PCV in relation to oil consumption

[DinoOil]

When some of you guys claim that when a car consumes oil, perhaps a PCV may be to blame. You advocate simply dropping $3.00 that it costs and replacing it. Are you guys assuming that the valve is gunked up from so many years of use? The reason why I ask is because I've never replaced my PCV, and my car has over 230K on it. HOWEVER, I DO clean the PCV out every 1 to 2 years with whatever solvent is closest at hand. Spray it, shake it, dry it, and reinstall it. It always rattles freely.
Would you say that replacing it would have any effect on oil consumption?

I never see blue smoke at start up, and leave the tiniest drop of oil on the ground when I park it.

Your thoughts please.... Thanks

 

[toneydoc]

It will be fine in engine operation as long as it rattles freely and it is cleaned regularly as you do. Sounds as if you are doing some routine looking and maintenance. Good job on the PCV

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: DinoOil
Would you say that replacing it would have any effect on oil consumption?


You're not having problems, so obviously replacement wouldn't help you. However, there are cases where there are problems when the PCV valve is apparently working fine. A number of years back on my old F-150, I was having serious condensation issues in winter (not a tiny bit at the oil cap, by a long shot), even though my shortest trips were over 100 miles. The PCV valve passed all the normal tests, wasn't clogged, and so forth. I replaced it anyway, and the condensation disappeared on the next drive.

So, when there is some problem, sometimes replacing it, rather than testing or cleaning it, is the path of least resistance.