How often to change PCV valve?

jcandrew · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003, 09:07 AM

I was just curious how often you guys change your PCV valve? It is a fairly inexpensive part and easy to change...

Rockledge · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003, 02:54 PM

Quote:

It is a fairly inexpensive part and easy to change...

Yep, which is why I do it more often than I probably should, every 20K or so. Sometimes I will even take it out and clean it with solvent in between changes.

jcandrew · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003, 10:42 PM

Thanks Rockledge! That sounds like a reasonable plan to me. I have about 52,000 miles on my truck so I think it is due for a change. My manual said something about the new PCV valve not having a plastic molding on it and that you must remove it from the old one? Any experience with this or tips that you can think of to make it easier?

Rockledge · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2003, 10:47 PM

Maybe someone else has run into the situation with the plastic molding, but all I've ever done on my '98 is buy a new one and plug it in.

jcandrew · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2003, 11:39 PM

I went to NAPA today and picked up a PCV valve. I just put it in and the whole process took about 5 minutes max even with the plastic elbow change. To get the old one off and on I got a coffee cup and filled it with hot water from my insta-hot water tap--let it sit in there for about 30 seconds and it came right off the old valve and on the new one without any problems.

I wonder if the motorcraft version would have come with the elbow? Did you get a Napa or Motorcraft valve and did yours come with the elbow? Just curious for next time...

Torque1st · #6 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 04:06 AM

I change mine annually. I have always just pulled the elbow off and stuck it on the new valve if required, it did not require hot water. Try to buy the valves WITH the elbows since the plastic elbows can become brittle and crack with time.

Bob Ayers · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 05:38 PM

When I replaced the PCV valve on my 1999 3.0L, Motorcraft was
the only valve that came with a new 90 degree elbow. The one
at NAPA, and the Purolator from Advance did not have the elbow.
I went with the Motorcraft one...

jcandrew · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2003, 06:59 PM

Good to know Bob. Thanks! Next time I will go with the Motorcraft valve with the elbow for sure. I think if I change the elbow again it will be a little on the loose side.