Symptoms of a faulty PCV

ThePina · Mar 7th, 2012, 10:01

This is partially out of interest, and partially for trying to get to the bottom of a potential problem with my car's idling.

Basically, what sort of symptoms would a faulty PCV throw up? I've seen somewhere that a sign of a faulty PCV would be pressure under the oil refill knob when the engine is on and smoking at the dipstick. Is this accurate? Is there anything else to be on the lookout for? Would a faulty PCV cause misfires as well as a slightly eratic idling? Any link to fuel consumption?

Obviously I have no idea what the PCV does and have been struggling to find info on it in the forums other than how to clean it (http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...&highlight=PCV , linked by Andy_d) so any help/ advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Jo

Volvoline · Mar 7th, 2012, 10:13

Here's what it does

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankca...ilation_system

Does your dipstick pop out on it's own after a drive ?
What engine is it ?

ThePina · Mar 7th, 2012, 10:27

Now I feel like an idiot for not googling it....

It's a 1.6L petrol engine, B4164 S (I think) from a 1999 s40.

Pretty sure the dipstick doesn't pop out on it's own.

madmodder · Mar 7th, 2012, 13:44

a pcv valve release positive crankcase pressure into the intake system, if the valve is stuck closed you will get a pressure build up in the cylinder head, if its lost it spring and is permantly open, you may get some rough idle and its a constant vacume leak, but more noticably you may start to notice the car burns a little oil, there easy to check pop the valve off the valve cover and give it a little poke with a blunt pointy object, if it push's and springs back then all is good but if its stuck or just falls away when you push it get a new one. if it needs replacing the hose that connects to the air intake may need a good clean out with some intake cleaner or degreaser

hope this helps

ThePina · Mar 7th, 2012, 16:42

Cool, thanks. Will be looking into that in the near future.

Mar 7th, 2012, 10:01	#1
ThePina Junior Member Last Online: Oct 7th, 2023 15:29 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dundee	Symptoms of a faulty PCV This is partially out of interest, and partially for trying to get to the bottom of a potential problem with my car's idling. Basically, what sort of symptoms would a faulty PCV throw up? I've seen somewhere that a sign of a faulty PCV would be pressure under the oil refill knob when the engine is on and smoking at the dipstick. Is this accurate? Is there anything else to be on the lookout for? Would a faulty PCV cause misfires as well as a slightly eratic idling? Any link to fuel consumption? Obviously I have no idea what the PCV does and have been struggling to find info on it in the forums other than how to clean it (http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...&highlight=PCV , linked by Andy_d) so any help/ advice would be much appreciated. Cheers, Jo

Mar 7th, 2012, 10:13	#2
Volvoline Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2016 22:43 Join Date: May 2011 Location: JER	Here's what it does http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankca...ilation_system Does your dipstick pop out on it's own after a drive ? What engine is it ? Last edited by Volvoline; Mar 7th, 2012 at 10:15.

Mar 7th, 2012, 13:44	#4
madmodder Member Last Online: Sep 2nd, 2013 16:15 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Berkshire	a pcv valve release positive crankcase pressure into the intake system, if the valve is stuck closed you will get a pressure build up in the cylinder head, if its lost it spring and is permantly open, you may get some rough idle and its a constant vacume leak, but more noticably you may start to notice the car burns a little oil, there easy to check pop the valve off the valve cover and give it a little poke with a blunt pointy object, if it push's and springs back then all is good but if its stuck or just falls away when you push it get a new one. if it needs replacing the hose that connects to the air intake may need a good clean out with some intake cleaner or degreaser hope this helps __________________ Phase 2 V40 1.8I Sport GDI The GDI seems Fine to me and even runs well on 95 Ron.

Mar 7th, 2012, 10:27	#3
ThePina Junior Member Last Online: Oct 7th, 2023 15:29 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dundee	Now I feel like an idiot for not googling it.... It's a 1.6L petrol engine, B4164 S (I think) from a 1999 s40. Pretty sure the dipstick doesn't pop out on it's own.

Mar 7th, 2012, 16:42	#5
ThePina Junior Member Last Online: Oct 7th, 2023 15:29 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dundee	Cool, thanks. Will be looking into that in the near future.

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