A PCV valve is an important part in the car’s emission control system. PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventialtion. This valve will take the unburned blowby gases; these are the gases that have escaped the combustion chambers by slipping from the pistons. The PCV valve will recycle the escaped gases, reducing the pollution in the air and will avoid moisture build-up in the engine.
These PCV gases play an important role in the engine of the car, it builds up sludge in the oil, which causes the oil in the engine to last longer and will protect the inner working of the engine. If a PCV valve needs replacement, it may cause a rough ride due to the pressure build-up in the crankcase. The PCV should be replaced after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Some of the cars have a specific time to change the PCV valve, so refer your car’s user manual and then change your PCV valve. A PCV valve is an inexpensive part and can be replaced easily. A new PCV valve will make a significant difference in the performance of the car.
A PCV valve will clog with sludge if you do not change the car oil from time to time. Sludge is if oil is kept for a longer time and becomes a solid substance. The car’s emission system will not function properly if this is the case. There are various signs for poor PCV performance like poor idling, slow acceleration, loss of mileage and power loss. Replacing the PCV valve is not easy, but it is not difficult either. This task should be done when the engine is hot, because all the parts will be flexible and easy to pull out.
Here are a few steps on how to replace PCV valve:
Things Required:
- Pliers
- Replacement PCV valve
Steps:
- Before you start replacing, you must know what that object looks like and where can you locate it. The crankcase will hold the PCV valve. This valve looks like a tiny plug often made of plastic and placed on the upper half side of the engine.
- Once you have located the PCV valve, remove all the obstructions like, clutch cables if they are present in the vehicle. This will ensure that you will not be damaging any other parts, and that you can work on the valve without anything coming in between.
- The next step for replacing the PCV valve will be to loosen the hoses, which are connected to the valve. For doing this, get an angled nose pliers and start by loosening the top hose first. Make sure that you do not grasp the hose very hard or you will end up ruining the metal stub.
- Once you have disconnected the top hose, hold the PCV valve tightly with the help of nose pliers, and yank it out carefully. The only reason to do this when the engine is hot is that the valve will be harder to pull out if the car’s engine has cooled down.
- Now, while replacing the PCV valve detach the remaining portion of the upper hose to remove the valve completely. The hole that will be left behind after removing the PCV valve will be the lower hose. Clean this part properly to make sure that the new replacement valve is free from any kind of obstruction. Ensure that no single drop of dirt drops inside the lower hose.
- Now, your vehicle is ready to install the new PCV valve in the lower hose. Start with placing the upper hose first. This will be easier than the time when you removed it. Always remember that you must never use silicone grease for the valve, instead use a preferred motor oil for greasing.
- Now, you are done with replacing the PCV valve. Start replacing all the obstructions back to their original place. To prevent any further damage with the PCV valve, remember to change the oil of your vehicle frequently. Knowing how to replace PCV valve will save you valuable time in the future.
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