do what you will but a few bucks every now and then wont hurt to protect your investment.

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by mikenacarato

do what you will but a few bucks every now and then wont hurt to protect your investment.

i'm getting ready to be on engine number 3.

PCV's are the least of my concern :D

but thank you for yours!

[mikenacarato]

eh anytime ;)

when i upped the turbo on my last car i had a sticking pcv valve causing the car not to run 3-4 times. but i was running 25 psi

[Lafiro]

Can there be a DIY on how to find this, how to remove it, what to use to clean it, and how to reinstall please.

I just hit a little over 50k miles, and I will be replacing shocks/drum shoes/spark plugs soon.
Thanks.

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by Lafiro

Can there be a DIY on how to find this, how to remove it, what to use to clean it, and how to reinstall please.

I just hit a little over 50k miles, and I will be replacing shocks/drum shoes/spark plugs soon.
Thanks.

you'll need a left handed metric adjustable wrench and a 10mm socket to remove your plastic engine cover.

the drivers side of the engine, on the cam cover closest to the engine, you'll see a hose coming out and going to the intake area. use the metric left handed adjustable wrench to remove the pcv.

if you choose to clean it, use carb cleaner and a short blast of air to ensure there is no gunk inside.

if you choose to replace it, buy a toyota part. the aftermarket ones are junk.

[1stToyota]

You'll see it for sure when you replace cyl #4 spark plug (owner's manual states iridium plugs only)

[GeneW]

There are probably symptoms that go along with a stuck PCV valve. One I do know is excessive oil consumption, up to a quart of oil every 100 miles for V8s.

Don't know if there are reliable checks besides shaking it and listening to for that little ping as the check valve slaps back and forth.

Considering how cheap they are it's probably not a bad idea to replace them every 50K or so. Cheaper than a catalytic perverter or other emissions gear.

Gene

[mikenacarato]

+1, a guy at work blew a crank pressure sensor ($200) out of his maxima because the pcv valve didnt relieve the pressure and overloaded it, he had 150k on it though