PCV Valve Intro
Your PCV valve is a simple plastic piece of plumbing that performs a not-so-vital function for your engine. The Federal government, however, thinks it's very important. In reality it's an important part of your car's emission control system.
If your PCV valve becomes clogged, your emission controls can't function fully, and the results are poor idling, loss of gas mileage, slow acceleration, loss of power and other similar ailments. There isn't a consensus on how often the PCV valve should be replaced, but somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-60,000 miles seems to make sense. We'll show you how to get it done fast and easy.
What You'll Need:
- replacement PCV valve
- needle nose pliers
Locating the PCV Valve
Your PCV valve is located someplace on the crankcase. Need more? Ok, it is a small plastic plug that is stuck directly into the top half of your engine. It will also have a rubber hose coming out of one end. In some cases the valve will be between two rubber hoses, one which is connected to the crankcase (the engine). The valve may be hidden and difficult to reach, or it may be sitting right on top of your engine.
To be sure of the PCV valve's location, you should consult your service manual.
Removing the PCV Valve
Once you've located your PCV valve, you need to get it out. First, remove the hose that is connected to the top of the valve. If your valve is installed between two hoses, you will be able to pull the valve out. If your PCV valve is installed directly into the crankcase or valve cover, grasp it firmly with your needle nose pliers and pull it out. It should come out with a little oomph.
Installing the New PCV Valve
With the old valve gone, you need to install the new PCV valve. Most replacements involve only the valve itself, but sometimes a replacement kit will include new hoses.
To install the new valve, first attach the valve to its hose. This is much easier to do now than when the valve is installed in the engine. If your valve is mounted in a convenient location, just press it into place and you're done. If it's less than convenient, grasp the PCV valve with your pliers and carefully press it in.
Tip: If your having a hard time getting the new valve to slide in, use a little motor oil as lubricant. Never use anything but oil.