PCV system

How can you test the PCV system to make sure it is working properly? I have had issues with my distributor caps not lasting very long and would like to try to eliminate things. The vehicle is a 1996 Chev C1500 with 4.3L V6

Thanks,
Mark

This dist cap is not connected in any way to the PCV system. There are 2 vents at the bottom of the dist where the cap meets the housing. If the vents get clogged it can cause condensation and corrosion inside the cap.

Some people remove the screens in the vents, others just clean them out with shop air to keep them clean.

//2000CAYukon

Thanks for your reply. I read somewhere in a techinical bulletin that if the PCV system was not working correctly to remove internal moisture in the engine, the moisture can bleed up through the distributor shaft and into the distributor housing comnplicating the problem of moisture/corrosion on the cap terminals. I do not have vent screens, and I have blown out the vent holes with compressed air. I just changed my cap and rotor again (this time after only 6000km) as well as the PCV valve. It is starting to get expensive changing out the cap & rotor so often. The engine will start to "skip" when running between approx 1500 to 2500 RPM. I think it may be more noticeable on my truck because it is a manual transmission. (I believe you "feel" alot more of the road & engine vibrations in a manual as opposed to an automatic) Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I have to believe someone else is suffering from this as it seems to be a common problem with these vehicle.

Thanks,
Mark

See http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/05/15/6b/0900823d8005156b.jsp

Also make sure the PCV gromet is sealing well (they can get hard over time).

//2000CAYukon

You might find this interesting: http://www.mightyautoparts.com/pdf/articles/tt127.pdf

//2000CAYukon

2000CAYukon, Thanks for your links. I was directed to the second link by a member on this site before. This looks to be my exact problem, so I am trying to eliminate the PCV system. I will try the testing on the link you provided. I still find it hard to believe that nobody else has experienced this as often as I have. Hopefully I will figure it out.

Thanks again,
Mark

Seems like there is very good vacuum at the bottom of the valve with the engine idling. I assume that this means that the PCV system is working corectly. Does this sound right?

I will have to see if I can find the old PCV valve to see if there was good vacuum before changing out the valve. Hopefully this will prove to be the problem.

Thanks,
Mark