The best way to tackle your car’s PCV valve issue is to take it to a professional mechanic. This is a complex and critical component in your car. A malfunctioning PCV valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve) can lead to some serious problems with your car’s engine. However, if you catch issues early and deal with it appropriately, a bad PCV valve can be taken care of relatively easily.
What is a PCV Valve?
The PCV valve, or the positive crankcase ventilation valve, is a one-way valve that sits on top of the car’s engine. It is attached to the crankcase of the car and is responsible for rerouting the blow-back gasses. These are toxic fumes produced while combustion occurs. The gasses are passed through the air intake back into the combustion chamber so that they can be burned again.
When a PCV valve is working properly, it only moves the gasses one way, otherwise it is harmful to the engine. The blow-by gasses contain unburned fuel. If these gasses enter the crankcase, where there is engine oil, they create sludge. This is a terrible situation for your engine because it causes corrosion and also clogs up the system. A clogged up system can also build pressure in the crankcase, which can lead to blown gaskets and oil leaks.
What Does a Bad PCV Valve Look Like?
A bad PCV valve usually means the valve is either stuck in the open or closed position. Depending on how it’s stuck, you’ll see certain issues emerging in your car.
- Stuck Open: This can cause a lean air-fuel mixture, which means there is not enough fuel in the mixture. Your car might be difficult to start, idling could be rough, sluggish engine, and your car will misfire.
- Stuck Closed: This is when the blow-back gasses cannot get out of the crankcase. Therefore, it can generate pressure in the crankcase. This results in a multitude of problems, such as sludge build-up, a clogged engine, noxious exhaust gas from the tailpipe, and more.
Some Symptoms of a Faulty PCV Valve
You will notice several different types of malfunctions in your car if you have a damaged PCV valve. We’re listing a few here, so that you can be aware of what might be happening. Make sure you have your car inspected by a professional.
- There are oil leaks around the engine or on the ground under your car.
- You notice your car idles in an erratic and rough manner.
- Your car wants to stall, when you try to start it or while driving.
- Your car is using up engine oil faster than normal.
- You are no longer getting good gas mileage.
- You notice thick, black smoke coming out of your car’s tailpipe.
- The most common sign of a poorly performing PCV valve is that the engine will misfire.
- There is sludge build-up in the engine.
- Sporadic acceleration will show as erratic RPMs (revolutions per minute) on your tachometer.
- The Check Engine Light (CIL) turns on. The way you know what exactly is the problem with the engine is by attaching an OBDII-scanner (On-Board Diagnostics scanner) to your car’s on-board computer, which then reads and deciphers the error codes.
What Happens If You Drive With a Malfunctioning PCV Valve?
This article has shown enough reasons not to drive your car with a non-functioning PCV valve. If you observe any of these issues, bring your car to us as quickly as possible before there is permanent engine damage. If you have your car on a regular maintenance schedule, these problems can be caught early, and we can nip them in the bud, saving you headaches and costs.
Adair and Sons is the Next Step
At Adair and Sons, our highly trained mechanics will take care of your car. We have built a reputation for honesty and quality. We put your needs first, and we work with you. Our friendly staff is happy to answer all your questions until you’re satisfied. We are members of the Technet Professional Network. Ask us about the guarantees and warranties we offer. Give us a call or book an appointment to visit us. You’ll find us in Round Rock, Texas.