| 500, 472, 425, 368 This forum is to discuss the old big block Cadillac engines. | Cadillac Forums: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem? 
10-26-09, 09:53 PM
|  | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): 1979 Phaeton Coupe, 1989 Sedan Deville  | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego baby! Age: 29 | | | PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
I was replacing my pcv valve and elbow, and the grommet broke off inside the valve cover. I grabbed some needle nose pliers and grabbed the piece. As I went to pull it out, it snapped in half, so basically, a half moon shaped piece of the grommet is still inside the valve cover. (1/8 inch diam by 1/2 length max) Do I have to open it all up and find that small piece of rubber, or will it be ok to leave it in and run it?? Ive been told both. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you |
10-26-09, 11:29 PM
|  | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): '81 CDV, '81 FWB, '95 SDV | | Join Date: May 2009 Location: Limerick, PA Age: 31 | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
Honestly am not sure, but I would in no way leave it in there if it was my car. I would at least pull the valve cover off and see if I could find it. For the small amount of work it will take to do that it's well worth it compared to what could happen. |
10-27-09, 10:23 PM
| | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): 1977 Coupe (blue), 1977 Coupe (yellow), 1977 Coupe (green) | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western Massachusetts | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
The answer is it MAY not harm anything, but then if if finds it's way to a return and blocks it, it will restrict the return of oil to the pan. If it goes through and into the pan it shouldn't cause any problems. |
10-28-09, 09:21 AM
|  | Cadillac Technician Cadillac(s): none | | Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Age: 41 | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
There is usually a small baffle inside the cover that keeps the system from sucking oil straight out of the cover into the PCV system.
That should hold the pieces in, however as stated they may break up over time and start clogging things inside the oil passages.
It would obviously be best to remove it, probably taking the cover off and digging it out would be best.
I wouldn't avoid driving the car until you can get to it, but eventually I'd get it done.
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Views expressed by the author of this post do not necessarily represent those of the Lindsay Automotive Group. |
10-28-09, 08:04 PM
| | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): 95 fleetwood 81 deville | | Join Date: May 2003 Location: Massachusetts | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
If your worried about that little piece of plastic you might as well tear down the whole motor.. there are 10 times that many little pieces in that motor and in the oil pan.. All the valve seals are made with plastic in them and after 10 to 15 years they all break up and work there way to the oil pan...and the timing gear , that has plastic on it... I'm 100% sure pieces of that broke off and are in the pan..DON'T WORRY..... |
11-01-09, 04:43 PM
| | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): 1979 Phaeton Coupe, 1989 Sedan Deville | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego baby! Age: 29 | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
Thanks for the responses guys. Im no longer worried about this.  |
11-09-09, 09:34 PM
| | Cadillac Owners Fanatic Cadillac(s): '85 FWD fleetwood, '93 fleetwood Bro | | Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: mich Age: 78 | | | Re: PCV Valve Elbow broke inside valve cover...problem?
Yeah, those "plasticky" stem seals are a real GM screw up on a very good engine. I have a bunch around here because I never use them. | | Cadillac Discussion Tools | | | 
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