PCV valve location and how often to change?

[coopns]

Could someone help me locate the PCV Valve?

95 Taurus (can't remember last time changed)
02 Grand Caravan (Never changed)

And...

Could you give me the dummies version on what the function is?

And...

How often should it be changed?

Thanks,

Coop

 

[drewjp]

It is usually connected to the valve cover via the air intake.

Some others here probably can state the function much better than I can, but I change mine about every 40k miles, just to be safe. If it gets plugged up, it can contribute to sludge buildup.

 

[yugrus]

I think this explains PCV system and valve pretty good.

 

[Quest]

main function of the PCV system (positive crankcase ventilation) and it's primary purpose is to re-route all the unburnt fumes that escaped from the piston ring gaps, etc. and what-not and lead those fumes back into the combustiion chamber for another round of burning, instead of venting it out to the atmosphere.

PCV system was first widely used in CA area in the 60s due to smog problems.

Q.

 

[dwendt44]

PCVs started nation wide in 63 IIRC.(most models)
Some are placed in the intake manifold, others are hidden quit well under other stuff.
A Chilton manual for the years in question should show where they are located.
Owners manual may show their location too.

 

[01rangerxl]

I would replace them every year or two unless you have a really expensive one.

A rattling valve is not always a good valve. My Explorer developed a periodic rough idle. I checked vacuum lines and they were all fine. Then I replaced the PCV valve, which still rattled, with a new one and the rough idle went away completely. I spent less than $3 on the new one.

 

[mechtech2]

Right. A rattle does not indicate proper function.
Engine blowby used to be vented to a downdraft tube onto the street.
There used to be an oil slick down the middle of every road.
PCV [positive crankcase ventilation] systems stopped that, with the extra benefit of re ingesting blowby gasses to be recirculated for emission reasons.
Get the most expensive PCV for your car that you can find. This means factory/dealer parts, if possible. For a few dollars more, you will have a years of proper sealing and metering.

 

[bcossa2001]

I have an 03 Town and Country, 3.3 Liter. The PCV valve is on the top of the rear valve cover. It screws in....

I had to buy the replacement valve at the dealer and they pulled up a diagram showing the location of the PCV valve.

 

[coopns]

I can't find it on the Taurus. I searched google for some pics but can't find location.

Thanks for all the explanations.

 

[wiswind]

I have a '96 Windstar with the 3.8L, engine, if you have the 3.8L engine, Ill bet that it is on the REAR valve cover.
Kind of hard to see back there, but it is on the driver's side, rear valve cover.
On my 3.8L, the coil pack is real close, and they started using a much larger upper intake manifold in '96, so I cannot see the valve, I can feel it though.
The vaccume line to the PCV valve should connect to the upper intake manifold, near the throttle body.

There should be a breather on the front valve cover, with a tube that connects to the air hose that goes from the air filter unit to the throttle body.

They made some major changes the the 3.8L engine in '96, but I'll bet that the PCV valve is the same place on the '95 - 98 3.8L engines.

There may be a "T" with some other vaccum lines going off of the PCV vaccum line.

 

[Greggy_D]

On my Taurus it's buried under the intake manifold.....which means removing that sucker to change out a $3 PCV valve.

 

[wavinwayne]

Originally Posted By: coopns
I can't find it on the Taurus. I searched google for some pics but can't find location.

Thanks for all the explanations.


Which engine does your Taurus have?

 

[kokopelli]

you might not have a "valve" per se, but rather a vent tube of some sort. you can go to autozone.com, put in your car's information, and look up parts; also, you can view an online repair manual at that site.

i entered your car (1995 Tarus), and selected the most common engine type (3.1L), and found that this particular set-up uses what seems to be a vent hose.... ....of course, I could've looked at it incorrectly.