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AUTONET TV

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at American Brake Centers Inc.

Posted July 19, 2020 9:58 AM

Hello Louisville! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in KY vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government to regulate harmful emissions as well as to improve performance in the country's vehicles.

The PCV valve, as you can probably guess, is located on the crankcase. The crankcase is the lowest part of a vehicle's engine. It houses the crankshaft and the engine oil. The crankshaft connects to the pistons that power the engine.

Pistons are pushed down when fuel is burned in an engine. This causes the crankshaft to rotate, which sends power to the transmission.  It ultimately turns the axles and causes the vehicle to move. Some of the gases released by the burning fuel squeeze around the pistons and down into the crankcase.

If the escaped gases mix with the engine oil in the crankcase, oil sludge develops. This sludge has the consistency of petroleum jelly and can cause damage by clogging up passageways in the engine. Further, escaped gases can build up pressure inside the crankcase that can blow out seals and gaskets.

Before 1964, a hose was attached to the crankcase that vented escaped gases out into the air. These gases contained about 70% unburned fuel as well as harmful emissions. The PCV valve was designed to curb these harmful emissions as well as recapture unburned fuel.

The PCV valve is a small, one-way valve that allows escaped gases to exit the crankcase. The gases are then routed into the intake system so they can be re-burned in the engine. Fresh air enters the crankcase through a breather tube to facilitate this circulation and keep the air in the crankcase clean.

The PCV valve, like most working parts on a vehicle, will wear out over time. Usually it simply gets gummed up. Preventive maintenance, including routine oil changes at American Brake Centers Inc. in Louisville, will extend the life of the valve, but eventually it will have to be replaced. A sticking PCV valve won't allow gases to circulate properly, which can increase pressure in the crankcase. Over time, that pressure will lead to oil leaks.

Your vehicle manufacturer recommends that a PCV valve be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles (32,000 to 80,000 kilometers), depending on the vehicle and Louisville driving conditions. It's an inexpensive repair but may not be included in the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.  So if you're looking for auto advice about the PCV valve, you may have to ask our pros at American Brake Centers Inc..

Taking care of our PCV valve protects the environment in KY and improves vehicle performance. It's just part of good vehicle care for Louisville drivers and a way all of us can do our part to improve the world we live in.

American Brake Centers Inc.
3435 Bashford Ave Ct.
Louisville, KY 40218
502-459-0355
http://www.americanbrakecenters.biz



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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Have an old truck with rusted brake lines. Other shop quoted a crazy high price, but American Brake did the same work at a MUCH more reasonable price. Very helpful and friendly.

, 09/04/2024

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I have been dealing with this location for 30 years. They have worked on our business & personal vehicles. I have never had a bad experience. Top notch company.

, 05/25/2024

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An excellent auto repair business. This American Brake Center has done a lot of work for my business and on personal vehicles, and Bill is patient, courteous and fair.

, 05/13/2024

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I appreciate that Scott gave me the perfect time to drop it off. He also called me with the price and the time he could have it ready, which was very accurate for pickup time. He was asked to fix a backyard mechanics mistake and did a great job. I wish I had gone with the American Brake Center before thinking cheaper was better. Do yourself a favor and use a professional.??????????

, 04/27/2024

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This place is wonderful! I called them for help to check my brakes that had just been changed but still weren't working correctly and they were nice enough to squeeze me in right at opening when they had a full day scheduled and only took about 30 mins to get my issue fixed and had me on my way. I can't thank them enough for what they did! If I ever need anything else done, I'm glad I know a place I can trust. Thank you guys!

, 03/20/2024

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Great place I love this place

, 02/23/2024

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