I absolutely believe that. Most people don't know about the pcv on these cars and what it does. If you are buying one of these cars, the pcv is as important as asking if the timing and water pump have been done. Funny thing is I consider timing and water pump to be easier than doing the pcv. the 850 isn't really that bad but the s70 has 1 bolt that is just plain dumb and stupid to take out under the intake manifold.

 

But . . . it's not so much the PCV system that's "important" as it is to regularly change the oil. Under normal conditions the only thing that goes bad is the vacuum lines from age. The black box really doesn't need to be a replaceable item like an air filter unless the owner neglects doing LOFs in a timely manner for their driving style. Short trip driving needs to be changed more often as the engine doesn't get a chance to cook off the moisture with sustained heat.

The black box is an oil separator to allow oil mist to drop out of the flow of crankcase gases going to the intake to be burnt.

 

That is a pretty awesome picture might I add. From what I understand is that the pcv will naturally get clogged and lose its effectiveness just like any other part. As you said definitely the lines crack and such first, not so much the box. And yes a lot of this can be solved by doing regular oil changes like you stated. Using good oil and changing it as needed is best.

 

Yeah I think this hose for the fuel rail looks just fine.
Definitely didn't cause any leaks when I tried starting the car.

Guess that's one more setback before I can actually get this car on the road.

 

Holy crap man, lol.
Not at all, I see no problems there :P

 

High Five

 

Alright I'm back. Happy to report that everything went well with the PCV replacement. The hissing/smoke is gone. Heater core is also replaced. I also did an oil change after all of that and it seems all that most of the gunk is gone. I'm still going to drive this thing on the highway for a bit for fun / reassurance.

Thank you all for your help.

Only problem I have left are fixing the leak I have for the windshield wiper fluid. Not very important but I'll try my best to trace it.