Folks,

Just some data for you. I just finished installing a
new PCV valve and while I was in there, I cleaned out the
throttle body with Carb cleaner. Did my best to remove all
carbon buildup. Well, this is what I have noticed since
doing this:
- The car idles a tad bit smoother
- The cold start idle has been increased to about
1500 RPMs, up from 1200 RPMs
- The car no longer "hunts" for the 600 RPM idle
speed when I approach a stop sign. It now stays
at around 950RPMs until I come to a complete stop,
then it tracks down to 600 RPM, and nothing lower.

The car has 59K miles and figured now is a good time
to change the PCV and clean the Throttle body. Any similar
experiences?

PeteMo 95SE

 

Yes. I changed my PCV at 72K. I noticed that the old one (kind of a pain to get out) was almost completely plugged! After changing it, I noticed that the engine response was better especially after I changed the TPS as well. Those 2 items can make a big difference while doing your 60K service!

 

i asked my buddy at nissan if i should change my pcv valve and he said no.. its made to out last the car..plus its like 50.00 to change.

 

Your buddy is wrong. The part costs about $3, and while it is not the easiest thing to remove if you have large hands, it only takes about 30-45 minutes to change. I can assure you that this part is not designed to out-last the vehicle. If you leave your in and it plugs up-get ready for some oil leaks through your seals!

 

sure the part is $3.00 but nissan charges around $50.00 for the install. how can you assure me that it not on for the life of the car so i can bring this up to him.. also you don't need to ever change a lot of things on the engine that can leak.. just because some posted it doesn't mean its true..

 

Mr. Zimmerman is correct. I will explain.

Every engine allows some amount of combustion products to get past the piston rings and into the crankcase. This is called blow-by. New engines have very little blow-by, and high mileage engines with worn piston rings have a lot. The blow-by gases go through the PCV valve, into the intake manifold, and are burned with the incoming mixture. This is part of the engine's emission control system.

If the PCV valve is completely blocked, the pressure increases until the blow-by gases find another way out of the engine. This is usually by distending the front and rear main engine seals. As the blow-by gases escape, engine oil escapes too.

I don't understand the $50 labor charge to replace a 4Gen PCV valve. This is not a difficult or time-consuming procedure. The PCV valve is at the top of the engine, easy to see and touch. Removing, testing, and replacing the PCV valve may be done by the home mechanic, even a novice.

The PCV valve is easy to test. Remove the PCV valve and shake it. You should hear a click-click-click sound which is the valve shuttle rattling back and forth. If you hear no sound you may (a) replace the valve, or (b) soak it in solvent for an hour and repeat the test.

 

thanks, i'll see what nissan says.

 

Only the dealer has PCV valves for the 4th gen max? Can i buy it somewhere else? Any brand I should look for?

 

You should be able to find a name-brand replacement PCV valve at any auto parts store for less than US$5.

 

Where is the PCV valve located? I have a 92 SE, but I was just curious if it was located in the same spot as the 4th gens. Thanks!

 

It's near the Throttle Body. For a good picture, go here:
http://integra.vtec.net/geeser/megam...v_location.jpg

 

Oh yeah...looks like a pain in the @$$ to get a hold of. I will check it out. Thanks!

 

I showed you where the PCV valve is on the 4Gen Maxima. I don't know the location on the VE30DE engine used in the '92 - '94 SE models.

[Edited by Daniel B. Martin on 12-06-2000 at 02:35 PM]

 

Is that it???

 

A black rubber hose leads to the PCV valve.
The valve itself is black plastic, and most of it is concealed when installed.
For a photograph of a PCV valve, go to the PartAmerica.com site:
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDeta...0&CoreCharge=0

 

it was a pain...because of the tubing and it was 12 at night..was dumb but oh well....
the tube sucks...
but it was worth it....car is happier....
^_^
anyone knows how to get the tube on and off easily?
that is the only major problem I have...
thanks