Basic Functions of a PCV Valve and its Related Worn Out Signs The PCV valve of your car also defined as positive crankcase ventilation valve which is completely associated with the crankcase ventilation system. Especially in the engine, when the internal combustion process occurs, the exhaust gases directly get into the exhaust system through an exhaust valve. But in the exhaust system, the catalytic converter coverts that toxics of the exhaust gases and release those gases out of the tailpipe to the outside air. In many cases, the catalytic converter of your car unable to convert all these exhaust gases which are consequently produced from the combustion. Due to the pressure leaks, a small number of exhaust gases seep out of the internal combustion chamber. In this way, the gases automatically flow towards the engine block and end up in the middle of the piston rings and cylinder walls. If these gases stay in your engine block for a longer period of time, then it will damage the engine.
Functions of the PCV Valve To overcome all the toxic gases issues in your car, the car has the PCV valve components that would prevent all the toxic gases available in the engine block. The engine valve has a vacuum hose which is usually linked with the intake manifold and PCV valve together. So, when the exhaust gases enter into the engine block, the spring-loaded plunger of the PCV valve redirects the flow of gas out of the crankcase and get into the intake manifold. At last, the gases flow into the combustion cylinder of the engine during the next combustion process.
Determine the worn out PCV Valve The properly functional PCV valve of your car can produce cleaner emissions. But, if you are using it for several years, then it will begin to worn out and damage after a few uses. So, before it damages the engine and other important components of your car, recognize the worn out PCV valve and replace it as soon as possible. The following points define the signs of a worn out PCV valve in your car.
Fuel economy decreased If any circumstances, the PCV valve of the car is closed, then it will result in the mixture of air and fuel in the combustion cylinder. It will clearly indicate the less amount of fuel in the cylinder as well. As a result, for running the engine it consumes more fuel and eventually decrease the fuel economy and produce more emissions. If you want to save your hard earned money from fuel, then repair the worn out PCV valve as early as possible.
Suspended engine As we know that the PCV valve of the car has a plunger which will stay open when it is damaged. When the PCV valve is damaged, an excessive amount of air flow into the combustion cylinder and cause a lean mixture of air and fuel. The reason behind the issue is, more air is available than the fuel in the cylinders and cause rough idling or suspend the engine.
Leakage of oil
The PCV valve of the car is generally used to lower the pressure of the crankcase. Over time, the PCV valve of the car gets clogged or wear out. Then, the worn out PCV valve will stuck and unable to get out of the engines closed positions. As a result, the pressure build in the crankcase and lead to the oil leakage issues in your car. These leaks generally occur in the seals and gaskets and in the cleaner assembly as well.
Illuminated check engine light In the car, the engine control unit generally communicates with the engine's oxygen sensor constantly. But, if the PCV valve is worn out, then the engine could get either too much fuel or too much air as well as enter into the combustion cylinder of the engine. Then the sensor of the engine sends the information about the air and fuel mixture to the engine control unit. After analyzing all these things, then check engine warning lights will be illuminated on the dashboard.
Sludge If the toxic gases start leaking out from the combustion into the middle of the cylinder wall and piston, then it would mix with the oil in the engine. But the merging of oil and exhaust gases create a sludge residue and ultimately build up to damage the engine. When you notice the sludge, inspect your car immediately.
Conclusion If you neglect the worn out PCV valve in your car, then it will cause irreversible damage in the engine. So, for replacing the PCV valve of your car takes it to a skilled auto mechanics to do the replacement properly as well as professionally.