C5 PCV (Positive
Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Replacement
One of the most overlooked components in a C5 engine bay is
the PCV valve. From my previously written article entitled, "PCV Line Oil
Removal 101":
It is critical that the parts of the PCV system be kept clean and open, otherwise air flow will not be correct. A plugged or malfunctioning PCV system will eventually damage an engine. PCV problems are primarily due to neglect or poor maintenance, typically engine oil change intervals that are inadequate for the engine's driving conditions. A poorly-maintained engine's PCV system will eventually become contaminated with sludge, causing serious problems. If the engine's lubricating oil is changed with adequate frequency, the PCV system will remain clear practically for the life of the engine. However, since the valve is constantly changing its resistance to flow by opening and closing proportionally as one drives a car, it is subject to eventual wear out over time. Typical maintenance schedules for gasoline engines are to replace the PVC valve whenever spark plugs are replaced.
Since the PCV valve in my car is the original one from the factory (6.5 years old), I decided to replace it. I bought my valve from Ecklers for $4.99 (item #51163 – fits 97-04 C5s).
- Remove the oil-fill tube cap by twisting it counterclockwise and pulling on it, simultaneously.
- Remove the plastic cover to see the rubber hose into which the PCV valve is installed. See figure 1.
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Remove this hose end |
Figure 1: PCV valve location
- Remove the hose that is connected to the
PCV valve barbed end. In a stock LS1 engine, this is the tube that is routed
to the intake by a curved connector tube. In figure 1, it is the hose that is
routed to a CP/Watts coalescing filter oil catch can.
- Once you have removed the hose end, wrap a piece of paper towel or cloth around the barbed end of the PCV valve and pull it out of the larger hose. You should try not to scratch the PCV valve, just in case you had to reinstall it (if, perhaps, you bought the wrong PCV – not that something like this ever happens….). See figure 2.
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New PCV valve |
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OEM PCV valve |
Figure 2: PCV valve removal
- Install the new PCV into the large diameter hose opening. See figure 3.
Figure 3: Installing the new PCV valve
- Push the new PCV valve in far enough so
that its body is completely covered by the hose end. Only the small diameter
hose barb end should be visible. It is important that the ring is inside the
hose, as this helps keep the valve from pulling away from the large diameter
hose.
- Now connect the intake or catch can hose to the PCV valve. Secure with a hose clamp and you are done with this part for many years to come. Here are pictures of the OEM valve and my final installation (figures 4 and 5):
Figure 4: OEM PCV valve
Figure 5: Final installation