Dirty Oil = Clogged PCV?

[We're Metals]

Can one of the best ways to keep your PCV working correctly be to keep your oil cleaned? Or are they typically clogged or broken by just normal use and thick oil vapors? Or do PCVs clog due to just a poor design?
Obviously these parts are cheap and typically easy to replace however I have noticed that some cars never have PCV issues where some others have specified mileage or time to replace them as a maintenance part.
Maybe it all doesnt matter?

 

[vavavroom]

I haven't seen traditional small inline PCV valves on newer cars. At least mine have had large-diameter elastomer diaphragm PCV valves that I cannot imagine clogging or malfunctioning. In contrast, the old-style PCV valves contained a restrictive plunger that could get gunky and sticky. Google PCV valve diaphragm and you will see what I mean. You should however keep the oil reasonably clean in any case.

 

[Kira]

Upon shutdown the oily vapor cools. It accumulates, thickens and I would suspect cooks down.
The more there is, the warmer it can stay; further embrittling hoses etc.
I've read about the 'diaphragm style' PCV in a Volvo engine. In that case, the PCV valve (said diaphragm) was horizontally orientated-like a drink coaster on a table.
That one could be replaced. I don't know about you, but I can easily imagine one clogging and malfunctioning-I've seen pictures.

 

[21_6.7f450]

I'm also very interested.

 

[Hirev]

Some vehicles have a fixed orifice design there is no ball and spring just a hole in the unit. Many GMs just have a 2.5 mm hole. This design works full time unlike the old school stuff that is not full time.

 

[autoapprentice]

Well, here are some pictures of the PCV and other related things from my 2015 F150. I bought it with approximately 190k on the clock. It looks like they just changed the oil when the minder came on, if that. The PCV was clogged to heck!

 

[Lubener]

Can one of the best ways to keep your PCV working correctly be to keep your oil cleaned? Or are they typically clogged or broken by just normal use and thick oil vapors? Or do PCVs clog due to just a poor design?
Obviously these parts are cheap and typically easy to replace however I have noticed that some cars never have PCV issues where some others have specified mileage or time to replace them as a maintenance part.
Maybe it all doesnt matter?

I never had a clogged PCV system. Usually oil change intervals being too long will contribute to a dirty PCV system.

 

[oldhp]

"But the filter says 20,000 miles..........."

 

[Kira]

I'm also very interested.

The following might interest you.
Get your eyes on Volvo p/n 32140004.
The disc in the middle is the flat PCV valve.
It is replaceable though many will say to simply R&R the entire thing as you'd then have a clean intake.

 

[Highlander 1459]

in the old days when typical PCV valves were in existence, about the only way the PCV valve would get plugged up was in a badly sludged engine.

I assume the same thing applies on newer engines with different style CCV systems...
in other words, baring some unforeseen failure, if a person does routine oil changes and the engine is relatively clean
they probably wont have a issue.

 

[We're Metals]

in the old days when typical PCV valves were in existence,

What are they using these days?

 

[Malo83]

The PCV valve on my 83 Silverado is the spring style, never been clogged but when doing tune ups I would spray Carb cleaner thru it and it came out looking new.

 

[Highlander 1459]

What are they using these days?

some engines have eliminated the valve itself, and have a filtered louvered breather in the rocker lever cover that ties the crankcase to the intake... I have also seen some engines that have a pressurized crankcase... these wil tend to run roughor stall if the engine loses its seal.

PCV is one of the oldest emission control's I can think of... seems like it came about in the 60's..

anyway you look at it, instead of venting the crankcase to the atmosphere, they run the combustion gases in the crankcase into the intake,so they can be burned in the combustion chamber, PCV valve or no valve.