If it were me and it was not giving me any trouble related to PCV failure, then I would just wait and do it when I remove the upper plenum.bcmbcmbcm said:
Never heard of a clogged PCV valve causing the valve covers to leak. Have you checked to see if the valve cover bolts were tight? They tend to wiggle loose every now and then.
The "screen" is really approx. 3/4" tall, metal, packed with a hard wiry mesh. No wiping can really be done, as a towel would tear up on it...plus the gunk stays mostly inside.
To get it out, I used (well, my roommate) a hanger bent apart (just a sharp end) with a slight hook made on it. Pulled it up just fine, made putting it back easy too.
To get it out, I used (well, my roommate) a hanger bent apart (just a sharp end) with a slight hook made on it. Pulled it up just fine, made putting it back easy too.
I would definately replace everything if it hasn't been done yet. The PCV, screen and grommet are all considered maintenance pieces, and are supposed to be replaced once they get old, even though many people never do since they're so hidden behind the intake manifold.
When I replaced mine, the PCV was still good, but only because the screen had been doing it's job... it was clogged solid with nasty black gunk. The rubber grommet was also hardened and didn't seal very well anymore.
I don't know what effect the PCV system has on performance, if any. However, my valve covers seemed to have stopped seeping oil since replacing the parts. I'm no expert, but that seems like rock solid proof that a clogged screen will cause way too much crankcase pressure to build up...
When I replaced mine, the PCV was still good, but only because the screen had been doing it's job... it was clogged solid with nasty black gunk. The rubber grommet was also hardened and didn't seal very well anymore.
I don't know what effect the PCV system has on performance, if any. However, my valve covers seemed to have stopped seeping oil since replacing the parts. I'm no expert, but that seems like rock solid proof that a clogged screen will cause way too much crankcase pressure to build up...
I never replaced the screen because the pcv valve itself when i did it was hard enough to find back there,plus i didn't know about the screen till end of last year. But in the next 2 months my oil change,fuel filter,pcv valve,and plugs are due for change,i'll be changing the screen while i'm at it. I hope i can find it this time. Good thing i changed the hose last year too so now i don't have to change it.
Yeah, I dont necessarily replace the hose myself. One can disconnect it and pull vac through it to see if it holds. I dont even do that (I have a vac gauge in the car to monitor manifold vac, so I will see it if a hose goes).
Now if the hose is totally vulcanized, that is different. You guys like working on fox PCV's - the SN's are worse (I cant get arms or fingers down there and it has a molded hose that you cant even see. Grr).
Good luck.
Now if the hose is totally vulcanized, that is different. You guys like working on fox PCV's - the SN's are worse (I cant get arms or fingers down there and it has a molded hose that you cant even see. Grr).
Good luck.
You dont need to dig to get the screen out, I did mine yesterday, you do have to climb onto the engine basically and use needle nose pliers with 1 hand. Also easier done with the hood off. And when it does fall, it falls onto the top of the transmission, you can get it from the driver side with a telescopic magnet in about 3 seconds.
Takes 5 mins to replace the screen.
Takes 5 mins to replace the screen.