This has probably been discussed 1000 times but I see many posts where people replace the PCV valve. I usually never replace the PCV but simply remove it and clean with brake cleaner or carb cleaner and make sure the valve opens easily and then inspect the hose and re-install. Under normal use I have done this and they work fine over 200k until I trade in. Anything wrong with this practice?
Clean PCV or Replace?
- Thread starter JethroBodine
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I don't see a problem. Most people don't clean it regularly like you do, so by the time its not working right, its too gummed up to clean well. Replacement is better for those situations. If you are cleaning it regularly and its working i see no problem.
1. the pcv valve is a spring loading/unloading device and the spring weakens over time and you can't accurately measure the functionality/remaining viability of this $6 item that lasts 100k miles....
2. it's been asked 1000 times because people don't want to believe their lying eyes...and go to the web to have their preconceptions reconfirmed...
2. it's been asked 1000 times because people don't want to believe their lying eyes...and go to the web to have their preconceptions reconfirmed...
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Originally Posted By: KitaCam
1. the pcv valve is a spring loading/unloading device and the spring weakens over time and you can't accurately measure the functionality/remaining viability of this $6 item that lasts 100k miles....
So, you change them out at 100k?
1. the pcv valve is a spring loading/unloading device and the spring weakens over time and you can't accurately measure the functionality/remaining viability of this $6 item that lasts 100k miles....
So, you change them out at 100k?
Hello, I cut one open years ago and thought the spring was made of cheap, thin wire stock. I'd clean it as you do ('til it rattles brightly) just to know it works AND replace it whatever the mfgr said. Kira
Originally Posted By: Kira
Hello, I cut one open years ago and thought the spring was made of cheap, thin wire stock. I'd clean it as you do ('til it rattles brightly) just to know it works AND replace it whatever the mfgr said. Kira
+1 They rarely go, just go with the manufacturer and rest easy
Hello, I cut one open years ago and thought the spring was made of cheap, thin wire stock. I'd clean it as you do ('til it rattles brightly) just to know it works AND replace it whatever the mfgr said. Kira
+1 They rarely go, just go with the manufacturer and rest easy
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
1. the pcv valve is a spring loading/unloading device and the spring weakens over time and you can't accurately measure the functionality/remaining viability of this $6 item that lasts 100k miles....
2. it's been asked 1000 times because people don't want to believe their lying eyes...and go to the web to have their preconceptions reconfirmed...
PCV valves are not always $6. The one on my old Audi has a $100 price tag at the dealer. Even a generic one was $60. My old Integra, however, did use a cheap $6 one.
1. the pcv valve is a spring loading/unloading device and the spring weakens over time and you can't accurately measure the functionality/remaining viability of this $6 item that lasts 100k miles....
2. it's been asked 1000 times because people don't want to believe their lying eyes...and go to the web to have their preconceptions reconfirmed...
PCV valves are not always $6. The one on my old Audi has a $100 price tag at the dealer. Even a generic one was $60. My old Integra, however, did use a cheap $6 one.
I am pretty sure the spring is just there to hold it closed when engine vacuum is in adequate to pull it open. The amount of vacuum required to do that would be based more upon the weight of the internal portion than the spring pressure.
I am of the very strong opinion that if the innards are clean it can last the life of the car.
I am of the very strong opinion that if the innards are clean it can last the life of the car.
I dont think pcv valves get that bad. I was about to change mine til i realized i need a 24mm socket to remove it. Likely a deep socket as well. Not something that is standard in the average socket set. So yeah a 6$ pcv but than add cost to buy a socket. Not expensive but annoying. Does anyone use a wrench to remove it? Cleaning it probably not a bad idea. Im putting in a fram
Replacement and holding onto the oem one just in case.
Replacement and holding onto the oem one just in case.
Ford has some PCV's that are heated.. can't imagine what they're asking for those!
I've always squirted carb cleaner until they're freed up.
Only replace them if they're cracked or distorted.
I've always squirted carb cleaner until they're freed up.
