I own a 92 Maxima GXE. I'm going to tune it up in the next couple of weeks -- its been idling and running sort of rough and I figure its time anyway. I was going to replace the plugs, wires and distributor cap. In one of the maintenance links I saw the PVC valve mentioned. I was wondering what this thing does and how important it is (and how dow you know when) to replace it.

thanks

 

That is PCV not PVC. PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation. It is a check valve (only flows in one direction) that evacuates pressure from the crankcase by pulling it through the intake vacuum. This helps to maintain piston ring seal, helps prevent oil leaks from pressure building up and blowing the engine seals...probably other things too.

replace it because its not expensive.

 

I have read some posts here in the past. This PCV is very difficult to change it, simply because you don't the strength to take the old one out. So what exactly do I have to do in order to replace it if I am not stronger enough? Where is PCV located?

thanks for the further info.

 

its hard to change on the VE because of the location but that has nothing to do with how strong you are.

the VG (in all 3rd gens except 92-94 SE) it is real easy to replace because it is right up there on the intake.

 

where the red circl is that is where the pcv is located not hard to change and its done in less than 5 minutes

 

thanks for the pic. what year and model do you have? I don't see the brake fluid reservior...