PCV questions...

[mongo161]

On my T4R I usually take out the PCV and inspect. I also remove the PCV Grommet from the valve cover and inspect for any cracks or leaks etc. I'll use some hot water and soap to clean them up and give the Grommet a good spray of silicone after it drys.

Sometimes I find that these need replacement, due to cracking, rather than the PCV valve and they are cheap enough to replace. IMO...the Grommet is just as important as the valve in the PCV system.

Most of the PCV valves that I have change out on my vehicle are soaked in either carb cleaner or brake cleaner in a small "Baby Food" size jar for a day or so. Sprayed clean and then I use a can of compressed air to dry them on the inside or blow any residual moisture out.

In most cases I've been able to recycle the PCV valves and Grommets with no problems. But as with everything YMMV.....

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: Trav
I have a hard time answering the question. Yes the valve can be cleaned but the tube is so small inside its hard to know if its really clean.
I would say if it doesn't appear too dirty and has no deposits in the holes then yes by all means clean it otherwise toss it.

A bigger concern for me is inside the valve cover where the valve sits. Most of these engines remain spotless their whole life but a few for some reason get deposits that turns into sludge quickly.
The ones i have seen do this have a lot of build up under the valve cover that renders the PCV almost inoperative.

If the engine looks clean down the oil fill hole then i wouldn't worry about it just keep the PCV clean. If it looks dark or showing deposits then IMO its prudent to pop the front cover and make sure it has no build up that could block the PCV.
Check out the threads i posted on Honda 3.5 for pics of the inside the engine to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.



^Yes, this exactly. Great post, +1


Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Some PCV valves have plastic that warps, springs that break or get weak, and seating/sealing surfaces that erode.
So cleaning can be just great, or not enough. It is an individual basis thing.


So, to go by the re-use method you must have a feel and good judgement as to what an brand-new dealer PCV valve functions like. Otherwise, cleaning and using a 'worn out' valve is the same difference as buying a lame aftermarket one that doesn't work like the original.

ericthecarguy on some of his YouTube videos has mentioned this before about certain Honda's that don't like aftermarket PCV valve and he's seen them causing idling issues, etc.

 

[mechtech2]

My PCV advice is that they generally can be cleaned and work great.
And always buy the best/most expensive one for your car.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

the old PCV rattled just fine, i shot some carb cleaner through it and put it on the shelf. through the fill hole my wifes Honda has a small amount of varnish but otherwise looks pretty good.. no gunk. we bought the car with 44,000 on it and it now has 75,000 on it. I change the oil between 3,000-4,000 miles and i alternate between Dino and SYN, New filter every change. Valv or Penzoil is what it usually gets although i just put M1 in it..