PCV Breather Box

[erikv11]

Now. that you have great info about the separator box, let's circle back to your original question:

if the ... "oil separator" is the main part that would clog up after many miles of driving. I can't afford the $200+ for the whole kit so I was hoping replacing this alone would help my stalling problems after first starting up the car when it's cold. Is it hard to replace this oil separator? (Hrs.?)

While it is fair to guess the box will be clogged up at high mileage, IMO it would be foolish to expect that's the only part needs replacing. Could be, but I'd be prepared for other issues too. Would be worth hearing from other P2 NA owners on on this point. And low idle is not the main or only symptom to check if you're diagnosing for clogged PCV system needs service - definitely do a glove test.

If you do go ahead with it, servicing the PCV, including the box, is a PITA but not super technical. Yes you must remove the intake manifold. Main points are there are some hard-to-access fasteners and mostly you take a bunch of stuff out then put it all back in. Good way to get to know the engine bay. You must keep track of what comes off and from where, etc. You'll want to at least inspect other PCV hoses/orifices for clogging. I'd budget about 8 hours of your time if you haven't done it before, more or less if you're a slow or fast worker. If you've done the thermostat you're on your way, just imagine stacking up about 12 of those into one job. Be prepared to get in there and find out some other part of the kit needs replacing if it can't be cleaned; if you can allow for that and the down time of getting the needed parts in the middle of the job then maybe you can get away with not buying a whole kit up front. Be sure to check/clean the passages from the separator box into the engine block.

In your shoes I would do both of (a) a glove test and (b) cleaning the throttle body and then see where things sit.

[Mr. Detail]

Thanks much erikv11 for your detailed response. I will attempt the "glove test" this evening before the snow comes.

[Krons]

As others have said, PCV replacement is time consuming but not super technical. My biggest fear was forgetting a clamp or something after getting the intake back on. This will give you an idea what you'll be up against on a non-turbo car:

[nickbw898]

Yes. However do your research first and assemble the correct tools. Don't go at it like a bull at a gate clean parts and take photos for reference as it goes. Know what your doing and feel confident but also aware of what could be more difficult than expected. There's always one faster which is hard to undo or reach with available tools. I take printed copies of good posts with pictures for reference before and as I work.