PCV Valve Torque or not

So I’ve seen many Tacoma owners try to torque their PCV Valve and end up breaking or cracking it, however was wondering if hand tightening would be enough?

 

On my old second gen I just guessed. Had no issues. Just don't go to town

 

it was for me. there is a rubber o ring that does the sealing.

 

New PCV valve snapped while using torque wrench to install. Horrible experience to say the least.

how to remove broken PCV valve:
* use a 13/32 screw extractor *

Harbor Freight's ICON 25pc set: Hope this helps someone.

 

I heard they have tapered threads, so I tightened mine by hand first, then just barely snugged it up a bit more with small pliers. Didn't trust a larger wrench, socket or a torque wrench and risk stripping it in the aluminum valve cover.

The OEM part had been in place for 10 years/115,000 miles and took only minimum/medium effort to remove it. FWIW it wasn't pristine, but it wasn't clogged and still rattled a bit and the engine idled better with the new valve and hose. (Metal PCV and no o-ring on it for the 4.0L)

 

yeah thats plastic and you dont need to torq it down to any real degree. WTF.

 

I don't get how some think you have to "torque" everything. All things need to be tightened according to what their purpose is and their composition. If you don't get it or have common mechanical sense maybe you shouldn't be self wrenching. May save money in the long run to pay a good mechanic.

 

You don’t need to torque it at all and I’m not even sure how you would with how tight it is back there. I can’t imagine swinging any type of torque wrench in that space.

All I did to remove mine was use a deep socket on a 6” long 1/2” drive extension and I spun it out by hand, therefore I reinstalled by hand. Go until it stops, then you stop. The o-ring is what seals it, and it will be snug enough to not unthread by itself, so just barely snug is perfect.