when to change PCV valves?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jan 1, 2005
Messages
97
Location
WI
On average, when do you people change yours? I usually change mine every 30,000, but I was thinking that's too soon?
 
all depends on the vehicle and how you drive.

if you're using aftermarket ($3-5) why not?
if you're using OEM (like the $20 Honda) no way.
 
on most vehicles it's not even part of the normal maintenance. in practice, it only needs to be cleaned if it's gunked up, and doesn't need to be replaced at all. in reality you should inspect it once a year, clean if necessary, replace if you can't unclog it. it should flow easily in the forward direction, and seal tightly in reverse.
 
It can rattle and not seat correctly, or open all the way [leak]. That rattle test is over rated.
A good cleaning is usually all that is needed.
If you do buy a new one, get an expensive one, or a factory one. If a cheap one doesn't have the right flow rates, it will not vent properly, and may idle bad.
 
+1 to mechtech2.

Eddie-
How do you know your PCV valve is still good after 118,000miles????????????????? (Subaru didn't put it into it's maintenance interval doesn't mean that it doesn't require replacement)

Most engine crraps out with all sorts of emissions and engine performance problems with PCV system is in questionable-state. Most see oil fake oil burning issue due to PCV pressure imbalance. I would strongly advise you to change it out.

Yeah, my local Nissan stealerships also do not service PCVs. I gave them #@$%! for not being emission compliance and dunno squat about engine operation (yes, I have filed complaints to Nissan Canada in the past citing questionable mechanical servicing competence in some of the stealerships under their jurisdiction).
 
My 96 Sable's (Duratec engine)owners manual said to take it back to the dealer to get the PCV valve changed at 100,000 miles for no charge. My wife did a lot of short trip driving & I checked it myself @ 70,000 miles. All gummed up, the spring still rattled but I really wished I had checked it sooner. I paid about $8 @ the dealer for an OEM. The reason I went OEM is because on the Saturn website, some of the experts sware an OEM can make a difference. Personally, I have no idea.
For a few bucks extra I thought it was worth it.
twocents.gif
 
I usually replace mine once a year and always with AC Delco ones. I figure for >$5, it can't hurt any. I will say, however, that I guess I didn't seat it all the way down (3800 II engine) and it idled like #@$%!. Pushed it back down the extra inch and idle went back to normal.
 
I finally changed the Civic's at 111k and i'm glad i did, sludge and UGLY! MPG shot up like crazy....$20 for Honda OEM.
 
From the Acura dealership my PCV valve (which I believe is the same one your Civic uses, rsylvstr) was $16 or so. I don't know when it was last changed so I thought I might as well do it. But for that price I think i'm only going to be doing it once every couple of years.
 
there are a few aftermarkets that are cheaper, but not sure if they are worth it...i figure with gas prices and the miles we drive, it's worth it every 2 years/40k miles.

and for you Acura, rockauto has two I'd trust, both under $4! Beck-Arnley and AC Delco.

and to those that say "if it rattles it's fine" OMG, you're kidding right! oh wait, you really do believe it.
 
Thanks...I've seen that posted a few times on this site...but IMHO 10k miles is pretty soon....guess it's like an OCI, depends on the car, driving habits, etc.
 
My wife's 98 ford explorer with the 4 liter ohc engine has 128,000 miles. I am not sure if the PCV has ever been changed. I just could not find it Supposed to be on
back of the engine somewhere?? Any thoughts where? TIA.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom