PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Can anyone please explain to me the function of a PCV valve? What the heck is this thing? 
Also, how often should it be changed, where is it located, and how would I go about changing it?
Also, just a tip to all the rest of you guys: don't buy your fuel filters from Auto Zone!!! Their database shows a fuel filter model that is considerably smaller in diameter than the stock configuration. When I showed the Auto Zone filter to the guy at Car Quest, he said it looked just like the fuel filter for a Ranger -- needles to say, I bought another filter from Car Quest and returned the Auto Zone filter. I was on an auto parts website confirming that the Auto Zone filter was wrong when a PCV valve also appeared as a "related" part to replace when the fuel filter is done. It indicated that replacing the PCV could improve engine idle & fuel economy. Just wanted to know what the "real deal" was from you guys (and gals) here on FTE.
Also, how often should it be changed, where is it located, and how would I go about changing it?Also, just a tip to all the rest of you guys: don't buy your fuel filters from Auto Zone!!! Their database shows a fuel filter model that is considerably smaller in diameter than the stock configuration. When I showed the Auto Zone filter to the guy at Car Quest, he said it looked just like the fuel filter for a Ranger -- needles to say, I bought another filter from Car Quest and returned the Auto Zone filter. I was on an auto parts website confirming that the Auto Zone filter was wrong when a PCV valve also appeared as a "related" part to replace when the fuel filter is done. It indicated that replacing the PCV could improve engine idle & fuel economy. Just wanted to know what the "real deal" was from you guys (and gals) here on FTE.
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From: C H I C A G O
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
The PCV releases pressure from the crankcase, too much pressure and gaskets begin to go. On the 7.3L Powerstroke , they have the pcv going into the air intake track , which , over time , creates puddles of oil in the intercooler - not good. Innovative Truck Parts sells a kit which solves this problem.....
As far as fuel filters go , i buy ine from Diesel Injection Service, they have a very good and simple website which you can order them from...........
As far as fuel filters go , i buy ine from Diesel Injection Service, they have a very good and simple website which you can order them from...........
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
I've got 29,500 miles on my 2002 5.4 V-8 F-250 Lariat SC 4x4 already (just thought I'd drop in the engine/model, in case anyone needs it to answer my questions). I'm getting in gear for the 30,000 mile service. I plan on changing the tranny oil, differential fluid, and just about anything else I can figure. I know it's about time at 30,000 miles to change the fuel filter, but I have no idea about the PCV. Just thought I'd throw this question out there as my search of the forums didn't uncover anything PCV related.
So how often should it be changed anyway? And how would I change it? Thanks guys for your input.
So how often should it be changed anyway? And how would I change it? Thanks guys for your input.
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PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Your PCV or Postive Crankcase Ventilation, will be located on top of one of your valve covers. It is cylindrical in shape, about 4 inches long (height) and about an inch or so wide.
If you look at the top of your valve covers, you should see it, it will be inserted into a rubber grommet, into the valve cover, there will be an airhose going from the PCV to the throtle body air duct work.
To remove - just pull
To check if your PCV is still functioning is easy, after removing from valve cover, just shake it up and down. Do you hear something moving inside? then chances are its good. So long as the "piston"(acts as check valve) inside is moving freely, then its functioning. As you shake it you will hear it moving, if you dont hear it moving, replace it.
Many people, (me being one of them) will change their PCV every 25,000-30,000 miles or so just to be on the safe side. It takes all of two seconds to replace and is not expensive at all. Should your PCV stop working it will set the foundation for a host of possible problems i.e. blown gaskets due to excessive pressure. Its super cheap, and super easy to replace. Go ahead and replace it.
...and thats my 1 1/2 cents worth
If you look at the top of your valve covers, you should see it, it will be inserted into a rubber grommet, into the valve cover, there will be an airhose going from the PCV to the throtle body air duct work.
To remove - just pull
To check if your PCV is still functioning is easy, after removing from valve cover, just shake it up and down. Do you hear something moving inside? then chances are its good. So long as the "piston"(acts as check valve) inside is moving freely, then its functioning. As you shake it you will hear it moving, if you dont hear it moving, replace it.
Many people, (me being one of them) will change their PCV every 25,000-30,000 miles or so just to be on the safe side. It takes all of two seconds to replace and is not expensive at all. Should your PCV stop working it will set the foundation for a host of possible problems i.e. blown gaskets due to excessive pressure. Its super cheap, and super easy to replace. Go ahead and replace it.
...and thats my 1 1/2 cents worth
Last edited by Rockwell; Feb 21, 2003 at 10:17 AM.
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From: Calgary Canada
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
I would recommend changing your PCV every second or third time you change your air filter (they're cheap), and change the PCV valve filter every time you change your air filter.
