Anyone replaced the PCV valve before? I can't seem to sort out where exactly it is based on the service manual, what exactly am I looking for and how difficult is it to replace?

 

no problem, in the service manual its on page 12-10, under Emission Control - Ventilation Valve Sub-Assy. It's easy, but a deep well socket isn't needed, there isn't a lot of room if you have a strut tower bar to get a socket in there. so if that's the case with yours, just a regular boxed (closed) ended wrench would work fine. Its a 22mm size you'll need. Just loosen, remove the old one then make sure the threads on the valve cover are clean, and hand thread the new one. You'll run into the thread sealant thats when you'll need the wrench to slowly turn and turn and turn (long threads) until it tightens up, then just snug it up, and re-attach hose with clip, youre done!

The Toyota part already has thread sealant on it, so it seals as youre tightening it down. The aftermarket ones, some do, some dont, plus there was a post here about noise (clacking) from the aftermarket parts. price is about the same, might as well get one from Toyota.

 

ya i got one from autozone a couple months back and once i changed it out, i started getting that nasty clacking noise. didnt know what it was until i remembered when the noise started and when it was that i changed out the PCV. put back the stock one and noise went away...just need to go to Toyota to order one from them now..

 

I had the same noise when I used a autozone one. This is one of the few times that you should definately get the OEM part.

 

thanks all! I'll try to tackle it shortly. May ping back here once I get started. Is this best done from under the car or can it be done through the engine compartment?

 

OEM parts for anything on this car is usually a good idea. Oil filter is one perfect example. Best one you can buy really.

 

Not the thread jack but whats bad about others? I used frams.

 

you said you had the service manual? It shows you right where it is, top of the engine on the left. so open hood and come in from the top.

 

thread side note - the fram regular filters have been taken apart online, i think bobs the oil guy did it. They have CARDBOARD and GLUE connectors inside the filters. Really sad quality. The tough guard Fram they say is better. But the toyota ones aren't bad, pretty good actually.

ok thread jack /off

 

The OEM filters and the Mobil 1 filters are the only filters on the market that have an oil flow check valve. This means no oil can back-feed into the filter and back into the pan when the engine is shut down. The benefit is when you are cranking your motor to start it back up, you'll already have oil being circulated throughout the system instead of dry starting until the pump turns enough times. The OEM vs Mobil 1 difference is filter surface area. The OEM filter is bigger in size and has more "filter" in it but is manufactured by Mobil 1. Besides, filters are 5 bucks from the dealer AND come with a free drainplug gasket You decide! I'll stick with OEM on my turbo setup.

 

Perfect example of hand on forehead moment. Thanks!

 

what truobleshooting does if PCV is not working properly?

 

It's on the left top side of ur valve cover it's the only thing that screws in on ur vc. And jw how much was a new pcv

 

They're like 4 or 5 bucks from the dealer last I checked.