The positive crankcase ventilation or PCV valve is an inexpensive and often overlooked component.
It is also one possible cause of expensive oil leaks and sludge buildup in an engine.
All automotive engines are lubricated with oil and when oil is churned by moving parts, pressure is produced.
There is also a small leakage passed piston rings and valve guides, that produces positive pressure in the crankcase. Many years ago, this pressure was simply vented into the atmosphere by a road-draft tube and breather cap.
Today the PCV system handles this task and other things.
It is also one possible cause of expensive oil leaks and sludge buildup in an engine.
All automotive engines are lubricated with oil and when oil is churned by moving parts, pressure is produced.
There is also a small leakage passed piston rings and valve guides, that produces positive pressure in the crankcase. Many years ago, this pressure was simply vented into the atmosphere by a road-draft tube and breather cap.
Today the PCV system handles this task and other things.
How the PCV system works
The PCV system is elatively simple.
An inlet hose connects to a filtered air source.
This is used to replace air that is drawn out of the engine.
Most of the time this air is supplied through the engine air filter.
On a few designs there is a separate inlet filter that cleans the incoming air.
This filtered air flows through the engine, picking up ,fumes and vapors.
The air exits through another hose, connected to manifold vacuum.
The flow of air draws fumes from the crankcase and burns them harmlessly in the engine.
This also creates a slight vacuum, relieving any pressure that may build.
Negative pressure helps to prevent oil leaks and oil consumption by the engine.
The PCV system is elatively simple.
An inlet hose connects to a filtered air source.
This is used to replace air that is drawn out of the engine.
Most of the time this air is supplied through the engine air filter.
On a few designs there is a separate inlet filter that cleans the incoming air.
This filtered air flows through the engine, picking up ,fumes and vapors.
The air exits through another hose, connected to manifold vacuum.
The flow of air draws fumes from the crankcase and burns them harmlessly in the engine.
This also creates a slight vacuum, relieving any pressure that may build.
Negative pressure helps to prevent oil leaks and oil consumption by the engine.
The PCV system helps remove moisture, a major contaminant, from the oil
When an engine is run, a good deal of heat is generated.
As the engine cools, condensation forms.
Engine oil additives absorb this moisture and hold it in suspension.
In time the moisture content exceeds the capacity of the additives.
When this occurs, moisture begins to attack the metal parts of the engine causing damage.
When an engine is run, a good deal of heat is generated.
As the engine cools, condensation forms.
Engine oil additives absorb this moisture and hold it in suspension.
In time the moisture content exceeds the capacity of the additives.
When this occurs, moisture begins to attack the metal parts of the engine causing damage.
An outward sign of moisture contamination is a cloudy or milky film in the PCV valve or hose.
Finding water in the PCV valve suggests a need for replacement but is also an indication of other problems. Replacing the PCV valve gets rid of the symptom, but the problem remains and symptoms will soon return.
If we only drive the vehicle on short trips, moisture content means we need more frequent oil changes and longer drive cycles.
A moisture buildup with normal driving shows other engine problems.
Several areas of an engine can allow leakage and oil contamination.
Coolant leaking into the oil is very serious.
Without immediate correction, engine damage is likely.
Moisture contamination flows through the engine oil filter, as it too is a liquid.
This is one reason why oil must be changed.
Short trips make the problem far worse as the engine does not reach full temperature.
Oil should be replaced more often when average driving distance is under ten-miles. As the engine reaches full
temperature, after about 20 minutes of driving, the heat of the oil causes the moisture to boil.
If the vehicle is driven far enough, the PCV system will scavenge much of this moisture from the oil, in the form of steam. This is one reason vehicles can go further between oil changes when the average trip is very long.
With short trips, this does not occur, requiring more frequent oil changes.
The type of driving determines oil change needs, and is a better guide than the number of miles driven.
If the PCV system fails, severe sludge buildup and oil leaks can occur
Finding water in the PCV valve suggests a need for replacement but is also an indication of other problems. Replacing the PCV valve gets rid of the symptom, but the problem remains and symptoms will soon return.
