how do I get the PTC out of the intake hose

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 21 Nov 2008, 11:09

I need to get the ptc out before I go at the PCV, I checked it out today and removed all the hoses form the PTC but I can get it out of the intake hose, and I really dont want to remove the whole hose to get it out, do I twist it or just yank it out ?

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 21 Nov 2008, 13:08

ok never mind I pulled the whole hose out, it seems it would have been nearly impossible to to take it out and put it back in with the hose stick attached, besides once you are down there it is a very good Idea to inspect the inside of the hose and check for build up there, and mine was so badly clogged, the PTC was crusted up, the whose was gunked up and the intake lining the turbo was filled with stuff

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Nov 2008, 17:44

You are very smart to take care of this...you wouldn't imagine how many people replace the entire PCV system and neglect this one thing- which basically means the same thing as not doing the PCV at all. Glad you got it sorted out!

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 22 Nov 2008, 16:08

yeah I think thats what the previous owner of the car did, the claps were missing on the hoses that attached to the PTC so either someone did some work on the rest of the system or just looked at it and decided it wasnt worth it, I will find out soon after I see how the car performs.

I would like to find some info on how or what the PTC does, which way the flow does - there were three hoses going into the intake hose in that area - one was a vacuum hose, one was a hose from the PCV and there was a bigger hose going into the top of the PTC - anybody know what that is from - just curious.
Also what was the electrical connection for on the PTC what does that control ?

thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Nov 2008, 17:11

My understanding is that everything flows both directions depending on boost or vacuum, temperature (which is what the electrical connector is for and what opens up that valve)...all feeds to the ECU that corrects timing, air/fuel mixture etc. The valve also deals with any blow-by oil on the turbo and keeps much of it out of the turbo hose itself. That's why when people have excessive oil in those hoses, you see suggestions to check the PCV system to see if it's clogged.

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 22 Nov 2008, 17:23

well unfortunately the bigger hose going into the top of the PTC cracked tonight as I was putting it all back together, it cracked about 3 inches back from along the stem, I dont feel so bad thought because upon inspection I could see it was already cracking so if it wouldnt have cracked off now I never would have known it was leaking - what do I do now, I just put it back but obviously thats not a solution ?? how important is it ?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Nov 2008, 20:05

Any leak in the system could potentially give false readings for an incorrect air/fuel adjustment. Is it something you could patch with RTV? If not then you're probably in for a new accordion hose.

Wingman45 · Post by **Wingman45** » 22 Nov 2008, 20:18

That big hose is the one that runs from the front of the motor all the way around to that valve. It's critical that this has an airtight connection to create a PCV Vacuum. Why they used a hard plastic hose for this.. I'll never know. I've done 4 of these and counting. My solution is to buy a piece of the 5/8"? clear reinforced tubing and slide it right over the broken section like a splice. (Perfect fit even w/o clamps) This is good solid tubing, and I've used it all the way from the Oil collector with good results. The other beauty is that its flexible. At the local ACE hardware, it's only $1.79 a foot. Sure beats Volvo prices. I'm sure it will outlast the car. Just another piece to the puzzle...good luck.

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 22 Nov 2008, 20:52

hey wingman you are right on target, I just got back from home depot with clear 5/8 tubing and yup a prefect fit, it took a little big of force to get on bu that did the job, no clamps needed.

Sadly to say though this didnt fix my smoking dipstick - so I am probably do for a PCV job I checked the PTC after a short job and it already started filling up with junk

Post by **kelvin6** » 23 Nov 2008, 00:27

I would like to mention that the electrical connection the PTC is a filament heater. Its purpose is during start up to heat up rapidly and burn off or melt the crap that accumlates on it. That crap is basically the blow-by from the PCV system.

I got a feeling that if gunk is still building up you should run a multimeter through the connections on the PTC heater connector to see if the filament heater hasn't failed (check for continuity).

If the heater did fail, then getting another intake tube is your only choice (which is going to be expensive brand new!)