How to Remove a PCV Valve
by Jody L. CampbellA Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a useful device that is one of the oldest emission control components in most vehicles. It returns partially burned gases from the crankcase through the one-way valve back into the combustion chamber to be reburned. Although different vehicles position the PCV valve differently, it should be fairly simple to find. The tube that runs from the intake manifold to the valve cover contains the PCV valve. On most vehicles, it is located on top of the valve cover, but some models require disassembling other components to access it.
How to Remove a PCV Valve
Step 1
Locate the valve cover (most often where the oil filler cap is located) and look for a plastic tube that runs from the valve cover to the intake manifold. Some vehicles may have the PCV valve located closer to the intake manifold side, but most are on the valve cover side of the tube.
Step 2
Disconnect the tube from the PCV valve. The outlet connection of the valve is tapered and simply unplugs from the hose with some wiggling. Use the needle-nose pliers (gently) to assist in the wiggling motion to remove the hose from the PCV valve outlet.
Step 3
Remove the PCV valve from the valve cover. The PCV valve sits into a rubber seat and can be pried out of position in the valve cover with some convincing. Often times, this can be done by hand, but use the needle-nose pliers (angled needle-nose pliers can be useful in hard-to-reach PCV valves) to wiggle it out of the rubber seat.
Step 4
Clean the valve with carburetor cleaner or replace with a new one and reconnect by plugging it into the rubber seat, aligning the outlet connection, and reconnecting the rubber hose from the intake manifold.
References
Things You'll Need
- Needle-nose pliers
- Angled needle-nose pliers
- Ratchet and socket set (optional)
- PCV valve replacement (or carburetor cleaner to clean the valve)
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
