Pcv/intake manifold question (with pics)

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 13 Nov 2018, 09:11

Hello friends!
I'm mid pcv rebuild and I have a few questions/comments.

#1 RSPI is 100% correct. Never use that soft hose that IPD sends you. My pcv got clogged again and this hose had swollen up with oil and then actually got clogged shut because of the swelling. This is what caused my dipstick missile! Argh! Well learning costs money right?

#2 I have attached pictures of my intake manifold, it was never this dirty before my last PCV job. Obviously this is oil lining the manifold. Should I be concerned about this level of oil build up? Maybe 20k miles of driving. Or is this just evidence of the pcv doing its job?

#3 I have also attached photos of my intake valves. Car has been sitting about a week. I don't really see much oil leaking down the intake valves. Pics are of the dirtiest valves/valve seats. Should I plan on rebuilding the valve stem seals still? I was going to preventatively rebuild the head bc of my oil consumption, but I'm not thinking it's probably not the valve stem seals. I'll need to do a compression test next I think.

Anyways I think that's it. Thanks for the help in advance!

Post by **erikv11** » 13 Nov 2018, 09:37

My thoughts -

#1 Sorry you got a crap hose! With the hoses it is not about where you buy them (IPD or elsewhere), it is about their quality which translates to the manufacturer/brand. You can buy good PCV hoses from IPD too, you can get junk from FCP if you don't pay attention to which you select, etc. The mantra seemingly forever now has been Volvo branded for the short hoses and the one to the valve cover, then Volvo or DIY for the long one to the flame trap housing. But of course the vendors do continue to offer the MacKay, ProParts and Uro junk, it does sell after all ...

#2 That level of oil in the intake manifold is common, even in a non-turbo engine.

#3 I'm not sure you will ever see the oil from leaking valve stem seals, unless they have catastrophically failed. A better test is to look for a telltale puff of blue at the tail pipe upon startup, or when you hit the throttle after letting it idle for 5 minutes. Base the need for valve stem seals on these symptoms. Compression test will also not be helpful in this matter, though I agree it is good to do one and know the status of the engine before you attempt time consuming and/or costly engine repairs.

Post by **Chuck W** » 13 Nov 2018, 10:18

While you're in there, I would just to the "high-mileage" PCV mod.

I just recently did it on my 192K '97 T5 which had started to puff some smoke while idling in traffic. The previous owner had half-assed a "PCV service" at some point just before I bought it. It kind of passed the "glove test" at the time, but it wasn't great.

Made sure the oil separator and ports into the block were clean, used 5/8" hose to the PTC fitting on the turbo inlet, as well as enlarged the hole slightly on the PTC. Ran 4mm hose from the turbo inlet to the fitting on the PS side of the intake.

No more puffing smoke at idle, or from the dipstick. Passes the glove test with ease.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 13 Nov 2018, 10:22

re #3 - a good check for leaking valve stem seals is the spark plugs. Always inspect them when ever removed.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 14 Nov 2018, 06:58

Okay thanks for the responses guys!

Got everything put back together and ultra clean in the process. Let me try and respond to everyone to the best of my ability!

Erik: Great info! Yes, it isn't anything specifically vendor-related it was just simply the quality of the hose that was included in the kit. Because my car is a 94/95 manual with VVIS the hard-line that is normally used for the PCV doesn't exist anymore. Its such a specific part. My intake manifold is twice as big as a normal one!

Good to know about the oil in the manifold. I had a moment of panic, and then it subsided.

the info on valve stems is good to know. My 96 puffed smoke. I kept trying to give it a nicotine patch and it wasn't interested (ba-dum-bum haha.)

Chuck: I actually did this this time around, 5/8" heater hose from the oil trap to the intake manifold. It's night and day between a well running pcv and a clogged one.

Herman: Good point on the old sparkies. Mine are covered in black carbon. Either its time for new ones or I'm running a bit too rich. Should have taken pics, but I neglected to due it it being unreasonably cold here in missouri for mid-november!

Thanks again guys! You've all made my week!

Post by **abscate** » 14 Nov 2018, 07:49

The classic test , I thought, for valve guide leakage is descending a long hill in overrun, car driving the engine, then tromping on the pedal at the bottom.

I once did this on Route 79 west of ITHACA and I smoked out the entire route from the “ Octopus” intersection to route 13 with oil smoke, almost causing an 18 Volvo car wreck.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 14 Nov 2018, 17:08

abscate wrote: ↑14 Nov 2018, 07:49 The classic test , I thought, for valve guide leakage is descending a long hill in overrun, car driving the engine, then tromping on the pedal at the bottom.

I once did this on Route 79 west of ITHACA and I smoked out the entire route from the “ Octopus” intersection to route 13 with oil smoke, almost causing an 18 Volvo car wreck.

abscate, i didn't realize "Smoke Screen" was an option from the factory!