PCV valves, or Positive Crankcase Ventilation valves, are an important part of your car’s engine. They help to keep the oil clean and prevent it from backing up into the engine. If your car has been giving you trouble, one possible issue could be a dirty PCV valve. A PCV valve helps remove fumes and moisture from the engine, and if it’s dirty, it can cause all sorts of problems. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean a PCV valve yourself. It’s a relatively simple process, and it can save you a lot of money in repair costs. So let’s get started!
How To Clean A PCV Valve
Here are all the steps required to clean a PCV valve:
- Remove the PCV valve from the air intake. The PCV valve is located on top of the engine, near the firewall and can be removed by removing the bolts that hold it in place.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the cap from the top of the PCV valve. This will allow access to all of its parts.
- Clean all of its parts with carburetor cleaner or brake cleaner, then blow off any excess liquid with compressed air. Cleaning it this way will ensure that no dirt or debris remains in any part of the PCV valve, which can cause problems later on.
- Reinstall your cleaned PCV valve into your vehicle and you’re done!
What is a PCV valve?
The PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation valve) is a device that prevents harmful gases from entering the atmosphere. The PCV valve is attached to the engine block and exhaust manifold. It consists of a valve, a hose and an actuator, which is controlled by the PCM (powertrain control module).
What are the symptoms of a faulty PCV valve?
- If your vehicle has an oil leak around the intake manifold gasket, you may want to check for a faulty PCV valve. If you don’t replace it, the oil leak will get worse over time.
- Another symptom of a faulty PCV valve is an increase in engine oil consumption. Since unburned fuel is not being recycled back into the combustion chamber, more fuel will be consumed by your engine. This will result in increased emissions and lower gas mileage.
- A telltale sign of this problem can be seen on your oil dipstick: if there’s excessive amounts of dark colored residue on your dipstick, it means that excess fuel is getting into your engine’s crankcase through the PCV system.
- A dirty air filter can also indicate an issue with the PCV system since it may have been clogged by excess unburned fuel in your exhaust system. Lastly, if you notice white smoke coming out of your tailpipe while driving at highway speeds, this could be another indication that you need to replace or clean/replace your PCV valve/hose assembly (as well as other possible components).
How often should I replace my PCV Valve?
It depends on how much driving you do each year and how well maintained your vehicle is overall. If you drive under normal conditions (no heavy loads or extreme temperatures), then replacing it every 30-50k miles would be sufficient; however if you drive under more severe conditions then replacement should occur every 20-30k miles or sooner depending upon how much driving you do per year and how well maintained your vehicle is overall.
Can WD40 be used to clean PCV valve?
WD40 can be used to clean the PCV valve but it is not recommended. WD40 is a lubricant and not a cleaner. It will do little to remove the carbon buildup and may make it harder for you to get the valve out in the first place.
What does a dirty PCV valve do?
A dirty PCV valve will cause your car to lose power and run poorly. The PCV valve is responsible for recirculating the air in the crankcase back into the intake manifold. This keeps the crankcase free of oil vapors, which can be detrimental to engine performance. If your PCV valve is clogged, it will not be able to do this effectively and you can lose a lot of power as a result.
