I know you gotta reach your hand far back by the firewall but supposivly there is a screen around that area that should be replaced. Does anyone know where this screen is located. Its supposed to be the size of a nickle.
If you pull out the PCV and stick your finger in the hole you'll feel the screen. You can sometimes remove it with a magnet-on-a-stick or you might have to use a hook.
Word: Don't cheap out on the PCV and screen. They're very reasonable from Ford.
Agreed with Wythors about getting the parts from Ford. Aftermarket PCV valves often dont fit real tight.
If you remove the grommet (which might feel like hard plastic instead of supple rubber), you can get to the screen easier. A magnet, long needlenose pliers or a hook are common tools used to yank the screen out.
The screen is often called a breather if you ask for it at the store/dealership.
I pulled mine by threading a 2 1/2 inch long coarse thread (think drywall) screw into it. Came right out with a quick tug. You will need to remove the grommet in order to change it.
i'm with millhouse. I didn't think mine could ever come clean, but when i had a hard time finding one I soaked mine in carb cleaner and voila, like new!
we just got them in at the autozone i work at. iirc, it's called a "breather filter" or a "crankcase filter" in our system. i don't remember the part number off hand, but it's like $2.99