How to Change the PCV Valve in a Honda Accord

In this article, I describe the simple 15-minute procedure to change the PCV valve on a 2003-2007 Honda Accord 4-cylinder.

PCV valves are inexpensive (eg PCV Valve (Part# 17130-PND-A01) and I recommend replacing them every 50,000 miles or so to ensure your car doesn’t run rough or consume oil.

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What is a PCV Valve?

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is part of the emissions control system of your car. The purpose of the PCV valve is to regulate the flow of gases between the crankcase and the intake manifold.

The engine generates gases and vapors in the crankcase as a result of the combustion process. These gases include unburned hydrocarbons and blow-by gases that leak past the piston rings. If these gases aren’t vented from the crankcase, they can cause pressure to build up, leading to oil leaks and engine damage.

The PCV valve allows these gases to be drawn into the intake manifold, where they’re mixed with the air and fuel and then burned in the engine. This process helps reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

The PCV valve also helps prevent the buildup of harmful contaminants in the engine oil. By venting these gases to the intake manifold, the PCV valve helps prevent the formation of sludge and other deposits in the engine.

What Happens When a PCV Valve Gets Stuck Open?

When a PCV valve gets stuck open, it can cause a number of issues, including:

1. Engine running poorly: When the PCV valve is stuck open, it creates a vacuum leak in the intake system, which causes the engine to run poorly. This manifests itself as rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency.
2. Excessive oil consumption: Since the PCV valve helps regulate the flow of gases between the crankcase and the intake manifold, if it’s stuck open, it allows too much air to flow through the crankcase which draws up oil and carries it out into the intake manifold where it is subsequently burned, leading to an increase in oil consumption.
3. Increased emissions: If the PCV valve is stuck open, it allows unburned hydrocarbons to be vented directly into the atmosphere, causing an increase in emissions.
4. Contaminated engine oil: The PCV valve also helps prevent the buildup of harmful contaminants in the engine oil. If it’s stuck open, excessive blow-by gases are drawn into the intake system, leading to contamination of the engine oil, resulting in sludge.
5. Damage to engine components: A stuck PCV valve can also cause excessive pressure to build up in the crankcase, which can lead to damage to engine components such as seals, gaskets, and bearings.

What are the parts of a PCV Valve?

While the specific design of PCV valves can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the basic parts of a PCV valve include:

1. Valve body: This is the main body of the PCV valve, usually made of metal or plastic, which contains the internal components.
2. Spring: The spring inside the valve body helps keep the valve closed when there’s no vacuum present and opens the valve when there is a vacuum present.
3. Rubber grommet: This is a small rubber seal that fits around the valve body and provides a seal between the valve and the engine.
4. Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a flexible membrane that separates the two chambers inside the valve body. When the engine is running, the diaphragm flexes in response to changes in pressure, allowing gases to flow through the valve.
5. Check valve: The check valve is a one-way valve that prevents backflow of gases into the engine.
6. Filter: Some PCV valves have a filter element to trap contaminants before they can enter the engine.

How to Change a PCV Valve in a Honda Accord

Changing the PCV valve on a Honda Accord is a relatively simple process. The following are the steps you can follow:

Note: These instructions are for a 2003-2007 Honda Accord with a four-cylinder engine. If you have a different model or engine, the specific steps may vary.

Tools and Supplies Needed:

• PCV Valve (Part# 17130-PND-A01) – For 2003-2007 Honda Accords
• PCV Valve (Part# 17130-RBB-A01) – For 2008-2012 Honda Accords
• 17mm Deep Socket
• Crush Washer (OEM 94109-14000)
• Pliers

Steps:

1. Locate the PCV valve: The PCV valve on a Honda Accord is typically located on the top of the engine, near the intake manifold. It is connected to a rubber hose that runs to the intake manifold.

2. Remove the old PCV valve: Use pliers to loosen the clamp that secures the rubber hose to the PCV valve. Then, twist the hose to break it loose and gently pull the hose off of the valve. Next, use a 17mm deep socket wrench to remove the PCV valve from its mounting location.

Note: It is a good idea to replace the crush washer with a new one.

Crush Washer (OEM 94109-14000)

3. Install the new PCV valve: Take the new PCV valve and insert it into the mounting location. Use the socket wrench to tighten it in place. The torque specification is 33 lbf-ft. This may be a bit excessive, just make sure that it is snug and that the crush washer is sufficiently seated. Then, attach the rubber hose to the new valve and secure it with the clamp using the pliers.

Here are the part numbers for a new PCV Valve. These are also links to the genuine Honda PCV valves.

• PCV Valve (Part# 17130-PND-A01) – For 2003-2007 Honda Accords
• PCV Valve (Part# 17130-RBB-A01) – For 2008-2012 Honda Accords

4. Test the new PCV valve: Once the new PCV valve is installed, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any abnormal sounds or check for any leaks around the valve or hose. If everything looks good, you’re done!

Want to hear what a bad or partially clogged PCV valve sounds like? Check out “Sound of a Bad PCV Valve” on YouTube.

In summary, changing the PCV valve on a Honda Accord is a relatively simple process that can be done with just a few basic tools. It is recommended to change the PCV valve every 50,000 miles to help prevent your car from burning oil.

I hope you found this helpful!

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