Top PCV Hose Popping off

Post by **ojdorson** » 18 Feb 2011, 12:58

I've had the top PCV hose pop off more than once lately. There is no puffing or pressure at the dipstick tube and I think it's just a matter of poor clamping. The PCV nipple on the top of the cam cover has no ridge at the end to prevent this hose from coming off and tightening it more just makes it worse. The last time (3 days ago), I dried the hose and nipple off as well as I could and tightened the worm clamp with the very least amount of tightening I felt safe with. It hasn't come off again, but I wonder if taking a dremel to the nipple and shave down a "groove" for the clamp to bite into would be a good idea if it does it again. What do you guys think?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 18 Feb 2011, 14:23

Is the hose old? It may be past its prime. I wouldn't Dremel the engine, either - never know if some shavings may enter the engine or if you cut too deep...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Feb 2011, 07:32

What kind of clamp are you using? The hose is normally retained with an Oetiker clamp but I have not found a good way to get my Oetiker clamp tool into position to crimp the clamp. I just use a small standard hose clamp and it has always worked fine for me.

...Lee

Post by **ojdorson** » 21 Feb 2011, 08:47

It's all new parts. I've got a standard worm hose clamp on there. It's rather wide, though, and I keep looking for clamps with a thinner band. I think that'd help. Since I last redid it, it's still holding on after ~500 miles.

I wouldn't dremel very deep - maybe it would be enough it I just roughed up the surface of the pcv nipple... Anyhow, I'll save that for a last resort.

scumcity14 · Post by **scumcity14** » 28 Feb 2011, 18:50

I have the same issue...cleaned both the nipple and hose with brake cleaner and scuffed the nipple with sand paper..put back on with a strong zip tie (can never get an oetiker tool quite right in there and worm hose clamps seem to work their way off)..stays put now!

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Feb 2011, 19:02

Mine actually did the same thing - I just discovered it loose this weekend and tons of oil on top of the engine when I went to change plugs. It's now got the clamp tightened down and a ziptie on it.

Post by **ojdorson** » 12 May 2011, 09:58

I had it dry for a while, but it happened again - right after getting the car detailed and the engine bay steam-cleaned.

I took the dremel with a grinding stone and put a shallow groove around the body of the nipple. it should stay tight now as the rubber can't just slide up and off.