PVC valve retainer and rivets

[Backyardmech54]

What is the reason the PVC valve on my 2006 equinox is rivited in place and can I cut the the bracket or drill the rivets to replace the valve?

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by Backyardmech54

What is the reason the PVC valve on my 2006 equinox is rivited in place and can I cut the the bracket or drill the rivets to replace the valve?

The PCV valve is integrated into the front (left) valve cover. GM says the entire valve cover must be replaced to replace the PCV valve. It is GM p/n 12578137 and fits all 2005-2009 Equinox/Torrent w/3.4L V6.

Contrary to popular belief, PCV valves don't fail very often. They do sometimes get gunked up with a mixture of oil & moisture which appears as a slimy, tan-colored sludge. If this is the case, just remove the valve cover and spray some carb cleaner in the pcv valve and shake it around a bit to clear out any sludge. It will be as good as new when you are done. I'd recommend replacing the valve cover gasket if you do this, but you should be able to reuse the old one if necessary. Obviously, if the gasket is warped or flattened definitely replace it though.