Replaced PCV valve at 150K miles

When I got it out, I couldn't tell the difference between the old one and the new one. Looked the same, sounded the same when I shook them. The 5" rubber hose attached to it looked like it was 20 years old and holding up well, but I replaced the hose anyway.

Lesson: don't assume your PCV valve needs to be replaced because it's old.

 

Yea I've only needed to change a few, it takes a lot of sludge or frost for them to stick and cause issues. The V6's of that era have so little blow by issues that its rarely an issue as well.

I usually spray a cleaner or penetrating fluid in them when I have them out and give them a good blast of air.

There's worse ways to spend money. It used to be a very routine maintenance item.

 

How have you found the 3rd gens PCV valves? I was thinking of including it with spark plug change at 100k kms.

 

All good information - Go Team Tacoma! I replace and or clean mine yearly .....as a sidenote, I also have a catch can and you would be surprised on how much oil and moisture is captured. I clean mine as well.....ultrasonic bath in a cleaner and was able to replace reuse the PCV ($20.00 Canadian)
Thank everyone for all that you do.....this form helps everyone!

 

I'm about to replace mine on the first gen, it's a different story because it uses a rubber grommet into the valve cover that deteriorates. Figured I'd just replace everything first then just put in a new $5 grommet every 50k or so.

 

Yup....had a first Gen 1996 Tacoma with 378K before I sold it.....and I would do much the same......well done!

 

I'm about to change mine this week as part of completing the 65K service. I'm the second owner and I'm just wiping the slate clean maintenance wise. Toyota thinks you should change it, it's cheap, and by the time you've taken it off to inspect it, you might as well replace it, I guess.

I'll take a gander at it before I throw it away and see what kind of shape it's in.

Gonna do the MAF sensor cleaning and clean the intake while I have the cover off, so no matter what I won't be able to tell the difference from a new PCV valve, not that I expect I would.

 

I have seen info from reliable sources that states PCV valves can't be cleaned and should only be replaced even if they still rattle freely.
I have also cleaned metal PCV valves by soaking them in oven cleaner. A lot of black crud came out. It was a cheap fix for a cheap car.
It is best to spend the extra $10 and use the OEM unit to reduce the chance of issues.

 

I changed mine around 90K miles, and found the old one to be fully functional but the hose looked far past its service life. I ordered a replacement hose and changed it too.

 

Same scenario with mine except I ordered the wrong hose so waiting to replace mine when the correct one comes in.

 

Since I wanted to change it ASAP, I went to a local dealer's parts counter, and had them bring up the picture to ensure I was ordering the right one.

 

Its a one way check valve...
Just cuz it passes the shake test & looks good, doesnt mean it is...
True test is to suck & blow on it & make sure the check valve works....
your able to suck & when you blow the check valve stops air from going through...

Theres no test equipment for this....

 

I went to a parts store and bough a foot of 3/8" ID fuel hose and cut a piece off to replace the PCV hose. Mine is a 4-cyl BTW.

 

I replaced my valve a few thousand miles ago. It seemed fine after cleaning when I tested it by blowing through, but just to be sure, I attached a water balloon to the end, inflated it, and sure enough, it was very slowly leaking air.

 

Yes, a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve can be cleaned. Cleaning can often resolve issues caused by a dirty valve, but if it's severely damaged, replacement is necessary.
Here's how to clean a PCV valve:

1. Remove the PCV valve: Carefully detach the valve from its location, usually the valve cover.
2. Soak in cleaner: Submerge the valve in carburetor cleaner or a similar solvent.
3. Let it soak: Allow the cleaner to soak into the valve for a few minutes to help dissolve deposits.
4. Clean and shake: Gently shake the valve to help dislodge any residue. You may hear a small ball or plunger rattling inside, indicating it's working.
5. Dry the valve: Ensure the valve is completely dry before reinstallation.
6. Reinstall: Mount the valve back into its original location.

Important Considerations:

• Avoid acetone:
  When cleaning a plastic PCV valve, be cautious of solvents containing acetone, as they can damage the plastic.
• Rehydrate plastic:
  After cleaning, you may consider applying a white silicone spray lubricant to the plastic and rubber parts to rehydrate them.
• Test for air flow:
  After cleaning, it's recommended to test the valve for air flow to ensure it's working properly.
• Replace if necessary:
  If cleaning doesn't restore the valve's functionality or if it's visibly damaged, consider replacing it.

 

For what it's worth I've never fixed a driveability problem with a new PCV valve.

Or a fuel filter

 

It’s cheap enough to make replacing it a non factor

 

Thanks for the reminder. It’s been about 100k since last changed it, so I guess it’s time to replace it again. I have 230k on my truck, still runs like a clock.

 

I changed mine at 191k don’t know if the previous owner did or not. Looked good to me its pretty cheap part so why not.