All,

I believe my PCV system is clogged based on some of the posts I have read on the site. The strainer and upper tubes are clear, so I suspect the separator box is plugged up. My original thought was to clean it on the motor using engine flush and carb cleaner, but I found a post that indicated this was not a particularly effective method and that it is just best to replace it particularly since I don't know if it has ever been replaced on this 200k vehicle.

I have ordered the parts needed but have some additional questions. I have seen conflicting information about the bolt size that hold it to the block. Is it 10 mm bolts or 12? I have read that it is a royal pain to get out, any tips or tricks? Can I get it with a regular socket wrench or box wrench, or do I need the kind that bend into multiple angles? Once off, I am terrified of even touching the front oroface on the block with the hose in it, but have read it should be cleaned too. How do you clean it without disturbing it?

Thank you for the help guys,
Ed

 

Very hard to get to with the intake manifold in place! Much better to take the manifold off. The two bolts are usually 12mm. and I guess if you have very small hands and use 1/4 inch sockets and extensions it'd be possible to get to the separator otherwise--can't use wrenches, you have to go directly from above, straight down. If you think this is hard, try a car with an EGR valve, (1993+).

The hose is usually not a big deal: just lift the separator straight up, the hose should stay in its place. Be carefull replacing the separator in the hole.