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How To Replace a PCV Valve

By , About.com Guide

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  1. Auto Repair

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PCV Valve Intro
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve

A new PCV valve will run around $10.

Thanks to Tegger for photo help.
Your PCV valve is a simple plastic piece of plumbing that performs a not-so-vital function for your engine. The Federal government, however, thinks it's very important. In reality it's an important part of your car's emission control system.

If your PCV valve becomes clogged, your emission controls can't function fully, and the results are poor idling, loss of gas mileage, slow acceleration, loss of power and other similar ailments. There isn't a consensus on how often the PCV valve should be replaced, but somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-60,000 miles seems to make sense. We'll show you how to get it done fast and easy.

What You'll Need:

  • replacement PCV valve
  • needle nose pliers

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