Best way to change PCV Valve?

yes it is easier to do it with the intake removed, but a hassel to remove it. i say only do it if you have large hands and can't get down there to it. just gonna have to reach and play contortionist to get at it. should take about 5 minutes to change it.

Bobby, i really recommend getting a new grommet (your old one is likely vulcanized) and screen (if you dont replace or clean a clogged screen, you can get some real issues with crankcase pressurization) when you do this.

do it once, do it all and forget for 2 years. and some aftermarket valves dont fit well in the grommets (seems to be luck - i go with Motorcraft just in case). if loose, that is a vac leak and leads to issues.

if you have a step stool or are like 6'3", you can get your noggin back there to see what you are doing. otherwise, do it by feel or a mirror like Don does. remove valve, grommet and screen and replace in reverse. check hoses while doing it.

good luck.

Definately replace your grommet and screen. My old grommet was hardened from age, and the sceen was literally clogged solid with oily gunk. The PCV system must not have been working at all, and a new valve alone would have been worthless with the screen clogged like it was. In fact the PCV valve itself was the only thing still in decent shape, but I replaced it anyway. I don't have quite the mileage you do so I'm sure your stuff will be just as bad.

You can use a screw (like a long coarse thread drywall screw) to remove the screen. Thread it into the old screen so it's in there good and then pull up on it. Took me a couple tries, but I doubt anything else would have even worked.

I put a moving blanket over my fender and had to lay across it. PITA

bobbys9350 said:

cool guys thanks! i got a PCV valve for like $3. so i need to go back and get a screen?

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you need a valve (you have), grommet and a screen total. i would procure what you dont have.

HISSIN50 said:

you need a valve (you have), grommet and a screen total. i would procure what you dont have.

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HISSIN,

Can you reuse the screen, but just clean it out with some good degreaser first? Those really don't go bad, do they?

Tim

I've never been successful at getting the screen/grommet out before. Care to share some tips?

Also, screen and grommet available at any parts store or a Ford only item?

The gromet or gasket or whatever you want to call it has to come out first. Mine ussually come right out. I have used a 3 inch wood screw to help me get the screen out. Just screw it in enough to make it catch and then pull it out. I also just use some degreaser to clean the screen out because I don't think they ever go bad, as long as they are not blocked. That's why I asked HISSIN the question, just to get his take on the subject. Also, as long as the PCV valve rattles, its good right? Good question about if it is a Ford only item, because I need a new gromet/gasket.

Tim

my two cents. to remove the screen, there are several methods - i use a long pair of needlenose pliers i have. there are 3 tangs on the inner circumference of the screen - i can grab one of the tangs and yank it out. some folks (Yount) use a magnet; i have never tried that way. some use the screw like Tim did (some folks have welded a rod to the screw to make it long enough [i have 18" forearms and cant begin to get my arms down there - at least not until i am 8' tall. ].

the screen is a fairly dense media. with what they cost, i choose to replace them. i cleaned one as best i could once, and i was not satisfied it was unclogged completely. peace of mind thing for me. i dont want to have pressure back up in the crankcase.

i was surprised how supple new grommets are - i thought they were supposed to be like a hard plastic (my old one was obviously vulcanized). i have used an aftermarket (Motormite) grommet before - seemed to seal with an OEM valve alright. if at a dealer or ordering, i would rather get the real deal (a vac leak from a bad seal sucks [or doesn't, to be precise]). many a stanger has had to silicone a valve in - something i would NEVER do. some aftermarket valves simply dont seal well.

there is a spring inside the PCV valve, so rattling itself does not indicate the valve is ok. that spring can fatigue but the valve will still obviously rattle (more than it should, matter of fact).

and i dont know if one can get screens at parts stores - we know you can get aftermarket valves and grommets.

good luck.

i got a screen from advance auto. ask for a crankcase breather. they should be in the same section as the PCV's themselves. cost was like $5 or something.

I'll look into it more and see -- thanks.

yep. or the mesh screen that goes under the PCV is how i end up asking (they often dont know what i am talking about). if they dont know, they will look it up on micro-fisch (sp).

good luck.

what parts store still has micro-fisch?

if you go to the dealer, they often (around here atleast) have to look parts up on micro-fisch - the pictures of parts in 3D-like diagrams. like at the library.