3 Signs of a Bad PCV Valve

A positive crankcase ventilation valve, more commonly known as a PCV valve, facilitates the evacuation of gas from the crankcase of an engine. It is essential that this piece functions properly and efficiently because a bad PCV valve can affect the overall performance of your vehicle. A bad valve will likely show indicators that it needs replacement or repair. You just have to know what to look for.

1. Filter Contamination

A faulty valve can cause pressure buildup in the engine’s crankcase, pushing oil vapor through a filter called a breather element. This filter is used to prevent excessive oil getting into air intake. When the oil vapor gets mixed with gas, it can leave deposits of oil and hydrocarbons on the air filter, resulting in excessive fuel consumption.

2. Oil Leaks

A bad valve is usually associated with excessive oil consumption and leakage. The PCV valve relieves pressure when functioning normally, but when it fails, the pressure in the crankcase might increase, pushing the oil out through gaskets and seals.

3. Decreased Performance

Since the PCV valves play an important role in the vehicle, a faulty valve might affect the overall performance of the car. A bad PCV valve that doesn’t close properly might allow the entrance of extra air into the intake, which results in erratic idle and affects overall engine performance. It could even cause the engine to stall out.