Time:  5 min

Difficulty: easy

Cost: $10-20

BACKGROUND

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve allows the lower half of the engine to breathe. As the pistons move up and down, and blowby gasses escape past the piston rings, the lower crankcase can become pressurized. A one-way valve allows this pressure to escape from the crankcase back into the air intake system where it is reintroduced for burning.

WHY REPLACE

If the PCV valve is faulty, the engine can run rough, idle high, burn oil, leak oil, and/or set trouble codes.

INTERVAL

Replace the valve on-condition. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, check the PCV valve. You can check it by removing it and shaking it by hand. If it rattles, it's most likely good. Alternatively, you can check the valve by blowing on it. Air should flow through the valve in one direction only. Make sure any hoses or tubing associated with the valve are free of leaks.

METHOD

PCV valve replacement is a simple remove and replace. Watch the video below to see how it was done on a 2016 Ford F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost.