Pcv

[vrmlbasic]

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?

[corning_d3]

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.