The PCV valve on my '95 Tercel was replaced a year ago. After 18K miles I am thinking of replace it especially the CEL just came on with DTC P0401. The grommet looks in good shape. I am not sure if the grommet was also replaced last year. Do I need to replace the grommet everytime the PCV valve is replaced?
Replace PCV and its grommet at the same time?
- Thread starter sifan
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If the grommet is pliable and no oil residual around it, then it doesn't need to be replaced.
On the other hand if you wait till the grommet is falling apart then getting it out in one piece will be a problem. Pieces may drop into the valve cover.
Normally it is not replaced unless there is a need.Excess heat will make them break down sooner.
I replaced the PCV vavlve after work tonight in the company parking lot. I thought it would be a quick process which turned into an hour of ordeal. The grommet turned out to be hard and unpliable. At the end I had to use my Swiss knife to cut it in two pieces and removed them. Then I poked underneath the valve cover with my finger to remove any possible debries that fell inside. Next time I will replace the gromment along with PCV valve. The grommet is cheap and is not worth this much trouble.
I cleared the code afterward which has not returned after 40 miles of driving. Hopefully it won't return. The engine runs much smoother and zipier now. I will replace the PCV valve and grommet every 12K miles next time because I noticed a sign of sludge under the valve cover as I poked around. The previous car owner had not upkept the maintence. I think I will do the Auto-Rx treatment on this engine.
I cleared the code afterward which has not returned after 40 miles of driving. Hopefully it won't return. The engine runs much smoother and zipier now. I will replace the PCV valve and grommet every 12K miles next time because I noticed a sign of sludge under the valve cover as I poked around. The previous car owner had not upkept the maintence. I think I will do the Auto-Rx treatment on this engine.
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The code P0401 returns again. Cleaning the EGR tube will be next step.
Yesterday I found that a hose connecting to the EGR vacuum modulator was knocked loose while I was removing the PCV grommet. I re-connected it and cleared the code. Now the CEL remains off, the engine feels even zippier, and the fuel mileage is up. I do not need to clean the EGR tube afterall. Thanks all for your advices.
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