redbeard1

While trying to track down a small drop in my oil level between oil changes, I came across a post that suggested checking the PCV valve. That post said these valves usually only stick if the car does lots of short trips (my car is 70% highway use), so I did not expect to find the valve stuck. A valve stuck open will sometimes burn oil.

To my surprise, the valve was completely stuck open. I ordered and installed a new one. The dealer said they order maybe 3 of these a year. That said, this valve is so easy to check, I figured I’d attach the instructions from the service manual.

While it is too soon to tell if this fixed my oil loss problem, it fixed an issue I’ve been struggling with for 4 years now. At near 1500 rpm in 5th gear, my rpm would surge. The rpm needle would fluctuate up and down, between 1350-1550, a few times per second. I tried many suggestions (APP sensor, 3x3 ATF) and they would help for a week or two and then the problem would return. I’m now thinking these tips/fixes did nothing to help the surging and what temporarily helped the surging was disconnecting the battery before trying each tip (due to ECU reset). The surging has been gone over a month so I think/hope it must have been the pcv valve.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

a surge of RPM is ALWAYS a vacuum leak!
that valve stuck open would cause that!

Good joB! I need to check mine!

Joecop67

Mine should be arriving tomorrow. I'm not having any problems but seeing as I bought the car with 130k miles and the part is under $10 I figured why not.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

Where are you getting the part for under $10? I saw the PCV assy for $27 I believe. Either way, mine will be replaced when I pull it out of storage. Piece of mind thinking!

thoiboi

parts store maybe?

Joecop67

eBay. My mistake, it was $17.

MyGuti

this if for auto models only? or does it apply to 6mt as well?

Joecop67

I have a 6MT

redbeard1

MyGuti - I think the MT also have the pcv valve.

All - Instead of using a stethoscope (from instructions in service manual) to hear if your valve is bad. It is probably easier to just remove the valve and shake it. A bad valve is silent when you shake. A good valve will click. See 1:30 in the attached video. He compares a good one to a bad one.