Hi guys! Another day in the world of diagnosing. Have you ever wondered or asked a mechanic why your engine oil level still goes down even though you have or been advised to replace the rocker cover packing, crank oil seals even though there was no major puddle of oil on the floor. You still have to keep topping up the oil level after a week of normal running or immediately if it was a hard long run.
Where is it located?
Well then it's time to look into a small valve called the PCV valve fitted onto the engine block of your car. In this Honda City/ Jazz hybrid it was located under the intake manifold, so once those related parts were removed we were able to remove and install a new one. Also due to the high mileage we used an additive to help condition the seals and reseal any small leaks from the inside as a precautionary measure.
What is a PCV Valve?
PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation. The crankcase or sump holds your motor oil and is located at the bottom of your engine. When fuel is burned in your engine, it produces waste gases that are mostly vented out through your exhaust system. But some of these gases push their way past the pistons and into the crankcase. There, these gases can mix with motor oil to produce oil sludge, which can damage vehicle engine parts through corrosion and by clogging engine passages. Highway vehicle users are be advised that if the engine is running at high speeds, these gases can also cause pressure inside the crankcase to build up. This pressure, in turn, can blow gaskets and damage seals, leading to oil leaks. The waste gases that leave the engine are comprised of about 70% unburned fuel. They used to be vented off the crankcase into the atmosphere. But starting in 1964, laws mandated that these gases be recaptured. Manufacturers began installing PCV systems, which recycled the gases into the air intake system where they could be mixed with fuel and sent to the engine to be burned. The PCV valve is a one-way valve attached to the crankcase. Waste gases exit the crankcase through the valve but cannot enter.
Over time, the waste gases leave deposits on the PCV valve that can gum it up. So it needs to be replaced occasionally. This is an inexpensive part of preventive maintenance that is often overlooked, but which can have very expensive consequences. It’s good auto advice to keep this little valve clean and working well. In order to maintain efficient circulation, the PCV system also has a breather tube that allows clean air to enter the crankcase. This air is usually filtered through the engine air filter. But some vehicles have a separate air filter for the breather tube called the breather element. If this is the case with your vehicle, proper maintenance of the PCV will include replacing this element. To find out whether your vehicle has this type of PCV system, check your owner’s manual or ask just leave a comment or drop me a message. The PCV system reduces harmful vehicle emissions. The maintenance it requires is simple and inexpensive at Doc Able’s Auto Clinic. A fouled or damaged PCV system can lead to serious engine damage
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