Replace the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and oil separator system to maintain proper crankcase pressure and prevent oil contamination of the intake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• PCV valve × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil separator/breather assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankcase ventilation hose × 1 — 5/8" or 3/4" ID depending on application
• Hose clamps × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
5. Identify PCV valve location (typically in passenger side valve cover) and oil separator/breather assembly (driver side valve cover)
6. Have replacement parts and clean shop towels readily accessible

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air cleaner assembly
   Remove the wing nut securing the air cleaner lid. Lift off the lid and set aside with the air filter element. Remove the air cleaner base by loosening the clamp securing it to the carburetor. Disconnect any vacuum or ventilation hoses attached to the air cleaner base and set the entire assembly aside to provide clear access to the valve covers.
2. 2

   Disconnect PCV valve hose from carburetor
   Locate the PCV hose connection at the carburetor base or intake manifold. This is typically a 5/8" diameter hose running from the passenger side valve cover to the carburetor spacer or intake manifold fitting. Loosen the hose clamp at the carburetor end using a flathead screwdriver. Gently twist and pull the hose free from the carburetor fitting. If the hose is stuck, use a hose pick to carefully separate it without damaging the fitting.
3. 3

   Remove PCV valve from valve cover
   Trace the PCV hose back to the passenger side valve cover. The PCV valve is pressed into a rubber grommet in the valve cover. Firmly grasp the PCV valve body and pull straight up with a twisting motion to extract it from the grommet. The valve may require significant force to remove if it has been in place for an extended period. Once removed, disconnect the hose from the PCV valve by loosening the clamp and sliding the hose off.
4. 4

   Inspect and replace PCV valve grommet
   Examine the rubber grommet remaining in the valve cover. If it is cracked, hardened, or deformed, pry it out using a flathead screwdriver. Clean the valve cover opening with a shop towel. Press the new grommet into the valve cover opening, ensuring it seats flush and evenly around the entire perimeter. The grommet should fit snugly without gaps.
5. 5

   Disconnect breather hose from driver side valve cover
   Locate the oil separator/breather assembly on the driver side valve cover. This is typically a larger vented cap or canister with a hose running to the air cleaner base or intake snorkel. Loosen the hose clamp at the breather assembly using a flathead screwdriver. Twist and pull the hose free from the breather assembly. If a second hose connects to the air cleaner, disconnect it as well by loosening its clamp.
6. 6

   Remove oil separator/breather assembly
   The oil separator is either pressed into a grommet similar to the PCV valve or threaded into the valve cover. For press-fit types, grasp the assembly firmly and pull straight up with a twisting motion. For threaded types, turn counterclockwise to unthread from the valve cover. Once removed, inspect the grommet or seal and replace if damaged, cracked, or hardened.
7. 7

   Clean valve cover openings and fittings
   Use a wire brush and carburetor cleaner to thoroughly clean both valve cover openings where the PCV valve and breather assembly were installed. Remove any accumulated oil residue, carbon deposits, or old gasket material. Clean the carburetor or intake manifold fitting where the PCV hose connects. Wipe all surfaces dry with clean shop towels.
8. 8

   Install new oil separator/breather assembly
   If the valve cover uses a grommet, press the new grommet into place ensuring it is fully seated. Insert the new oil separator/breather assembly into the driver side valve cover, pressing firmly or threading clockwise until snug. For threaded assemblies, tighten by hand plus 1/4 turn with pliers; do not overtighten as this can crack the valve cover.
9. 9

   Install new PCV valve
   Insert the new PCV valve into the grommet in the passenger side valve cover. Push firmly with a twisting motion until the valve is fully seated and the grommet grips the valve body securely. The valve should not pull out easily when tugged. Verify the valve is oriented with the hose connection pointing toward the carburetor for easiest hose routing.
10. 10

    Connect PCV hose to valve and carburetor
    Slide a new hose clamp onto the PCV hose. Push one end of the hose firmly onto the PCV valve until it bottoms out on the valve fitting. Position the clamp over the hose-to-valve connection and tighten securely. Route the hose to the carburetor or intake manifold fitting, ensuring no sharp bends or kinks. Slide a clamp onto the other end, push the hose onto the carburetor fitting, and tighten the clamp securely.
11. 11

    Connect breather hose to oil separator
    Slide new hose clamps onto the breather hose. Push one end of the hose firmly onto the oil separator/breather assembly until it seats completely. Position the clamp and tighten securely. Route the other end to the air cleaner base or intake snorkel connection point, ensuring the hose does not contact hot exhaust manifolds or moving components. Secure with a clamp.
12. 12

    Reinstall air cleaner assembly
    Position the air cleaner base onto the carburetor and secure with the clamp. Reconnect any vacuum or ventilation hoses to the air cleaner base in their original positions. Place the air filter element into the air cleaner base, then install the lid and secure with the wing nut. Ensure all connections are tight and properly seated.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and perform initial check
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Visually inspect all hose connections, clamps, and fittings to ensure everything is properly secured. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay. Verify that all hoses are routed away from hot or moving components.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are tightened securely to prevent vacuum leaks
2. Verify PCV valve and breather assembly are fully seated in their grommets
3. Route all hoses away from exhaust manifolds, belts, and pulleys
4. Confirm air cleaner assembly is properly secured and all vacuum connections are restored

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle; listen for any hissing sounds indicating vacuum leaks at hose connections
• With engine at idle, remove the oil filler cap; you should feel slight vacuum (suction) at the opening, confirming the PCV system is drawing air through the crankcase
• Rev the engine to 2000 RPM briefly and verify smooth operation with no rough idle or stumbling
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover grommets and all hose connections after 5 minutes of running
• Remove the PCV valve after the engine cools and shake it; you should hear a metallic rattle confirming the internal check valve is free and functional

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