I noticed a "sucking" sound from my engine bay only to find a small hole in the rubber elbow of the PCV valve . So rather than going to the dealership, for such a simple part I thought I'd investigate Advance Auto and Autozone. Advance auto on the net seems to have a somewhat similar part, but I'd like to hear from others who have replaced theirs and actually know what worked for them.

Here's the link to their site:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...hfor=PCV+Valve

Let me know what you all think would be the best choice.

Update: See my solution below...

 

John, unless the PCV was changed on the 99's my 98 has a straight PCV. For the PCV I prefer going with the AC Delco brand.

 

Thanks, I might end up doing that. I noted that some on the forum thought the stock valve was so so. I thought I might just try a different one. Probably doesn't matter much.

 

Well, I went to the Chevy stealership only to find they wanted me to buy the whole pcv line set in order to get that little rubber tube connecting the intake manifold to the pcv valve for $85! No way, so I went to Advance auto and bought 5/16 inch fuel line tubing and made the simple rubber tube replacement along w/ a new Puralator pcv valve all for $5.00!

I couldn't believe that Chevy doesn't sell that little tube by itself. What a rip! Seems we're forced to be modders to overcome the vette tax sometimes.

 

Yep.. Another RIP... They hide the valve in the rubber tube so the average garage mechanic cannot find it.. Then they make a custom rubber hose.. Good for you bro for "Sticking it to the MAN"


Post pics..

 

Yep, I enjoyed doing the minor mod. Actually wasn't a big deal once I pulled that rubber piece out and realized the pcv valve separates from the rubber shroud. I had thought it was all one piece, but not the case. The weird thing is, there is this metal band that slides over the pcv valve and a thick gauge wire that connects to a bolt below it on the engine block which seems like a ground wire? Not sure what that's for, but the aftermarket pcv valve fit right over it no problem.

Anyone know what that wire is doing?

 

Considering the Wire is attached to a Clamp wrapped around Rubber... NOT A DAMN THING... Rubber is an insulator. GM again pulled a grreat scam making the typical garage mechanic think this is complex and way over his head.. then justify a $80 piece of Rubber with piece of wire.. I suspect all it does it hold the hose out of the way of the pulleys..

I am certain there a pure writeup in the shop manual about how important it is to keep this original design or you will introduce "Drivability" problems Thus propagating the Propoganda... This way it covers them when challenged...

you did the right thing bro..

 

Thanks Charlie! I did notice that although the wire is covered in rubber, when u look at it closely at the attachement points, the wire is attached to a metal fitting which attaches to the engine block on one end, then the other end attaches to a metal band which encirlces the actual metal pcv valve (under the rubber covering). So overall it does actually conduct or could conduct "something", but I can't really imagine what that would be since it's not an electrical piece anyway. Maybe it's like u said to keep the valve from migrating.

I'd sure like to know just for the 2 cents. Kind of like a vette trivia game!

 

Yep you are right.. I now remember the last time I disected mine.. but I still snad behind the fact that is does nothing... Like a special effect in a Sci Fi movie prop.. All I can see it do is anchor it to keep it from moving...

I'd love to hear a GM explaination...

 

I am having the same exact issue with my 99 vert. Took it to the stealership and they told me it would be $270 to replace. Ugh!!!! No thanks. I actually thought it was the whole PCV hose, but in fact in was that little 2-3 inch length of rubber hose on the end connecting to the valve. I would be interested to see the pictures of your finished product. For now, I just put electrical tape around the hole, but I am sure the air flow is impeded.

 

jgliddon, I'd be happy to get a pic posted, but I'm out of town until Monday. The parts I replaced included the pcv valve within the rubber housing and the little rubber piece that actually inserts into the side of the intake manifold (which I replaced w/ fuel line tubing from Advance auto). Best way to do this is for u to remove your defective piece from the car and take it to the auto store and ask them to show you their selection of pcv tubing replacement parts. Advance auto had a selection of various pcv tubing/housings for the valve in which you could likely find something to work in your case. I actually could not find a pre-made rubber part to fit the one I needed, so I used the fuel line tubing to do it. However, if u need the part that actually houses the pcv valve, they might have something to do the trick. It should be do-able w/ perhaps a bit of inventive spirit if needed. Bringing your part in w/ you will definitely help you to match something up when you compare the length of the part as well as the diameter of the tubing. I'll get a pic to u on Monday which hopefully will help. In the meantime, tell me exactly which piece has the hole. When I took mine apart there was the rubber piece that inserts into the manifold on one end, and on the other it connected to the rubber housing containing the actual pcv valve within. That pcv valve rubber housing then connects to the pcv line running along the valve cover area. Let me know which one is the issue.

 

I will take a picture this weekend and post it. Thanks for the help.

 

The thick wire going from the PCV valve to the engine is to conduct heat from the engine to the valve. It keeps water vapor from consensing and freezing in the valve in extremely cold weather.
That's probably also the reason the valve is covered with rubber......to help keep it warmer.

 

Ya beat me to it, yes, that strap is there to conduct heat to the valve.

 

Very nice info! Now at least I know what wire is for. Thanks!

 

Ok, here is my pic, hope it helps some jgliddon.

 

Thanks for the pic. So should there be something inside that rubber tube? Mine didnt have anything, just the rubber tube. It seems that some of the things I have read on this says that there is actually a metal or some other type of tube inside the rubber part.

 

the little tube which attaches directly to the intake manifold has nothing in it. It's just a fuel line hose I cut to fit that segment. However the bulkier rubber piece that it connects to as you move away from the intake manifold actually contains the pcv valve which is metal, and a metal band is wrapped around the pcv valve to decrease condensation. I didn't realize it at first when I took this apart, but there are actually two rubber pieces which fit together to create the housing for the pcv valve and the connection to the intake manifold. My best advice to you to figure this out is to simply pull out that rubber tube from the intake manifold (it's easy to do, no clamps), then you'll notice you can then disconnect that rubber tube from the bulkier rubber piece that it connects to. Then that bulky rubber piece which you can squeeze to feel the hard pcv valve within it. That rubber piece disconnects from the pcv tubing which runs along the valve cover on the passenger side. It does however take quite a bit of effort to disconnect it from the pcv tubing as it has one of those tapered ends. I had to pull and turn it back and forth to get it off. I suppose you wouldn't have to actually take this part off if u simply wanted to only replace that little tubing connecting directly to the intake manifold, but if u wanted to replace the pcv valve itself, you'll probably want to.

Also, after you have disconnected that first easy rubber piece from the intake manifold, you'll likely want to use a socket to disconnect that wire which connects to the pcv valve housing. This wire is not electrical as mentioned in the above posts, but it prevents condensation by heat conduction from the engine to the pcv valve.

See how that works and let me know. You'll understand much more once you actually try to do this. Then take these parts w/ you to the auto store to compare and find what you need.

 

I just thought the heavy gage wire with tab bolted to the head made a nice flexible support for the hose/PCV assembly so it wouldn't lay on the engine.A new use for wire and tab, but effective and inexpensive.

 

I did the same exact thing.