A higher amount of fuel is being consumed by your vehicle than usual. A faulty positive crankcase ventilation valve is one of many possible causes.
Bad PCV valves will cause gaskets and seals to fail, allowing oil to flow out. In order to make up for the loss in oil pressure, the engine will use more oil. About ten percent of the entire amount of oil used is lost in the process.
Understanding how this system works is essential if we are to appreciate its complexity.
The gasoline it consumes generates the energy needed to power an engine. It is necessary to cause the fuel to burst in order to harvest the energy that is released. Vapors created by the explosions, on the other hand, might occasionally leak into the crankcase. Engine oil is stored in the lowest portion of this section.
Unburned fuel is a common component of the vapors. When left in the crankcase, they will pollute the engine oil. In no time at all, the oil will degrade into a sludge.
You don’t want sludge in your engine. A buildup of blockages and unexpected malfunctions occurs. A vent is required to let out the extra gases since the system would be unable to handle the increasing pressure. It’s possible that the seals and gaskets will blow if this isn’t addressed.
Prior to the introduction of PVC valves, engines released additional exhaust fumes into the atmosphere via a pipe.
In response to the harmful emissions, the federal government passed a regulation mandating that all gasoline engines be equipped with special one-way valves. This edict had less of an impact on diesel engines.
Crankcase gases are collected and sent back into the air intake system by the PVC valve. Gasses that have been emitted into the atmosphere are extinguished at this point, making the environment safer. A breather tube adds more fresh air to the system.
Despite the fact that the tube is rarely discussed, its value cannot be overstated. Moisture and combustion waste from the engine’s crankcase are removed by the movement of the air. In this method, no sludge is left behind in the system.
The engine’s condition and oil life are greatly improved as a result of this procedure. When it comes to the PVC valve, it’s just like any other automotive item. Eventually, it may become clogged and unable to expel the accumulated waste gas.
As a result, your vehicle will have oil leaks, which will lead to an increased need for fuel. A problem with the intake system is possible as well. Check the PVC valve first if you are experiencing surges or oil leaks.
PVC valve life expectancy estimates are made by manufacturers, but there is no objective way to measure the deterioration of a vehicle over time. Somewhere between 33000 and 81000 kilometers (or 20500 and 50300 miles) may be designated as the cutoff point, however problems can arise much earlier than that. As a result of the manuals’ lack of recommendations, few people bother to read them.
Fortunately, PVC valve problems can be spotted simply by looking at them. There is no need to call a professional to tell you whether your PVC valve is clogged, because you can tell yourself. Even if you can’t fix it yourself, the fixes are quick and inexpensive.
Changing your oil more frequently may help extend the life of your PVC valve. Gum buildup from infrequent oil changes reduces the valve’s performance.
Is The PVC valve Important?
If a defective PVC valve isn’t replaced, it can cause more engine damage than you would imagine, which is something new car owners may not realize. If the damage is serious, you may have to replace the entire system.
The damage to the engine doesn’t stop with the usual oil leaks and excessive fuel consumption problems. Dirty engine oil will not protect the engine from these problems, even if they are easily spotted, even if they may be identified.
When it’s too late to fix an automobile, most people learn that their PVC valves need to be replaced. You may not be aware of how important it is to inspect your PVC system periodically. A defective PVC valve can cause significant financial harm.
Replacement of PVC valves is recommended for drivers who disregard the advice of their mechanics. PVC valve replacement is recommended by several car manufacturers, although many car owners ignore these suggestions.
Signs That Your PVC Valve Needs Replacement
When there is a problem with the PVC valve, you will notice these symptoms.
- Increased Internal Engine Pressure. The valve’s role is to release the extra pressure from the crankcase. If it clogs, you can expect the pressure to build up.
- The Gaskets Or Seal Will Fail. This happens as a result of the pressure build-up. The excess pressure becomes too much for the seals to bear and they end up giving way.
- Engine Oil Leaks. When the seals and gasket give in to the pressure, they create pathways for oil to leak. It can be noticed on your parking lot’s floor.
Check out this in-depth investigation on a faulty PCV valve.
Can A Bad PVC Valve Cause High Oil Pressure?
Oil pressure may rise if the crankcase experiences more pressure.
How Long Can I Drive With A Bad PVC Valve?
If you have a defective PVC valve, you can still drive your car, but only if you’re aware of all the important details. You put your engine at greater risk the longer you keep the faulty valve in place.
No matter how far you drive, you can’t get far enough away from your car because of a faulty PVC valve. Experts estimate that you can go between 550 and 55,000 miles before your engine suffers serious harm.
Cost Of Replacing A Worn PVC Valve
A PVC valve replacement might cost anything from $60 to $83. This includes the cost of the part and the cost of labor, but does not include taxes.
Bottom Line
The PVC valve is just as important as any other part of the engine. It rarely has issues, so perhaps that’s why frequent inspections tend to overlook them.
We’ve seen the consequences of a defective PVC valve, and the engine is no exception. If leaks are not stopped, the amount of oil lost can be quantifiable. Tell your mechanic to inspect the PVC system while he’s working on the other components.
