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PCV Valve Replacement, tips?

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Old Dec 30, 2003 | 06:50 AM
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PCV Valve Replacement, tips?

Replaced the PCV valve on my '00 SE this weekend. Man that thing was a major ***** to remove, and even harder installing the new one. Had to use a small wooden mallet to tap it in there. Don't know why they changed over to non-threaded ones. But it's a good thing I replaced it, at 40K this one was already clogged.

Anyone have a procedure to make it easier? I basically just removed the vacume hose on top and tugged the thing outta there, then tapped the new one in with a wooden hammer. Not much clearance to say the least.
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 07:10 AM
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Nah, I did the same thing... scratched up my thumb a little. Oh well. Maybe it's easier to get to with the intake removed?
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 07:38 AM
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I used a long-nosed vice grip to remove it.
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 07:43 AM
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I personally don't have a problem with it...
I'd probably have more trouble if it WAS threaded... getting a deep socket in there (no room for a wrench)
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 08:43 PM
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Everyone that has changed their PCV valve were they clogged or did you feel any difference in the way the engine ran? I've got almost 50K and think it's about time.
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 08:47 PM
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Yeah, I should change mine too. I'm almost at 50k. Can someone post pics of what to look for in changing it?
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 08:52 PM
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i just hit 45lk and im going to chang it soemtime this week has anyone done a writeup on it?
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 30585
i just hit 45lk and im going to chang it soemtime this week has anyone done a writeup on it?
I'd like some help with this too.
Old Dec 30, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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Well I haven't driven the car much after changing it, so can't comment on that. Have heard it can effect MPG though. Also your emissions. If you've got 50K I'd change it for sure.

As to what to look for, it'll be on the right side. And don't order a Fram part. I did that first and when tested it with a vacuum pump, thing was defective out of the package. Went with a Purolator instead. They say if when you shake it, it doesn't rattle, or sticks then it's time for a replacement. It allows gasses to vent from crankcase. Might wanna wear some gloves to save blood.
Old Dec 31, 2003 | 02:54 AM
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Originally Posted by R92max
Well I haven't driven the car much after changing it, so can't comment on that. Have heard it can effect MPG though. Also your emissions. If you've got 50K I'd change it for sure.

As to what to look for, it'll be on the right side. And don't order a Fram part. I did that first and when tested it with a vacuum pump, thing was defective out of the package. Went with a Purolator instead. They say if when you shake it, it doesn't rattle, or sticks then it's time for a replacement. It allows gasses to vent from crankcase. Might wanna wear some gloves to save blood.
Yeah, plus Purolator had better fitment if you ask me. I tried both on my 2k. It is definately closer to OEM in size.
Old Dec 31, 2003 | 04:28 AM
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FYI, I tried Autozone's PCV valve and it didn't fit well at all... ended up replacing it again with a Nissan OEM. I changed mine around 40k I guess, didn't really see much of a difference.. oh well, at least it's new now.
Old Dec 31, 2003 | 06:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Matto357
Yeah, plus Purolator had better fitment if you ask me. I tried both on my 2k. It is definately closer to OEM in size.
Replaced mine with a Purolator ($4.95 from Pepboys) and it took all of 30 seconds to do. Pulled the old one out using the attached hose, attached the new one to the hose and sprayed a little teflon spray on it which made it pretty easy to install. I pushed it in most of the way using the hose and the rest of the way by pressing on the edge with a large screwdriver. BTW, my old seemed fine (47K miles).

If you're not sure where it is, heres a picture of it's location someone recently posted.
Old Dec 31, 2003 | 06:33 AM
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Originally Posted by DanL
Replaced mine with a Purolator ($4.95 from Pepboys) and it took all of 30 seconds to do. Pulled the old one out using the attached hose, attached the new one to the hose and sprayed a little teflon spray on it which made it pretty easy to install. I pushed it in most of the way using the hose and the rest of the way by pressing on the edge with a large screwdriver. BTW, my old seemed fine (47K miles).

If you're not sure where it is, heres a picture of it's location someone recently posted.
I'm glad that was of help to somebody (red arrow being PCV valve).

I replaced mine by just yanking on the hose. The hose nearly came off the end of the PCV valve, because you have to pull pretty hard, but the valve eventually came out. I put a bit of oil over the valve when I put the new OEM one back in for easier insertion. My car had nearly 60k when I did it. I noticed no difference. The valve was a bit worn, but still had the little rattling sound when you shake it. Haynes says that you can leave the engine on and just feel for suction to see how the valve is, but I didn't bother. They're only $11-12 from nissan anyway.
Old Dec 31, 2003 | 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by SkoorbMax
I'm glad that was of help to somebody (red arrow being PCV valve).
Thanks for posting it. It definitely helped me locate it -- the location isn't nearly as obvious as in most vehicles.
Old Mar 12, 2007 | 08:04 PM
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Bad picture

where is the pcv valve?
Old Mar 13, 2007 | 05:00 PM
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I did mine in about 2 mins. You take off the hose and clamp. Pull the old one and and put the new one in replace hose. Its CAKE
Old Mar 18, 2007 | 07:44 PM
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Would you mind post a picture to pinpoint the exact location under the hood? Thanks.
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 03:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SkylineR34X
Would you mind post a picture to pinpoint the exact location under the hood? Thanks.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....84#post2821784
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 10:56 AM
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pics don't work.. naturally
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 12:51 PM
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BANG......
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 01:16 PM
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So it's right beside the intake. Thanks for the images!
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by SkylineR34X
So it's right beside the intake. Thanks for the images!
If your car is a 5th gen - than yes. I think the 5,5th gen valve is on the other side of the engine, but i'm not sure...

