I have 17,000 miles on my 2011 xb and I'm getting ready to change oil. At what mileage do they recommend replacing the pcv valve in these things? and can i get one anywhere else besides the dealer? are they expensive? thanks.

 

You honestly probably shouldn't ever need to change your PCV valve, especially if you do your oil changes on time and you don't have any oil consumption issues.

If you do decide to switch out your PCV, i recommend going to the dealer to purchase it, i believe its under $10.

 

MSRP is only $5.50 but I never needed to replace it on my 2008, and that xB was just traded in last month at 98k miles.

 

New pics of new car. Now.

 

Ok guys, thanks a bunch. I read the oil consumption poll and got a little worried. I'm only using about 1/4 to 1/2 a quart between oil changes, so no consumption issues yet, I just wanted to make sure I take care of the pcv system before it does cause me any problems.

 

Nope, you have PM.

 

We usually recommend replacing them every 30k miles at my work and they are fairly cheap

 

At only $5.50 each, I'm surprised Toyota doesn't include that in their maintenance schedule for 30k 60k 90k services if they should really be replaced that often.

 

They should list it in the maintenance book but they dont for some reason i think they put it under "inspect" on the list. Its good to replace it as a preventive maintenance measure though

 

Darn guys, no need to replace it, just flush it out with solvent (gasoline?) Unless the PCV valve is known to be a problem, it doesn't require any special treatment. (However, occasional attention is entirely appropriate!)

 

that's what i thought. it's a simple device. no reason it couldn't be cleaned with some kind of solvent.

 

I used to just flush mine out with some brake clean like every other oil change but didn't know if that was enough. Its the valve on the back side of the valve cover, correct?

 

The PCV valve is on the pass. side (looking from the front of the car) back of the engine valve cover. There is a rubber hose with a spring connector that you can remove with just your fingers. You can remove the engine cover or just feel back there and do the job, I recomment removing the cover since it's easy and makes the job more visible.

Since the price is between $5/10 dollars depending on where you buy it, I would just replace it and not bother trying to clean it.

 

A quick spritz with brake cleaner nearly always does the job.

1/2 full can of brake clean in your garage + a 1 second spray = free

Buying a new pcv valve = gas to drive to dealership + price of part


What can I say, I'd rather fix it if it's fixable and save the gas.