how and where is the pvc valve changed and is it regular maintainenence. wheres the best place to get one.

 

They cost peanuts so it doesn't really matter where you get one, but a parts store would be cheaper than Nissan OEM. While you're in the parts store, buy a Haynes manual and you won't have to ask where it is.

I have 58K on my car and still have the original PCV valve. The Haynes manual details a procedure to test the PCV valve that is quite simple.

 

This is on 3.0 engine... Looking from the driver's side front wheel, PCV is located on the lower left hand side of the throttle body. You will see a thicker rubber hose leading there. It is between the planum (upper intake cover) and throttle body. I removed the air box and MAF to get to it. It is somewhat PIA but can be done within 15-20 mins. I removed it by first pulling the rubber vacuum hose off and them pulling out the PCV with needle nose pliers (access is quite difficult, tight space there). Put some lube around the new one and it will slide in easier into its place. I think it cost something like $7-8 for an aftermarket one... Good luck :-)

 

i used a purolator with no issues. i believe someone said the fram was a pain.

 

I used some off brand at AutoZone. It was 2.65. Very easy. And though I was just replacing because I had 40K mi., it did make a difference I could notice (better pickup).

 

what does the valve do exactly? (Newbie question)

 

i can't give details as i'm not 100%, but it has to do with holding oil in based on pressure. it's a spring loaded valve and when enough pressure builds up, it opens up to let oil flow. over time, the spring loaded valve can rot or seize up, thus not letting the oil to freely flow.

 

i see. thanx alot.

BTW your car looks Damn good!!

 

there is no haynes manuel available for 2002 maxima yet!!!

 

Incorrect.

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve supplies a pathway for crankcase gases (produced by the heated oil, but more than that, combustion gases which have leaked passed the piston rings/valve guides/etc.) to be extracted from the crankcase in an emissions-friendly manner (right into the intake manifold where they can be re-burned).

Without proper PCV operation, the extra gases inside the crankcase cause the oil pressure to rise (since it creates a higher "atmospheric pressure" inside the engine's crankcase/oil chambers/etc), which can cause a bunch of other issues (probably all related to oil leakage of some kind--leaking out the seals, leaking into the combustion chamber and burning, etc.)

It's a good thing to replace every ~50K miles. Which reminds me, mine is due ;-) (along with spark plugs, fuel filter, upstream O2 sensors...)

 

POSITIVE CRANK VENTILATION = PCV

Just for those that think PVC is the same thing....

PVC = Polyvinyl Chloride, or that white piping so often used in plumbing or h20 type applications.

Sure, I'm a an a$$hole!!

gr

 

Get a FSM then... there's a thread in the General Discussions forum with a link to a site you can download it for free...

 

i have the service manuel, but haynes is much more detail/step by step

 

Thanks, boutht a PCV valve a few months ago and have been meaning to ask the same question. Thanks this helps.

 

If people are still wondering where it is... there are pics in this thread for both 5th Gens and 5.5 Gens, which was in the Stickies under the How-Tos:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....84#post2821784

 

very easy, but you do need the needle nose and a flat-head driver

 

Puppetmaster's link now goes to some thread about filters for Injen CAIs.