2003 Chevy Cavalier PCV Explanation

[durbie88]

I am looking for a good explanation as to how the PCV system works in these 2.2L Ecotecs (2003). Yes, I know there is no PCV valve, and that air is brought in through the hose into the valve cover, circulates through the crank case and exits through the port into the Intake manifold. What I want to know is what is the routing throughout the engine. How do the ports in the valve cover work. Ports on the intake side have baffles. Why? The previous owners obviously did not know what an oil change is. The ports on the intake side, with the baffles, are full of sludge. I cannot find any of this information anywhere. I just got a valve job done on the cylinder head, so I am guessing the port going to the intake is clear. I am currently fighting what I strongly believe to be a PCV issue. But if the orifice isn't blocked, where else could the block be?

Here are my symptoms:
Slightly rough Idle
Multiple misfires detected
Lean condition
Oil in the intake
hesitation at high rpms and smoke

 

[Shannonwilkerson]

Get a code reader and pull codes. Working on a computer controlled car without being able to “talk” to it is not a great idea….

 

[Blang]

I wish I had more useful information. I've had oil in my intake without the other issues you mentioned. So that could be a separate issue? Are the plugs in good shape? If you remove the PCV hose at all... be extra careful. The resonator end can break very easy.

 

[durbie88]

Get a code reader and pull codes. Working on a computer controlled car without being able to “talk” to it is not a great idea….

Multiple missfires detected with the scanner. Not much help.

 

[durbie88]

I wish I had more useful information. I've had oil in my intake without the other issues you mentioned. So that could be a separate issue? Are the plugs in good shape? If you remove the PCV hose at all... be extra careful. The resonator end can break very easy.

Plugs are carbon fouled, mostly on cylinder 4, I was able to go through the pcv ports through the block and valve cover, I understand the routes now. No blockage there. No blockage in the valve cover and the pcv hose is pulling a vacuum. I think it may be the monster I have been avoiding.....piston rings, seal/scraper. Tried a bath with fuel cleaner, didn't help, tried with diesel, went right by the rings, no resistance.

 

[Blang]

What are the odds it needs a new coil pack? Or the injectors need to be cleaned? Edit: I missed the last part of your comment.... that's a shame. Mine uses a little bit of oil, but nothing crazy.

 

[LeakySeals]

The 2.2 engine uses an orifice PCV, a small pinhole located inside the intake manifold. I opened one up at 160K. The orifice was open and the intake valves were clean. This design worked until GM switched future engines like the 2.4 to DI. I don’t think it’s your problem because there is gas wash to keep the orifice clean.