My Dipstick
#1
My Dipstick
I have a 98 Ford Escort. Lately, I've noticed as I'm driving the dipstick is becoming unsecured (moves upward about .5 inch) and causing oil to spew on my engine.
What in the world is causing this? Could it just be a malfunctioned dipstick?
Also, how much damage is it causing to my engine by getting oil on it (and other properties of the car).
Thanks!
What in the world is causing this? Could it just be a malfunctioned dipstick?
Also, how much damage is it causing to my engine by getting oil on it (and other properties of the car).
Thanks!
#5
the PCV...
...stands for "positive crankcase ventilation" and is there to rid the crankcase of unwanted vapors. It must be able to pull the vapors from the crankcase and replace them with fresh air so not only should the PCV valve be checked/replaced but the whole system should be checked...some systems use the air filter and induction system to supply the fresh replacement air and some systems use a separate filter that often gets overlooked during routine maintenance. Your PCV system should be checked for proper operation and needed maintenance...then if you still have the problem, you can go from there.
As for oil all over the engine...worst case scenario is that it's a fire hazard...it will also over time, damage hoses, wiring, insulation...not to mention that it just plain stinks. I'd get the cause taken care of sooner rather than later and then give it a good cleaning under the hood. good luck...
As for oil all over the engine...worst case scenario is that it's a fire hazard...it will also over time, damage hoses, wiring, insulation...not to mention that it just plain stinks. I'd get the cause taken care of sooner rather than later and then give it a good cleaning under the hood. good luck...
#6
Thanks to all your replies.
My final question: When I take it in to a garage, how much should I expect to pay to have the PCV valve checked/replaced?
I know it's probably hard to answer, but I'd like a ballpark figure so as not to get completely ripped off.
Thanks
My final question: When I take it in to a garage, how much should I expect to pay to have the PCV valve checked/replaced?
I know it's probably hard to answer, but I'd like a ballpark figure so as not to get completely ripped off.
Thanks
#8
1st off, yes it is hard to say. Have you been keeping the Oil changed?
Might be a bad valve, collapsed hose, hole in a hose, plugged up vacuum port,
Assuming you have a 1.9L motor, Like my 94 escort,
The PCV valve is located in front of the engine, in a tube or pipe looking thing positioned vertically. Set the hand brake, Car in park, (neutral, standard transmission) With the engine running Pull the PCV valve straight up out of the tube or pipe looking thing, and put your thumb over the opening on the bottom. You should feel a strong vacuum, or suction at the valve.and you should feel and hear the valve click into the closed position.
If not, look for a hole in the hose, a collapsed hose, or if that’s OK, remove the hose at the motor, and see if there is now a suction at the port the hose was attached to. (The motor might hopefully stall or speed up at this point) If there is no suction, shut the motor down and get a long skinny screwdriver, or a coat hanger wire and try to clean the possible blockage out.
Now restart the motor, and see if there is now suction at the port. (Motor may race or stall at this point) If so, get a new PCV valve, and a new PCV hose at a parts store and see if there is a new breather element for that car at the parts store and replace those 3 Items and retest the valve.
Why not try this 1st,
Thanks, Tony D.
Might be a bad valve, collapsed hose, hole in a hose, plugged up vacuum port,
Assuming you have a 1.9L motor, Like my 94 escort,
The PCV valve is located in front of the engine, in a tube or pipe looking thing positioned vertically. Set the hand brake, Car in park, (neutral, standard transmission) With the engine running Pull the PCV valve straight up out of the tube or pipe looking thing, and put your thumb over the opening on the bottom. You should feel a strong vacuum, or suction at the valve.and you should feel and hear the valve click into the closed position.
If not, look for a hole in the hose, a collapsed hose, or if that’s OK, remove the hose at the motor, and see if there is now a suction at the port the hose was attached to. (The motor might hopefully stall or speed up at this point) If there is no suction, shut the motor down and get a long skinny screwdriver, or a coat hanger wire and try to clean the possible blockage out.
Now restart the motor, and see if there is now suction at the port. (Motor may race or stall at this point) If so, get a new PCV valve, and a new PCV hose at a parts store and see if there is a new breather element for that car at the parts store and replace those 3 Items and retest the valve.
Why not try this 1st,
Thanks, Tony D.