PCV valve

[MLW]

Has anyone ever replaced a PCV positive crankcase ventilation valve on a LS 430. Americans seem obsessed with this service item but in 50 years I have never done one. It seems cheap and logical to replace it. Although some carb cleaner could also sort it out.

Are 430s so clean it is not a problem?

 

[The-Acre]

19 hours ago, MLW said:

Has anyone ever replaced a PCV positive crankcase ventilation valve on a LS 430. Americans seem obsessed with this service item but in 50 years I have never done one. It seems cheap and logical to replace it. Although some carb cleaner could also sort it out.

Are 430s so clean it is not a problem?

 

I've noticed that from the US, not something I've heard much about here but it seems easy to do.

[Mihanicos]

Hi, 

This is a check valve that allows crankcase gases to pass through it into the inlet manifold and supsequently burn in the engine.

If you blow on it in the direction of the  crankcase it should remain closed. If that is the case, it works. A bit of cleaning will go aong way.

If this valve has seized, usually  causes engine oil to come out of the front and rear crankshaft oil seals.

Chris

[MLW]

6 hours ago, Mihanicos said:

Hi, 

This is a check valve that allows crankcase gases to pass through it into the inlet manifold and supsequently burn in the engine.

If you blow on it in the direction of the  crankcase it should remain closed. If that is the case, it works. A bit of cleaning will go aong way.

If this valve has seized, usually  causes engine oil to come out of the front and rear crankshaft oil seals.

Chris

Anyone know where it is and how easy is it to clean with some carburettor cleaner?

[shanra]

Very easy to clean and it's on the passenger side of the engine to the rear of the oil cap just above the '32',  there is a rubber pipe connected to it you need to release the clip on it and pull off the pipe, you will see the PCV valve and it needs to be pulled out and sprayed through with cleaner. Check it's operation as previously mentioned in a post. Then replace in reverse. I ordered a new one and would you believe it was faulty!

 

 

[MLW]

How much was a new one. Is it a Lexus only part? Is the inside basically a ball bearing that blocks a hole one way, and allows gases to flow the other way?

[shanra]

I got one from Rockauto USA it was dirt cheap. I believe it is a ballbearing as you say. Give it a real good blast with your cleaner and as long as its working that really should do it! I see you have a 430 sorry Michael my instructions for the positioning of the valve may be a little off but it should be reasonably similar.

 

[Farqui]

My Lexus parts dept didn't know what a PCV was, which I found both hilarious and concerning.

They wanted to sell me some crazy complete assembly at a suitably daft price, so I left them to their musings and sourced one from RockAuto for a fraction of the price (bundled into a larger order).

Cleaning them is an option but as they are so cheap to replace it's better to have done with it and fit a new one.

[rich1068]

PCVs, transmission fluid and oil changes every 15 minutes. The American forum obsessions.

PCVs are a big deal on the Volvo forums, general consensus being that you and the car will spontaneously combust if you don't do whatever it is you're supposed to do. Remember mentioning it to my specialist and he dismissed it.

[MLW]

I thought that, but as a car gets older, it must pass more gunge back into the inlet manifold. I think I'll clean it as see how bad it is. 

I am always jealous of American companies like Rock Auto. Genuine parts so cheap. Its a pity import duties make it all so expensive.

[MotorDevil]

I read about the PCV for the LS400 after reading such threads (American forum obsessions).....checked it and all working fine, a small bit dirty but nothing to stop it working in anyway so cleaned it up and plugged it back in. I wouldnt bother ordering a replacement until you check your own but would think its perfectly fine. 

[Campisi]

Did a search on PVC location and this thread popped up.  Thanks for the info.  I just pulled the PVC valve from my 03 ls430 and found it was a little sticky but still functioned; cleaned it out with brake cleaner and now it's smooth as silk.  Put it back in - done.  Btw, if that valve sticks open both ways the engine will start seeping oil from the weakest gasket.  Maybe the valve covers, maybe the rear main or front crank seal. Ugh.  Better to be safe since they're easy to check/clean and cheap to replace.  

Now I need to go change my oil since it has 3000 miles on it!  Some people over here still actually do that.  If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!  That's our motto.  

[Campisi]

Meant "closed" not "open" in the above post.  Carry on.

[MLW]

Can you help with where the PCV valve is on a 430. Picture would be amazing if possible.