Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Common signs of a bad PCV valve include excessive oil consumption, oil leakage, clogged breather filter, and reduced overall performance.
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve is designed to remove gases from the engine crankcase. The PCV valve directs these gases back to the combustion chambers through the intake manifold. This plays a big role in engine efficiency, emissions reduction and the overall performance of your vehicle. A failed PCV valve will affect your vehicle's performance, so there are a few signs to look out for before the valve fails completely:
1. Excessive oil consumption and leakage
A faulty PCV valve may be leaking, resulting in excessive oil consumption. In addition, you may also notice oil leaking through the seals and dripping onto your garage floor. This is because crankcase pressure can build up when the PCV valve fails, so oil is pushed through the seals and gaskets as there is no other way to relieve pressure. A leak will cause your vehicle to burn oil and leak oil from under your vehicle. If you notice any of these, see a professional mechanic for a PCV valve replacement.
2. Dirty filter
The filter, called the breather element, can become contaminated with hydrocarbons and oil when the PCV valve begins to fail. This is due to increased crankcase pressure, which pushes water vapor through the breather element. The water mixes with the gas, which causes buildup and can increase your vehicle's fuel consumption. One way to check this part is to physically inspect the filter for deposits. Another way is to measure the gas mileage on your car. If it starts to drop for seemingly no reason, the PCV valve may be failing.
3. General poor performance
As the PCV valve begins to fail, your vehicle's performance will degrade. This may be manifested by an increase in pressure in the exhaust gases, or the engine may stall. A faulty PCV valve may not close completely, so oxygen can enter the combustion chamber. When this happens, the air/fuel mixture is diluted, causing your car to run poorly and lean.
If you notice that your car is leaking oil, consuming a lot of oil, you have a dirty filter, or your car is not running properly, check and replace the PCV valve. This will keep your vehicle running smoothly and keep your fuel economy up to par. AvtoTachki makes it easy to repair your PCV valve by coming to your place to diagnose or fix problems. Experienced AvtoTachki technicians are also available to answer any questions you may have. You can order the service online 24/7.