If we only drive the vehicle on short trips, moisture content means we need more frequent oil changes and longer drive cycles.
A moisture buildup with normal driving shows other engine problems.
Several areas of an engine can allow leakage and oil contamination.
Coolant leaking into the oil is very serious.
Without immediate correction, engine damage is likely.
Moisture contamination flows through the engine oil filter, as it too is a liquid.
This is one reason why oil must be changed.
Short trips make the problem far worse as the engine does not reach full temperature.
Oil should be replaced more often when average driving distance is under ten-miles. As the engine reaches full
temperature, after about 20 minutes of driving, the heat of the oil causes the moisture to boil.
If the vehicle is driven far enough, the PCV system will scavenge much of this moisture from the oil, in the form of steam. This is one reason vehicles can go further between oil changes when the average trip is very long.
With short trips, this does not occur, requiring more frequent oil changes.
The type of driving determines oil change needs, and is a better guide than the number of miles driven.
If the PCV system fails, severe sludge buildup and oil leaks can occur
A plugged PCV valve causes many other engine problems.
Pressure begins to build and gaskets and oil seals may fail.
When an engine suffers multiple oil leaks, we should always inspect the PCV system.
Another problem is a lack of air flow to carry vapors from the crankcase.
Without air flow, moisture contamination remains and a sludge buildup is often a result.
Operating the engine without adequate ventilation is a leading cause of engine sludge.
How a PCV valve works
Most engines employ a PCV valve at the point where fumes are drawn out of the engine.
The PCV valve serves several functions.
At an idle, engine vacuum is very high, around 16 to 20 inches. This high vacuum would tend
to draw oil as well as fumes from the engine. The PCV valve acts as a buffer against oil being drawn out.
It also regulates the amount of vacuum applied to the engine, based on engine load and speed.
Pressure begins to build and gaskets and oil seals may fail.
When an engine suffers multiple oil leaks, we should always inspect the PCV system.
Another problem is a lack of air flow to carry vapors from the crankcase.
Without air flow, moisture contamination remains and a sludge buildup is often a result.
Operating the engine without adequate ventilation is a leading cause of engine sludge.
How a PCV valve works
Most engines employ a PCV valve at the point where fumes are drawn out of the engine.
The PCV valve serves several functions.
At an idle, engine vacuum is very high, around 16 to 20 inches. This high vacuum would tend
to draw oil as well as fumes from the engine. The PCV valve acts as a buffer against oil being drawn out.
It also regulates the amount of vacuum applied to the engine, based on engine load and speed.
At an idle, engine speed is low, around 600 RPM.
A relatively small amount of fuel and air travel through the intake at idle speed.
If the PCV valve did not regulate air flow, the engine would act like it had a vacuum leak.
Too much air flowing into the intake causes the engine to lean out [too much air in relation to the fuel] and misfire.
At an idle, the PCV valve restricts air flow, to reduce this problem.
At high manifold vacuum [idle], a spring loaded valve is drawn up and partially restricts flow to the crankcase. The first drawing above illustrates the PCV valve position at idle.
On acceleration far more fuel and air move through the engine
and intake manifold vacuum is much lower. Air introduced by the PCV valve has
much less influence on the fuel-air mixture. Low intake manifold vacuum allows
the valve to move to a more central position. In this position the system draws
more fumes from the crankcase. The additional flow is very beneficial, without
affecting engine performance. The center illustration above, shows the PCV
valve in acceleration position.
Any pressure in the intake causes flow in the opposite
direction. This could occur during an engine backfire or if the engine is
turbo-charged. The PCV valve can act as a check-valve in these situations. By
closing the PCV valve, any positive pressure or fuel vapor is prevented from
entering the crankcase. Even a very small amount of positive pressure can force
oil passed gaskets and seals and blow gaskets out of place. Failure of the
valve to seal positive pressure may damage the engine.
