Pcv valve problem

ANSWER : Hi there. The PCV valve is located on bank 1; the valve cover closest to the cabin. It is usually found under the intake plenum towards the passenger side of the vehicle. The hose will be attached; or loose. Please understand that a code retrieval and an internet search is not a proper diagnosis as there are several other possibilities that can cause the code to set. Some of the possible causes could be spark plugs, ignition coils, intake manifold leaks, intake plenum leaks, vacuum hose leaks, failing airflow meter, failing O2 sensors, exhaust manifold leaks, low fuel pressure, failing ECU, faulty wiring harness, failing injectors, etc… As you can see, the list of possibilities runs on and on. This is where the expertise and experience of a qualified technician with the proper diagnostic tools and procedures becomes invaluable. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts and determine the exact cause of the code. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

ANSWER : The PCV on this engine has a lock tab and unscrews from the valve cover. The tab may break when you try and remove it so make sure you have the correct one before you try and remove the old one. It will have what looks like threads on the bottom of the valve and will screw into the valve cover with a half turn and locks in place. To remove it, lift and turn counter clockwise and pull out. It will have an O-ring to seal it on the valve cover. If you end up needing some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come to you and assist you with servicing your PCV valve.

ANSWER : Hello. In most case a PCV valve should not noticeably rattle, though that varies from engine to engine. If it appears to be rattling excessively that could signify that the PCV valve is not secured properly, that there is a vacuum leak, or that the internal spring is weak or broken, and that the valve needs to be replaced.. An excessively rattling PCV valve could cause an unstable idle, hesitation, and oil consumption. A code for the EVAP system will usually be a separate issue from that of the PCV valve. If the code came on after working on the PCV valve, I would carefully check to see if there are any vacuum hoses or emissions hardlines that run near the PCV valve to see if they may be damaged or broken. If not, it may be possible that the EVAP leak is elsewhere. I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine the cause of the PCV valve rattling, and if it may be related to the trouble code.

ANSWER : Hey there. Worn piston rings create more crankcase fumes (i.e. the smoke you see coming out of breather tubes and orifices). This is called "blow-by". As long as the PCV valve stays clear, and the engine can handle the fume/clean air & fuel mix, then you should be fine.

This is a normal stage of wear as long as tailpipe blue smoke doesn’t become excessive or offensive. The rough running at a stop light may be an early indication of too much blow-by, although those 6 cylinders engines had trouble with rough idle/low speed because of the big differences in the distance between the carb and each cylinder (Cyl 1 & 6 distant, cyl 3 & 4 very close). Keep it tuned, and watch for slow degradation in low-speed running. If you notice this problem worsen or would like to have this checked, then have a qualified professional from YourMechanic come to your car’s location to inspect the smoking problem and follow through with repairs.

ANSWER : The code P0405 and a rough idle is most likely due to carbon getting into the EGR pintle. This will hold the EGR open. When you are getting the rough idle you should shut off engine and remove EGR valve. Check to see if carbon is holding the pintle open. If it is then you will have to remove the carbon from the pintle. Then try and clean out the EGR passages by scrapping them using a round wire brush. Afterwards, start the engine for a few seconds with valve removed to blow out loose carbon. You should then spray a small amount of carbon cleaner into the passages to dissolve the carbon. Lastly, reinstall the EGR and reset the light and codes.

If you’d like assistance with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified professional can come to the vehicles locations to perform these checks and properly diagnose your Check Engine Light.

ANSWER : Hello – I think you were on the right track with the idle air control valve. It sounds like your engine is getting extra air from an intake leak somewhere. It’s also possible there is a throttle body problem. The "multiple tries to start" problem sound like the fuel pump check valve bleeding down overnight. The fuel pump has to work extra long on first startup each day to compensate for no residual fuel rail pressure. Putting a fuel gauge on the fuel rail will confirm/reject this possibility. For diagnostic assistance, I recommend a high idle inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : If air is getting to the valve but not coming out, odds are yes the valve is bad. Unfortunately there is no rebuilding kit for them. It most likely will have to be replaced then the entire system will need to be checked for any other leaks or faults.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. It is possible the PCV is not flowing enough to clear the engine of all the bypass of the combustion process and the excess will go into the air cleaner on some engines. The air cleaner may have a small filter inside them to filter the combustion air from dirt being sucked in when the PCV is in a high vacuum condition and will suck extra air in to the crankcase through the air cleaner small hose. You should change the PCV valve and clean out the air cleaner. Change the oil and filter then drive like normal to see if oil gets in the air filter again indication of excessive combustion pressure in the engine. This indicates leaking piston rings on the pistons and an engine overhaul would need to be done. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.