New PCV vs old PCV (35k miles)

Old PCV

 

Do everything in reverse order and you are all set! Enjoy your new PCV valve!

 

great write up :thumbup:

 

You should note that the 2004s are different than the 2002/2003s. The PCV isnt in the manifold, it is housed in a plastic elbow right off the crank case.

 

My understanding from a previous PCV thread was that 2004 models have a PCV setup that's meant to be non-serviceable. Has anyone done the replacement in an '04? Anyone have a definitive opinion on whether or not this operation needs to be done with an '04 at all?

Edit: it's this thread here, which has gotten stickied at some point.

 

If I may ask... what is the purpose of changing this valve?

 

to keep oil out of the intake track

 

How would I know if I have to replace this?

 

I will second what rr1911 said in that replacing the PCV valve keeps oil out of the intake track:tongue:. In extreme cases, a clogged PCV valve can cause oil to push past the piston rings into the combustion chamber and that is not fun for anyone. I guess some signs are oil sodden spark plugs, misfiring, or CEL with blinking cruise control light (caused by misfiring). You just really have to pay close attention when performing maintenance on your car.

 

its reccomended to change it every 30,000 miles

on some of my family members cars i use to change it every other time i did an oil change for them.. the subie one is kinda hard to get to :unhappy:

 

Does anyone know if this is the same for an 06 WRX?

 

I was reviewing the threads on PVC clean up and replacement discussions for 2004+ models.
Unfortunately, it does take some time to clean the PVC valve and it does make sense to combine it with IC removal and clean up.

In order to avoid having to do all that, prior to each oil change, I disconnect the upper hose and spray liberally carb fluid cleaner or mass air flow cleaner. The fluid eventually precipitates on top of the PVC valve and cleans the PVC bulb well enough to make it functions as new. If the process is repeated with each oil change, I cant see how it will ever get clogged. I have not had any issues yet.

I recommend making it an annual maintenance item or prior to each oil change since it is easy to do.

Any opinions?

 

Don't know if there are any major differences between the 05 or the 06 STi but here is a very helpful link. I spent about an hour looking for this write up and I hope it helps someone. I am changing my PCV valve tomorrow if, and I do pray, a local auto parts store has one. I don't have a Subaru Dealer near me for miles. Anyways, people will say that changing the PCV valve is non-essential according to the manufacturer, but they are likely basing there calculations on a car that is bone stock. Any Joe Schmoe knows that when you add aftermarket parts to your car, it changes a lot of things, and that's to include the risk of clogging the PCV valve and overpressurizing the crankcase. I think I have said enough.

How To: Replacing pcv valve - IWSTI.com: Subaru WRX STI Forums

 

....and I do pray, a local auto parts store has one. I don't have a Subaru Dealer near me for miles....

You live in Valdosta?? Isn't Pipkins Subaru still around???

 

Please point me in the right direction to buy one of these i cant find one anywhere?

 

Are you in the UK or US?

 

Would fitting a catchcan do away with the pcv valve all together?

 

Sorry, I looked around but we don't really have any info on that year because it wasn't available here. A catch can doesn't replace it.

 

bumping this because you took the time to take pics and this helped me out

 

FYI - Autozone P/N PCV1142DL works as well and you can use a 19mm deep socket to remove the PCV valve.

 

Cool, thanks. I should do mine again probably.

Welcome to the club

 

My 2006 2.5i Impreza was slowly loosing its responsiveness over period of time. Couldn't figure out what it was. Kept on stalling a few times and wouldn't catch on Rpms easily. Replaced pcv valve yesrerday and what's a difference! She is fun to drive again!