Decided to take 10 minutes and replace my PCV valve since it hasn't been changed since I have owned the car...about 42k miles. Bought one from Advance Auto. Didn't replace grommet. Had a hell of a time pushing the new valve in. Finally got it in and the grommet ripped. Pulled everything back out and part of the grommet fell in the valve cover. Needless to say I was quite angry. Tried to fish it out but no luck. I've read where some people have left it in there as the design of the valve cover shouldn't allow it to fall in the engine. Someone even removed the valve cover and still couldn't remove the piece of grommet. He ended up leaving it in and has been fine for over 20k. What do guys think? My time is pretty limited and I have never removed the UIM and valve cover.

 

Just leave it be. It won't get in anything that could be damaged. If the piece was small enough, it might go down one of the oil drain holes and end up on the bottom of the oil pan and then come out during an oil change.

 

I appreciate your response. That makes me feel a little better. Is there a trick to pushing the new valve in. Matched up a grommet from auto zone and got in installed but once again i am having a hell of a time installing the valve. I put a little oil on it but can't get the damn thing pushed in. Should I wait and order a valve and grommet from the dealer?

 

I don't know why you are having a problem installing the pcv valve. It should push in without much effort. Maybe you got the wrong pcv valve and it is bigger than what you need. Get your calipers and measure the old one and the new one.

 

I always replace the rubber grommet thingy at the same time as the PCV valve as it's usually brittle and/or showing signs of cracking.

 

I use a lubricate when attaching rubber to metal. Since I understand that grease can break down rubber over time I will sometimes use spit, sometimes dishwashing liquid. Just use something slippery. Rubber slides on much better when slippery.

Yes, I have a dirty mind too.

 

Well, I got the PCV valve installed. Had to press the hell out of it with the tip of some channel locks and it finally popped in. Next up...fuel filter.