Only replace them if they're cracked or distorted.
Originally Posted By: JethroBodine
This has probably been discussed 1000 times but I see many posts where people replace the PCV valve. I usually never replace the PCV but simply remove it and clean with brake cleaner or carb cleaner and make sure the valve opens easily and then inspect the hose and re-install. Under normal use I have done this and they work fine over 200k until I trade in. Anything wrong with this practice?
Not every car or truck has one. But on the ones that do I have run them for decades. Clean and shake, repeat until clear. Repeat at every major servicing.
Never even heard of one wearing out, and I agree with the earlier poster who said to be cautious of the cheap garbage at the parts store. It may not be an improvement!
This has probably been discussed 1000 times but I see many posts where people replace the PCV valve. I usually never replace the PCV but simply remove it and clean with brake cleaner or carb cleaner and make sure the valve opens easily and then inspect the hose and re-install. Under normal use I have done this and they work fine over 200k until I trade in. Anything wrong with this practice?
Not every car or truck has one. But on the ones that do I have run them for decades. Clean and shake, repeat until clear. Repeat at every major servicing.
Never even heard of one wearing out, and I agree with the earlier poster who said to be cautious of the cheap garbage at the parts store. It may not be an improvement!
How's this for a eureka moment...
"Clean PCV or Replace?"
...if it's clean it's working.
...if it NEEDS cleaning it's NOT working properly and should be replaced....
"Clean PCV or Replace?"
...if it's clean it's working.
...if it NEEDS cleaning it's NOT working properly and should be replaced....
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Volvo doesn't use the simple PCV as in most engines, their PCV system is several hundreds and can take up to several hours to replace. Parts and labor can be as high as $500-600 or more.
Originally Posted By: TFB1
In most instances I'd rather trust a functioning 100K mi OEM valve vs the stuff that's sold at most auto parts stores...
That said, I did have a 2.3L Mustang bust the bottom out on the OEM plastic Motorcraft which dumped it's guts into the oil separator(yes it had a massive vac leak LOL)... Don't remember mileage but was probably 75K mi give or take...
In most instances I'd rather trust a functioning 100K mi OEM valve vs the stuff that's sold at most auto parts stores...
That said, I did have a 2.3L Mustang bust the bottom out on the OEM plastic Motorcraft which dumped it's guts into the oil separator(yes it had a massive vac leak LOL)... Don't remember mileage but was probably 75K mi give or take...
I like to replace with oem only. Generic parts store pcvs are awful. I don't think they seal well with the spring worn out even though they appear to be working. Springs lose pressure over time and they are super thin springs to begin with.
Just to add....when I inspected my factory-installed PCV valve after buying this 8-yr old car I noticed the ends of the PCV hose were brittled/cracked....needed replacing @ $16
Originally Posted By: KitaCam
How's this for a eureka moment...
"Clean PCV or Replace?"
...if it's clean it's working.
...if it NEEDS cleaning it's NOT working properly and should be replaced....
Mine come out with a spark plug socket. They are never clogged just some varnish that I clean. I can push the plunger open with a small screw driver. But, looked the part up on Toyo DIY and then priced on Toyo parts and it was $4.21.
Guess I spring for the new one next OCI. The hose was fine. But I'll just use some hose from AAP on that. Not a very long run.
How's this for a eureka moment...
"Clean PCV or Replace?"
...if it's clean it's working.
...if it NEEDS cleaning it's NOT working properly and should be replaced....
Mine come out with a spark plug socket. They are never clogged just some varnish that I clean. I can push the plunger open with a small screw driver. But, looked the part up on Toyo DIY and then priced on Toyo parts and it was $4.21.
Guess I spring for the new one next OCI. The hose was fine. But I'll just use some hose from AAP on that. Not a very long run.
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Bumping this old thread, since I'm just about to clean my PCV. Do you think it's safe to put the thing in a soaking bath of brake cleaner (or acetone) or might there be some sort of rubber gasket under the spring, which then would probably deteriorate from this treatment?
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