The PCV valve, also known as the positive crankcase ventilation valve, is a huge part of the crankcase ventilation system. During the engine’s internal combustion process, the exhaust gases are produced by the metal’s excessive heat and metal contact friction. At this point, the exhaust gases get redirected into the exhaust system by this external valve.
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The PCV valve plays a huge role in the engine combustion process and the catalytic converter’s functions. If the catalytic converter is not working properly, then the PCV valve hose replacement cost will be much higher. In addition, the same goes for the engine – if the engine is not functioning correctly, the PCV valve hose replacement cost will increase.
The average price for the PCV valve hose replacement cost ranges between $35 and $75. However, this price can differ depending on the type of car you have, the mechanic you choose, and the location you live in. Keep in mind that if you can do this replacement yourself, you will save beween $25 and $65 in labor costs. Knowing the average PCV valve hose replacement cost can gie you an idea of what you will have to spend for this fix.
How the PCV valve works
The toxic exhaust gases convert into better gases that the catalytic converter can reuse by the system. After the catalytic converter changes the gases, the gases are then released into the outside air at a less toxic rate. However, the catalytic converter is not effective at converting all of the gases from the combustion engine.
A small number of exhaust gases do not get converted into the less toxic fumes by the catalytic converter. These missed gases will flow toward the engine block, also known as the crankcase, and end up stuck on the cylinder wall. If these gases were to remain in the crankcase, it would cause an excess of pressure and engine damage. This step in the process is where the PCV valve comes in.
In short terms, the PCV valve is the part that is in charge of keeping the toxic gases from lingering and staying in your crankcase or your engine block. The engine valve cover houses the PCV valve and is linked together to the vacuum hose’s intake manifold.
When the exhaust gases enter the engine’s crankcase, the PCV valve must redirect the gases’ flow into the intake manifold to continue the combustion process. If this does not happen, you can expect a much higher PCV valve hose replacement cost.
Common Bad PCV valve symptoms
When figuring out how much you might spend on the PCV valve hose replacement cost, the real answer lies in the damage and the conditions of the PCV valve. You can determine how well this part is working by figuring out any signs or symptoms of faulty wear and tear. You might be able to recognize the symptoms of a damaged PCV valve in your vehicle if you keep an eye and ear out for the common signs.
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Oil Leakage
A working and functional PCV valve lower the pressure within the engine block and the crankcase. However, once this valve goes bad and the PCV valve hose replacement cost skyrockets, it might not move out of the closed position. In this case, the PCV valve is stuck and not able to function properly.
The stuck PCV valve could be due to the valve becoming clogged over time or wearing down after prolonged use. In this case, the crankcase’s pressure will get to an extreme level, leaving out an excess of internal combustion heat.
In addition, during the engine crankcase’s high pressure, the chance of an oil leak happening is much higher than normal. If you notice that the gaskets’ seals are leaking oil, this can lead to a much higher PCV valve hose replacement cost.
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Check Engine Light
The Check Engine warning light will illuminate for various reasons, and can sometimes be due to either minor causes or for very severe reasons. The check engine warning light can come on for a faulty oxygen sensor, a damaged manifold intake sensor, or a poor EGR valve replacement.
The check engine light illuminated due to the PCV valve will come on almost as soon as the vehicle’s central computer, the electronic control unit, notices that the PCV valve is faulty. The engine control unit, also known as the car’s computer or brain, is in constant talks with the oxygen sensors placed in your engine.
When the PCV valve becomes damaged or goes bad over time, it causes too much fuel or too little fuel to enter the engine and the combustion cylinders, leading to a high PCV valve hose replacement cost. At this point, the sensors will send this information to the engine control unit. Once the fuel mixture ignites within the crankcase, the check engine light alerts the driver to the PCV valve hose problem.
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Engine Stalling
A bad PCV valve hose that will not open or close all the way will lead to problems with the engine and the engine’s performance. You will most likely experience difficulties with acceleration, going uphill, and an overall horsepower reduction when you step on the gas pedal. The decline in engine performance is a vital sign that you need a PCV valve hose replacement cost as soon as possible.
The PCV valve could potentially stay open when it becomes damaged. If the valve remains open, too much air will flow into the combustion cylinders, causing a lean air and fuel mixture. If the fuel and air mixture is too lean, it can cause the car to have rough idling or the engine stalling.
