Originally Posted By: Boss302fan
How often do PCV valves need to be changed and where can you find one for these engines? How much? Thanks...
Usually, when they stop functioning or within so many miles based on your owners maintenance guide/or aftermarket book etc.
Typically, you can pull it off(since some cars don't have the setup for a 'squeeze' the pipe and listen for the click trick), then just examine it and shake it to see if the valve moves freely. If it looks oil logged, replace it. If it's fairly clean, just listen for if it rattles quickly(which is what you want) or takes more effort to get the valve to move while shaking it.
Otherwise, some people can get away with using throttle body cleaner on it and it cleans right up, but it is a really cheap part and should be easy to find for you car at any autoparts store, though I'm not sure if OEM from the dealer is any better.
My Civic VX still has the original hollow PCV valve. It's really just a bent plastic pipe. The newer models subsequently had an actual valve and all new replacement parts are that way. Not sure of the pros/cons for my current hollowed version vs. the newer PCV valves on this particular car, but I don't notice any difference and emissions are the same.