p.s. I removed the battery -> air box with MAF and after that pulled out the hose with the PCV valve... That's very easy to do...
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 01:46 PM
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here is the pic for the 5.5 guys. (thanks Zero Deuce SE)

I'm planning on doing mine soon. Any difference between OEM and aftermarket such as pepboys?
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 02:33 PM
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to skylineR34x - seems like u plan on doing this soon,.. heres some advice from personal experience,... when i replaced mine,... i unclamped the top of the hose and then pulled with the hose thinking it would come off as one cuz there are no threads it kind just sticks in ... well i ended up with only the hose and i couldnt fit my big hands in that spot so i used some locking plyers(idk what they are called) the kind that can stay closed with the screw thingy on them lol,... so that got it out,..... to put the new one in,.. lube it up with something,.. and u actually used A LONG wratchet extension as a tap because the valve fit inside of it and a rubber hammer . . .
Old Mar 20, 2007 | 03:42 PM
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Thanks for the advices. I ordered a OE PCV Valve, and it's on its way along with two window switches. And yea, I have no idea how ALL 4 switches died on me within 2 months. I replaced the two already.
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 06:36 PM
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So has anyone felt a difference in driveablity after replacing their PCV Valve. I have to replace mine regardless since my car is sitting at 107,000 miles and I'm not sure if its ever been replaced. Just wondering if this might fix some of my funny issues.( ie: hesitation and low gas mileage)
Old Mar 21, 2007 | 06:58 PM
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eh could be placebo effect but when i had the new one in i was like wow that thing(old one) wasnt working right,... idk,... seemed like the valve on the old one was stuck,.. where as the new one rattled around... i would change it if u were u.. pretty easy
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by mist max2000
to skylineR34x - seems like u plan on doing this soon,.. heres some advice from personal experience,... when i replaced mine,... i unclamped the top of the hose and then pulled with the hose thinking it would come off as one cuz there are no threads it kind just sticks in ... well i ended up with only the hose and i couldnt fit my big hands in that spot so i used some locking plyers(idk what they are called) the kind that can stay closed with the screw thingy on them lol,... so that got it out,..... to put the new one in,.. lube it up with something,.. and u actually used A LONG wratchet extension as a tap because the valve fit inside of it and a rubber hammer . . .
For a 2K2 or 2K3, it looks like I have to take the engine cover off. Am I right?


Any idea what size allen wrenches are required?


thanks

Vic
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:17 AM
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hey vic, you dont have to take the engine cover off. its actually on the right side behind the intake manifold. See the picture i posted above. Its a little right around that area so you might want to grab some long nosed needle nose pliers. just a thought.
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:29 AM
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NK2K2:

It looks like your engine cover is off? ON mine, I cannot see any of the intake runners, etc..

Is the "right" side of the engine from the driver's point of view??

thanks
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:41 AM
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vic, in that pic the cover is still on if you look far right. of you look at the picture you see the text, under the text there is a faint black like and its pointing at it.
and if your sitting in the drivers seat, the pcv valve is located on the pass side near the firewall. hope that helps.
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 11:17 AM
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Big Help!

Many thanks

Vic
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 08:53 AM
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OMG a 4 year old thread coming back to life........
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by tomcat
This is actually quite easy. I replaced mine yesterday on my '02 Max. 5-10 minute job. Long nose needle nose pliers to get hose clamp off and to help unscrew the valve. From what was stated above it sounds like 00-01 were not threaded. My '02 has a threaded valve.
oh it is threaded? ok.. i'll replace mine soon.. i got about 51k on my car
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 09:44 AM
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98k, never touched the thing
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
98k, never touched the thing
yeah, u know it didnt make a huge difference on my 2001 when i had almost 100k.. and my local nissan dealer doesnt even stock the part, so im guessing it's not a huge maintenance issue.. but for under $5, i figure why not
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 11:16 AM
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Catch can FTW.
Old Feb 2, 2008 | 11:26 AM
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Would you mind post a picture to pinpoint the exact location under the hood?
Follow the stick to the engine...2001 model year. PCV is attached to the curved hose immediately to the left of the stick. Lubing the outside of the new PCV with a little engine oil helps reinserting it into the grommet on the engine.



Old Feb 3, 2008 | 02:32 PM
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I can't believe it but I am having a hard time finding a store that stocks these valves! Went to Pep Boys today and told it's special order and not kept in stock! WTF? PCV values not kept in stock?
(I guess people don't change them as often as years ago? Is it a "lifetime part" now and no longer needs to be changed as part of regular maintance??)

Online stores seem to be selling no name brands.

Any suggestions on where to find Purolator brand PCV?
Old Feb 5, 2008 | 05:29 AM
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i had the same issue as well going with aftermarket but i ended up getting one from the dealer for about $14 bucks. I replace mine every 20k mles or so because it cheap maintenance and easy to do.



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