Failure and testing of the PCV valve
As the PCV valve ages several things may happen.
Crud and sludge can cause it to stick in the open position.
This will produce a vacuum leak and might result in a misfire at idle.
Too much air flow causes the engine to lean out, possibly setting a check engine light.
Excess flow could also draw oil from the engine, causing oil consumption
A relatively small amount of fuel and air travel through the intake at idle speed.
If the PCV valve did not regulate air flow, the engine would act like it had a vacuum leak.
Too much air flowing into the intake causes the engine to lean out [too much air in relation to the fuel] and misfire.
At an idle, the PCV valve restricts air flow, to reduce this problem.
At high manifold vacuum [idle], a spring loaded valve is drawn up and partially restricts flow to the crankcase. The first drawing above illustrates the PCV valve position at idle.
On acceleration far more fuel and air move through the engine
and intake manifold vacuum is much lower. Air introduced by the PCV valve has
much less influence on the fuel-air mixture. Low intake manifold vacuum allows
the valve to move to a more central position. In this position the system draws
more fumes from the crankcase. The additional flow is very beneficial, without
affecting engine performance. The center illustration above, shows the PCV
valve in acceleration position.
Any pressure in the intake causes flow in the opposite
direction. This could occur during an engine backfire or if the engine is
turbo-charged. The PCV valve can act as a check-valve in these situations. By
closing the PCV valve, any positive pressure or fuel vapor is prevented from
entering the crankcase. Even a very small amount of positive pressure can force
oil passed gaskets and seals and blow gaskets out of place. Failure of the
valve to seal positive pressure may damage the engine.
Failure and testing of the PCV valve
As the PCV valve ages several things may happen.
Crud and sludge can cause it to stick in the open position.
This will produce a vacuum leak and might result in a misfire at idle.
Too much air flow causes the engine to lean out, possibly setting a check engine light.
Excess flow could also draw oil from the engine, causing oil consumption
Because PCV valves fail in different ways, no test will show all possible problems.
For instance, the old test of shaking the valve and listening for a rattle, is only partially helpful.
No rattle may show a stuck valve, on many designs, but the valve could rattle freely and still be bad.
For instance, the old test of shaking the valve and listening for a rattle, is only partially helpful.
No rattle may show a stuck valve, on many designs, but the valve could rattle freely and still be bad.
Another definitive test is to remove the vacuum hose and look for fresh oil.
A PCV vacuum hose, with oil dripping or a wet valve usually suggest too much flow, which causes oil consumption.
Checking the PCV vacuum hose is a wise precaution, on any engine that consumes oil.
A PCV vacuum hose, with oil dripping or a wet valve usually suggest too much flow, which causes oil consumption.
Checking the PCV vacuum hose is a wise precaution, on any engine that consumes oil.
The PCV valve flows at different rates, under various conditions.
For instance, with a high engine vacuum, it should hardly flow at all.
Excess flow at an idle will interfere with smooth running. With a lower intake vacuum, flow
through the PCV valve increases.
A quality auto repair shop will have a tool called a manometer.
The manometer measures the very small negative pressure in related to flow.
Testing is done at the engine idle speed, under acceleration and under a positive intake condition.
A PCV valve can also stick in a closed position. This allows crankcase pressure and blow-by to build pressure and can damage gaskets and seals.
Technicians also test back pressure with a manometer.
Positive pressure in the crankcase is a sign of a problem. When an engine begins to develop oil leaks,
especially at multiple locations, the PCV system should always be considered.
Extensive testing may be a mute point, as the cost of a replacement valve is normally very low.
Cleaning an old valve is much the same. It is rarely effective and replacement of any suspected PCV valve is often far more practical.
PCV valve design variations
For many years the PCV valve remained relatively unchanged.
Today a multitude of designs and sizes exist, but most operate in a similar manner.
A few manufacturers add heating elements to their PCV valves.
It is thought cold temperature could cause a non-heated valve to freeze and stick, because of moisture drawn through the system.
