PCV Valve Replacement
What is a pcv valve?
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and hose connect the engine crankcase, where the crankshaft is installed, to the intake manifold, allowing the lower half of the engine to release gases and pressure when the engine is operating.
How does the pcv valve work?
As the engine operates, small fires inside each engine cylinder create pressure that pushes the engine piston down, toward the crankshaft, and some combustion gases from the fire in the cylinder are able to get around the piston, and enter the crankcase. Also, heat from the engine causes the air inside the crankcase to expand. If this condition were left untreated, the engine would develop leaks, and would suffer severe inefficiency, if it ran at all. To prevent this situation, the crankcase ventilation system connects the crankcase to the intake manifold. The intake manifold is constantly under vacuum as the engine sucks in air, so when the crankcase ventilation valve is installed, the hot gases are sucked from the engine crankcase, and burned in the engine as fuel.
What are the symptoms related to a bad pcv valve?
Rough idling, lack of power, engine oil leaks, engine burning oil, and illumination of the check engine light are all possible if the PCV valve has clogged. If the check engine light comes on, the on-board diagnostics (OBD) trouble codes will most likely relate to manifold vacuum, air and fuel mixture, PCV system, mass airflow sensor readings, and exhaust and emissions readings. These are all affected in the event the PCV valve is clogged, is stuck fully open, or is stuck fully closed, however, if the valve is stuck fully open, the engine oil seals are not in danger of overpressure.