On my '89 F250 the PCV valve filter was right in the air box. They tend to get oiled up and clogged like JOEBOOST mentioned, and the filters are cheap (often included with the new air filter), so why not. I'm not sure where or if the SD has a PCV filter.
As for the actual valve, I'm not sure where to look on the SD. I haven't changed mine yet, so I can't help you there. Someone will be along I'm sure to help you pinpoint it.
Waxy
On my '89 F250 the PCV valve filter was right in the air box. They tend to get oiled up and clogged like JOEBOOST mentioned, and the filters are cheap (often included with the new air filter), so why not. I'm not sure where or if the SD has a PCV filter.
As for the actual valve, I'm not sure where to look on the SD. I haven't changed mine yet, so I can't help you there. Someone will be along I'm sure to help you pinpoint it.
Waxy
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PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
just went and loked at my motor (V10) and it is located on the right side valve cover towards the back (left as you face the engine) (same side as oil fill cap). The air hose looks huge as it has an insulating foam cover. Just pull up on that hose and the PCV will pop out with very little effort. One tip....clean the area around the PCV valve before you pull it out so as not to get any debris in. I just pulled mine to have a look see and it pulls out with the least amount of effort.
Im sure it is located in the same spot on the 5.4 motro as well.
Im sure it is located in the same spot on the 5.4 motro as well.
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From: So. Texas
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
And while you are there, be sure to check the condition of the hose that is connected to the PCV valve.
Most V 10's hose has a 90 degree bend that will tend to collapse on the inside radius at the bend near the throttle body. If this occurs it will have the same symptions as a bad PCV valve. Ford sells the valve and hose together which is probably a good idea.
My owners manual quotes a 60,000 mi. replacement interval, which is about 30,000 too much for me. I change mine every time I replace the fuel filter, at 30k.
Most V 10's hose has a 90 degree bend that will tend to collapse on the inside radius at the bend near the throttle body. If this occurs it will have the same symptions as a bad PCV valve. Ford sells the valve and hose together which is probably a good idea.
My owners manual quotes a 60,000 mi. replacement interval, which is about 30,000 too much for me. I change mine every time I replace the fuel filter, at 30k.
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From: North of Houston
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
GreyFord, do you have the part number for the combined PCV valve and hose? My dealer's parts guy could not locate it - but I know they are idiots!
Also, how much was it?
Thanks! Keith.
Also, how much was it?
Thanks! Keith.
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From: So. Texas
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
The last one I bought was for a '99 model :F7UZ-6C324-PA.
This included the valve, insulating hose, plastic union,and molded hose. Sorry I do not remember the cost.
This included the valve, insulating hose, plastic union,and molded hose. Sorry I do not remember the cost.
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From: OK
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Sounds like your local AutoZone gave you the wrong filter. I've purchased several from the local one and they have always been exact replicas of the OEM filter.
As for the PCV, they almost never need replacement. Although I'm all for some "extra" maintenance, there's not much need in replacing this valve on a frequent basis. Just follow the test procedure given by Rockwell. No rattle= "bad" PCV. In fact, if it doesn't rattle, you can probably just run a little gasoline through it and clean out the carbon... good as new.
If this doesn't "fix" the valve (or you just want a new one), I believe the PCV is considered part of the emissions system and is covered under the warranty for several thousand miles beyone 36k.
As for the PCV, they almost never need replacement. Although I'm all for some "extra" maintenance, there's not much need in replacing this valve on a frequent basis. Just follow the test procedure given by Rockwell. No rattle= "bad" PCV. In fact, if it doesn't rattle, you can probably just run a little gasoline through it and clean out the carbon... good as new.
If this doesn't "fix" the valve (or you just want a new one), I believe the PCV is considered part of the emissions system and is covered under the warranty for several thousand miles beyone 36k.
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From: So. Texas
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Ford scheduled maint. guide, pg. 5: " For all light trucks over 6000 GVW, regardless of engine, the PCV valve should be replaced at 120,000 miles. This replacement will be at the owners expense. "
WOW. This is way more than my '99 model manual stated.
WOW. This is way more than my '99 model manual stated.
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Thanks guys for all the comments, help, suggestions, references, and all the effort! You guys have been a big help. I just bought the PCV today and figured I might as well change the darned thing with the fuel filter. At about $3, this doesn't even register on the "overkill scale" I normally run on.
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From: OK
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
I think the owner may be responsible for the scheduled 120,000 mile PCV change, but Ford's emission's warranty states (page 12 of the 2001 .pdf manual) that for vehicles over 8500# GVWR, the part is covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles.
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
PCV Valve -- What, Where, How Often
Originally posted by NoMo
Sounds like your local AutoZone gave you the wrong filter. I've purchased several from the local one and they have always been exact replicas of the OEM filter.
Sounds like your local AutoZone gave you the wrong filter. I've purchased several from the local one and they have always been exact replicas of the OEM filter.