Car running rough? It might be time for a PCV valve replacement

Keeping up with regular car maintenance is the best way to ensure your ride is ready to go, and to save more expensive repairs in the long run. We all know the basics like the engine, brakes and alternator, but you may not have heard of some equally important parts... like the PCV valve. Small but important, the PCV valve is prone to getting clogged up and leaving your car idling rough, accelerating slowly, and chewing through engine oil.

Think you might have a dodgy PCV valve behind your car’s performance issues? Get in touch with your local mycar store and we’ll book you in for a thorough diagnosis and fix up the problem in no time.

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What is a PCV valve?

PCV is an acronym for Positive Crankcase Ventilation. As the name suggests, it provides ventilation to the crankcase, a component that sits at the bottom of the engine. While most engine fumes are cleared out through the exhaust, some of the gas can squeeze its way past the pistons and into the crankcase. From there, they can mingle with the oil that sits in the crankcase, turning it to thick sludge that can wreak havoc on your engine. Instead, the PCV valve extracts these fumes, which contain unburned fuel, and redirect them to the air intake to be reburned in the engine.

How does a PCV valve work?

The ideal time for the fumes that enter the crankcase (known as blow-by) to be recycled is while the car is idling or moving slowly. At higher speeds, it can interfere with the car’s careful measuring of the fuel-air ratio, introducing too much air and compromising engine performance.

The PCV valve is regulated by the air intake manifold. When the car is moving quickly, air pressure in the intake manifold is high, and the valve remains partially or totally closed. When the car slows or is at idle, the pressure drops inside the intake manifold, pulling the valve open and letting more of the blow-by through.

Wondering about PCV valve location? Here’s what you need to know

The PCV valve is commonly located on top of the engine, where it is easily accessible for maintenance and replacement. It connects via a hose to the intake manifold. Our experienced mycar mechanics are well-versed in diagnosing PCV valve problems and replacing the valve and associated parts.

Professional PCV valve replacement when you need it

Fixing up a dodgy PCV valve before it can damage your engine is vital to avoiding costly repairs. Think your valve might be clogged up and ready to give up the ghost? Give your local mycar a call. We’ll run through some basic questions and get an idea of what’s happening, then book your car in for a day that suits you.

For many cars, a PCV valve replacement is a simple task done in a matter of minutes. However, some vehicles have more complex engine designs, making it quite difficult to access the valve. Your mechanic can give you an estimate of how long it’ll take when you book.

How much does a PCV valve replacement cost?

The cost of PCV valve replacement is typically around $100 or less. You can chat to your mechanic before work gets underway for an upfront quote. Need a little extra time to pay the bill? We’ve made things easier at the till with buy now, pay later options including Afterpay and Zip Pay now available.

Common PCV valve symptoms

Left untreated, a valve problem can lead to sluggish car performance, rough idling, and even damage to the engine, so it’s important to be familiar with faulty PCV valve symptoms. Here’s how to tell if the PCV valve is bad:

Check engine light is on
High RPM while idling, or a rough idle
Engine running ‘lean’ (not enough fuel going to the engine, leading to poor engine performance and possible stalling or failure to turn on)
Engine running ‘rich’ (too much fuel going to the engine, causing excessive grey or white smoke from the tailpipe and a fuel smell from outside the car)
Engine misfires while accelerating or at idle
Oil leaks and increased oil consumption
Blue smoke from the tailpipe, causing by oil being pushed back up through the crankcase and into the combustion chamber

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FAQ

How often should you replace a PCV valve?

To keep the PCV valve in good working order, it should be inspected and cleaned or replaced every 30,000 - 80,000km. Talk to your mycar mechanic to find out more about how we inspect the PCV valve at regular service intervals.

Can you drive with a faulty PCV valve?

While it may be small, the PCV valve is an essential part of your car. While your car will continue to function for some time as the PCV valve becomes increasingly gummed up, it’s not wise to leave it too long.

Initially it will impact the performance of the car, before starting to cause damage to the engine. Left untreated, it may eventually make the car difficult to drive, corrode the engine, or be unable to turn on at all.

What are the symptoms of a failing PCV valve?

Signs of PCV valve failure include excessive oil consumption, rough idle, misfiring, reduced engine performance and the check engine light illuminated on your dashboard. If you notice any of these problems, call your mechanic as soon as possible to book a service.