PCV valve replacement question

**Vincenzo** · 12-13-2016

My question is about my 2008 grand prix V-6 3800.

In my last few oil changes I started getting a loss of about one qt every oil change that I, initially, blamed the 135k miles for. Mechanics and other more experienced people agreed that the loss I'm having is normal for the age of the car and the mileage of the engine until one day I heard on a radio show a caller asking about a similar problem where he was answered by suggesting checking the PCV valve and that was my first time to hear about this valve.

There are two very cheap OEM options for my car, a $6 valve, or a $17 kit that includes a spring and a couple of o-rings and some kind of cover.

My concern is not about "how to" because a replacement job is cheap and easy, but I just don't have enough info and motivation to mess with something that I have never touched before and I'm surprised that there aren't many videos online that talk about a stuck valve (specifically for my make/model/year).

There are many forums out there where people talk about the need for replacing this valve periodically or cleaning it and they are all talking about how that depends on the specific car/engine.

Should I replace it or not?

Thank you

**Scottydoggs** · 12-13-2016

pretty normal once you hit 100,000 miles to eat a qt by 3,000 miles. GM says its ok. and you should be changing it at 3.000 anyways, so not a big deal really.

racer trick, engines have a bit more hp a qt low lol

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 12-13-2016

I'd replace it, it's a cheap part and may slow the oil eating down a little.

**Vincenzo** · 12-14-2016

What could go wrong with the MAP sensor that is right over it? I saw warnings in other places. Did anyone here do it and can give some advice if it's worth it?

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 12-14-2016

It's pretty hard to break it, just unplug it and un-clip it if you have too but it may be able to just stay on there.

Then I think you just have to push down and turn that thing to get it out of there. The 97-03 cars are like that anyway.

**markpa** · 12-14-2016

My MAP sensor was already broken when I changed my PCV valve. So I replace that as well. Should just unplug and turn and lift out. PCV valve was like 4 bucks.

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**Vincenzo** · 12-15-2016

when the PCV valve is bad (clogged, stuck, ....) a P0172 or other lean code is usually set. I don't have any code but I never replaced it and now 135K. Do I really have to? and will it make a difference in oil consumption, power, or drive-ability?

Did anyone do this simple job and felt a change in motor operation?

I already ordered it and will receive it in a couple of days, but i'm baffled by the fact that there isn't much info or videos out there about this thing and it looks like the people who replaced it, only did so because the had a code set or some serious problem and that's why i started this thread, but haven't got a convincing reply yet

**Bronco Boy** · 12-15-2016

From our friends at Google.....

"It is critical that the parts of the PCV system be kept clean and open, otherwise air flow will be insufficient. A plugged or malfunctioning PCV valve by itself cannot damage an engine; however the blowby will flow up in a reverse fashion up through the crankcase air inlet and if there isn't a separate catch can or oil separator at that inlet, then the blowby will contaminate the air intake manifold. On boosted engines this can be a real problem. A poorly maintained engine's PCV system will eventually contaminate the air intake manifold with oil sludge and if both the pcv valve and the crankcase air inlet are blocked then the crankcase pressure will build to a level that will damage seals and eventually the motor."

The PCV is an inexpensive part that needs replacing on a regular basis (typically when doing a tune-up). Don't make such a big deal out of this. If it is dirty or sticking, change it and move on.

**Vincenzo** · 12-15-2016

Originally Posted by Bronco Boy

From our friends at Google.....

"It is critical that the parts of the PCV system be kept clean and open, otherwise air flow will be insufficient. A plugged or malfunctioning PCV valve by itself cannot damage an engine; however the blowby will flow up in a reverse fashion up through the crankcase air inlet and if there isn't a separate catch can or oil separator at that inlet, then the blowby will contaminate the air intake manifold. On boosted engines this can be a real problem. A poorly maintained engine's PCV system will eventually contaminate the air intake manifold with oil sludge and if both the pcv valve and the crankcase air inlet are blocked then the crankcase pressure will build to a level that will damage seals and eventually the motor."

The PCV is an inexpensive part that needs replacing on a regular basis (typically when doing a tune-up). Don't make such a big deal out of this. If it is dirty or sticking, change it and move on.

I'm replacing it as soon as i get it. That's not the point.

Did you, personally replace it without an obvious problem? did you feel a difference afterward? what difference? can you describe please?