Thursday, May 7, 2009

Checking and Replacing a PCV Valve

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is part of an emissions system designed to divert gasses than escape past the piston rings back to the air intake to be burned by the engine.

I will describe how to check and replace a PCV valve using my 1996 Ford Ranger as an example.

1. Locate the PCV valve. It will usually be on a valve cover or somewhere around the top of the engine.

2. Disconnect the hose from the valve.

3. Pull the valve out and shake it. It should rattle. If it doesn't rattle, the valve is plugged and needs to be replaced. Also check the hose by disconnecting it and blowing through it to check to see if it is clogged.

4. Installation is the reverse of these steps.

Replacing the PCV valve is an inexpensive maintenance item you should consider doing every few years. In the case of the Ranger with the 4.0L engine, it is a ~$2 and five minute preventative maintenance job that can keep your engine and emissions system in top shape.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

love the writups and blog. are you by any chance part of the ford explorer forum "serious Explorations" im YBCold on there

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Anonymous said...

Thanks for the help! I was done and set in less that 5 with your help finally locating it on my RANGER!!!

Thanks again.

cardealerships said...

Thanks for the experiment. It was very informative and useful. I keep in mind. Thanks a lot for sharing such a awe-some information.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the pictures. I could not find the PCV valve anywhere before seeing your post. Not a mechanic, but got this one done with your help! -Colleen :)

Salvage Yards Near Me said...

Good article! I have never known how to repair this valve, but with the information you provide here I have been able to do it myself!