Very Bad PCV Valve replaced what to expect.

[MP1975]

Hi all ,

96 Civic Ex 164k.

Changed to PCV today only to find it a very very bad condition. Did not rattle, pretty heavy compared to the new one and totally gunked up on the inside. There is no possible way this valve was doing anything.

From the symptom's I've read about on the net when they get this bad my car should have had a very poor idle, choking and sputtering while I'm driving which my car exhibited none of. The only symptom my car did exhibit was every once in a blue moon I would see a drop of oil on the ground, expected the VTEC, Dist cap , valve cover etc etc it was driving me nuts part of the reason changed the PCV today to eliminate that plus my oil was due.

Took it for a 10 - 15 ride just to check for leaks oil level etc etc and can honestly say I didn't experience much difference like I thought I would.

Just wondering what differences I should experience and should this increase my gas mileage ?

Going to take it on a longer ride in a few but wanted to ask the great minds in this place.

Thanks much in advance.
MP.

 

[XpL0d3r]

Although your PCV valve looked bad, it very well may have been functioning properly if you didn't have the symptoms of a faulty one.

You might get a little gain in MPG but I don't think you'll see a difference otherwise. You might be able to feel a little bit of a difference if you do a full tune-up (new oil, spark plugs, wires, etc.) -- but if your car is running fine as is I wouldn't worry about it!

If you're looking for performance gains, that won't happen, unless your car was severely overdue for a tune-up.

 

[MP1975]

Thanks for the response.

The PCV (Playing Taps) was 110% dead. It did not rattle when you shook it and it was fully caked with black gook inside. How I had no symptoms ? Beyond me. It did "seem" to have a little more HP on the highway, or maybe just wishful thinking. No noticeable difference on local streets. I've read where people could tell the difference night and day when a bad PVC was replaced. Part of why I'm asking.

Full tune up, excluding PCV because I did not know it was in such a weird spot and did the oil prior, just about 3 months ago. I was hoping to see a MPG change with the thinking being if the engine is running the way it was intended to MAYBE it will help the MPG. Worker car looking to get the most MPG as possible. Drive 200 miles a day.

The one thing I did notice it now idles at about 1500 where before it was about 800. Having read a few threads on the net that's not uncommon and the weather here has changed drastically. 2 people said it's the ecu trying to compensate for the weather and heating the engine faster ? It does drop to normal in a few minutes.

Thanks again.
MP.

 

[XpL0d3r]

1500 is about normal for a cold start. As long as it drops once it reaches operating temp then you're fine. If you see it bouncing or acting quirky, my next thought would be to clean the IACV as that commonly builds up crap over time too.

I agree with you though, if you're PCV valve was indeed that gunked up, how you didn't have weird idle and sputtering issues is.. impressive lol.

 

[MP1975]

From what I'm reading it's right up there with the virgin birth but, shrugs, I know how the car was driving. lol
Would the ECU compensate for that ?

The IACV is next. Not originally where I though it from the pictures I've seen on the net. Bit more then the 2 bolts I seen on you tube. Behind the throttle body not on the side. And do you know 100% either way does a 96 civic ex have a FITV ? I've read they do and they don't on the net. Why I come here.

 

[98civex]

A bad pcv can cause excessive pressure build up from combustion and can blow seals causing oil leaks.

You said you would notice oil drips? Keep an eye out on your main seals and oil pan gasket as it's possible they can develop a leak from pressure build up in crankcase that's not able to vent into the intake through the pcv system.

 

[xxBLOOD88SHOTxx]

His was probably stuck open, so it wasn't building pressure.