By heating the valve, freezing is prevented.
For instance, with a high engine vacuum, it should hardly flow at all.
Excess flow at an idle will interfere with smooth running. With a lower intake vacuum, flow
through the PCV valve increases.
A quality auto repair shop will have a tool called a manometer.
The manometer measures the very small negative pressure in related to flow.
Testing is done at the engine idle speed, under acceleration and under a positive intake condition.
A PCV valve can also stick in a closed position. This allows crankcase pressure and blow-by to build pressure and can damage gaskets and seals.
Technicians also test back pressure with a manometer.
Positive pressure in the crankcase is a sign of a problem. When an engine begins to develop oil leaks,
especially at multiple locations, the PCV system should always be considered.
Extensive testing may be a mute point, as the cost of a replacement valve is normally very low.
Cleaning an old valve is much the same. It is rarely effective and replacement of any suspected PCV valve is often far more practical.
PCV valve design variations
For many years the PCV valve remained relatively unchanged.
Today a multitude of designs and sizes exist, but most operate in a similar manner.
A few manufacturers add heating elements to their PCV valves.
It is thought cold temperature could cause a non-heated valve to freeze and stick, because of moisture drawn through the system.
By heating the valve, freezing is prevented.
Ford uses two designs for heated valves as well as conventional non-heated valves on their engines.
One heated design flows engine coolant through tubes to keep the valve warm. Another design is electrically
operated.
A heating coil inside the valve is used to keep the PCV valve from freezing.
The drawback with heated PCV valves is costs. Heated PCV valves costs many times more than non-heated valves.
Most manufactures simply rely on engine heat and the heat of the crankcase vapors to get the job
done.
Replacing the PCV valve is normally very easy, once the location is found. Most simply push into a rubber grommet.
Remove the exit hose and a slight twist breaks them free.
A light pull removes the valve so they can be replaced. Some Ford valves use a quarter-turn system.
These are rotated a quarter turn, counter-clockwise before pulling out. A few other designs are actually threaded in and must be unscrewed to remove.
Not all engines today use the PCV valve
To lower costs, some manufacturers have substituted a restrictor for the PCV valve.
This uses an orifice and a small reservoir to perform some of the functions previously handled by the valve.
A PCV valve often last around 80,000 miles or more and is usually replaced at the first general ignition tune-up. Some can fail as much earlier.
Short [under ten miles] trips will cause the valve to fail sooner.
Under extreme conditions 30,000 mile replacement may be needed. Because of the low cost and ease of replacement, changing the PCV valve is a wise precaution.
If your engine is approaching these mileages or has developed an oil leak, have the PCV system checked.
It could save a lot of money
One heated design flows engine coolant through tubes to keep the valve warm. Another design is electrically
operated.
A heating coil inside the valve is used to keep the PCV valve from freezing.
The drawback with heated PCV valves is costs. Heated PCV valves costs many times more than non-heated valves.
Most manufactures simply rely on engine heat and the heat of the crankcase vapors to get the job
done.
Replacing the PCV valve is normally very easy, once the location is found. Most simply push into a rubber grommet.
Remove the exit hose and a slight twist breaks them free.
A light pull removes the valve so they can be replaced. Some Ford valves use a quarter-turn system.
These are rotated a quarter turn, counter-clockwise before pulling out. A few other designs are actually threaded in and must be unscrewed to remove.
Not all engines today use the PCV valve
To lower costs, some manufacturers have substituted a restrictor for the PCV valve.
This uses an orifice and a small reservoir to perform some of the functions previously handled by the valve.
A PCV valve often last around 80,000 miles or more and is usually replaced at the first general ignition tune-up. Some can fail as much earlier.
Short [under ten miles] trips will cause the valve to fail sooner.
Under extreme conditions 30,000 mile replacement may be needed. Because of the low cost and ease of replacement, changing the PCV valve is a wise precaution.
If your engine is approaching these mileages or has developed an oil leak, have the PCV system checked.
It could save a lot of money
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