Pcv

I've got a question about our friendly PCV valve--is it really essential?

Is there a danger to the engine in letting the escaped gasses just vent out straight through the hole, or is it just an environmentalist ploy?

I only ask because the idea that my valve hasn't been replaced in a long while came to me.....a 1992 lesabre whose previous owners didn't know what transmission fluid was means that there's a chance that in 16 years my ride may still have the original valve, or one that is at least several years old. :(

Can the engine be run safely without the PCV valve though?

I wouldn't run my engine without one. The PCV valve can increase oil life by removing harmful vapors from the crankcase and burning them in the engine. A PCV valve can also keep your engine from becoming a bomb incase of a back-fire.

EDIT: And they're only 3-4 bucks.