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Rough Idling
Rough idling is a clear sign of engine and transmission problems. The engine will experience rough idling when there is a malfunctioning or faulty PCV valve. The damaged PCV valve hose causes the valve to get stuck in a closed or open position. This stuck position means that not enough exhaust or exhaust will enter the combustion chamber. This exhaust balance causes the engine to jerk while accelerating and not run as it should. This rough idling can increase the overall PCV valve hose replacement cost.
In addition, another cause of the rough idle and something that can increase the PCV valve hose replacement cost is electrical parts. These electrical parts include the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and ignition coils. Spark plugs and the ignition coils generate the voltage that influences the plugs to fire.
Also, the spark plugs are crucial in delivering the electrical impulse to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder. If the spark plugs are left too long without being replaced, the plugs can become corroded with carbon deposits or debris, enhancing the overall PCV valve hose replacement cost.
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Bad Fuel Economy
If the PCV valve remains closed and is unable to open at the right times, it can cause a mixture of air and fuel in your combustion cylinders that are too rich to function properly. If the blend is too rich, there is more fuel than air in the cylinders, leading to an unbalanced mixture. Since there is an excess of fuel used, your fuel economy will plummet, causing you to pay much more for gas and emit harmful toxins into the world.
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Sludge
Furthermore, when toxic gases from the internal engine combustion leak into the middle of the cylinder wall and the surrounding pistons, the games will combine with the oil from the engine. When the oil and the exhaust gases meet, they cause sludge to form. This sludge can cause the PCV valve hose replacement cost to be much higher than usual.
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Fuel Smell
Since the engine will be consuming more fuel and require more stress to run at the same performance level, more hydrocarbons will exit the exhaust and the tailpipe. This influx in hydrocarbons causes a noticeable smell to intensify. The hydrocarbon influx will cause the fuel odor to get more prominent, with the passengers and drivers quickly noticing the smell from inside the car. Hopefully, this notice of the scent can lead to a reduced PCV valve hose replacement cost.
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Low Engine Oil
Your engine is the blood that keeps your car running and the heart pumping. Without the engine oil, your engine will not be able to run correctly, and your vehicle will not move. As the oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, it leaves the oil pan and causes the check engine oil light to turn on your dashboard. If this is the case, your PCV valve hose replacement cost will increase.
When this happens, and your engine oil is low, this reduces the oil’s function to lubricate the internal engine parts and causes excess friction and heat to build up over time. This extra heat inside the engine can cause severe engine damage and lead to an engine replacement. When this happens, you need to look into the valve cover gasket prices.
If you notice that the engine oil light or check engine light turns on in your dashboard, don't assume it is a minor issue like your fuel cap being loose after filling up the tank. Drive your car to a trusted mechanic so they can figure out what the cause of the light is, the fix to the oil leak, and the price of the PCV valve hose replacement cost.
PCV Valve Replacement cost
Unlike other parts of your car like the engine or the transmission, the PCV valve hose is not the most expensive part of the place. The average replacement cost for the PCV valve hose is between $35 and $75, with the parts costing between $10 and $15. If you feel like you have significant do-it-yourself skills and can refrain from going to a mechanic, this can cut the total price down to just $10-$15. If not, the total labor cost ranges between $25 and $60.
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EGR Valve Replacement Cost
Similar to the PCV valve, the EGR valve plays a massive role in the emissions and internal combustion engine. A faulty EGR valve can lead to a higher PCV valve hose replacement cost. Let’s find out the price of an EGR valve replacement and how this can influence the total price you pay for a PCV valve hose replacement cost.
The total price of the EGR valve replacement cost can range anywhere from around $200 to $480, with the parts alone ranging in the area between $140 and $360. Furthermore, the labor cost ranges between around $60 and $120. While the EGR valve is not the cheapest part of your car to replace on some vehicles, the good news is that it shouldn’t take very long for this replacement to happen so that the labor costs will be reasonably low.
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Sample EGR valve Prices
For you to figure out how much you might spend on an EGR valve replacement in your local red and the total EGR valve cost, we have included some sample EGR valve replacement costs for popular car models. The estimate of prices should give you a rough estimate of what you might pay, depending on your car’s year, make, and model. Although the prices will vary depending on what location you take your vehicle, these costs should give you an estimate of how much the total EGR valve cost will be for you and your specific car.
Conclusion
The PCV valve replacement cost might be high – but it is definitely worth it! Car owners might be happy to know that this replacement is much less than any work done on the engine or the transmission and can influence your vehicle’s lifespan and performance. Knowing the signs of a damaged PCV valve, the causes of a damaged PCV valve, and the repairs and replacement prices can lead you to reduce the overall PCV valve hose replacement cost.