Do PCV valves ever clog up?
I have a 99 Max that has started a valve cover leak and I wonder if the PCV could be clogged up?
Dealer says "they never go bad, dealer parts guy says we do not stock them.

 

New to Maxs but YES they go bad. Easy test is the rattle check, remove it and shake it if you hear a lil rattle from the ball inside then generally its ok. If you hear nothing then try some degreaser thru it. They are really cheap at autozone or parts store and universals are available. It's a one-way valve that allows some fumes to be recycled. On Mazda6 engines the are known to cause catastrophic engine failure....all because of a $7 part So change it to be safe. Just Google it and you'll get a better understanding of how they work. Hope this helps.

 

yeah, on old Fords, the engines burned oil when the pcv plugged up. what happens is that the crankcase will pressurize from the cylinder ring blow-by. if nothing else, the pressure will cause oil leaks.

 

I change mine every 12k whether it's good or bad. They are so cheap it's not a big deal. Preventive maintenance.

 

Dealer is lying. You're supposed to replace them relatively regularly. Autozone sells them for a few bucks. IIRC, a lot of shops include PCV in their like 10k mile or 15k mile interval servicing.

It's very easy to replace. All I did was remove the two 10mm bolts holding the PCV hose bracket on so I could get to it easier, then it just pops in and out. Takes 30 seconds.

 

And yes, they all go bad after time. Consider what it does and you'll realize it gets gunked up just like everything else over time.

 

I still can't believe the stealer told you that they don' need to get changed or that they don't have them.....that person really shouold be no where near a car AT ALL!!

 

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what symptoms does a failed one cause?