Zetec PCV Valve - Could it be any more of a pain???

[Scorpion8]

Usually replacing the PCV valve on most engines is a ten minute affair. I spent almost an hour removing the heat shield before I realized this job required the thermostat block and many hoses to be removed. What a freakin' $#@%%^&*. Could they have put this in a more stupid place?

Anybody have a better method of getting to the Zetec PVC valve?

[Lord Stanley]

This is why I still have not "found time" to change mine yet

[mcgarvey]

The zetec thermostat housing gaskets love to leak on these cars, so why not pick up a gasket, new t-stat, and pcv valve, and do it all at once?

I should add, it's where the thermostat housing meets the head that leaks, not where the thermostat is sandwiched. But thermostats are cheap, and a good routine maintenance item if you're interested in fuel economy.

[95_Mystique]

The zetec thermostat housing gaskets love to leak on these cars, so why not pick up a gasket, new t-stat, and pcv valve, and do it all at once?

I should add, it's where the thermostat housing meets the head that leaks, not where the thermostat is sandwiched. But thermostats are cheap, and a good routine maintenance item if you're interested in fuel economy.

i agree with this, and probably should do it myself haha.

[Scorpion8]

The zetec thermostat housing gaskets love to leak on these cars....

Mine doesn't, but I already have a few spares laid in for the next time I pull it. Since it comes off for almost any work in that area of the engine, and now include PCV-valve changeout to that list, it helps to have a few spares.

[striker2]

The zetec thermostat housing gaskets love to leak on these cars, so why not pick up a gasket, new t-stat, and pcv valve, and do it all at once?

I should add, it's where the thermostat housing meets the head that leaks, not where the thermostat is sandwiched. But thermostats are cheap, and a good routine maintenance item if you're interested in fuel economy.

250K miles and mine never once leaked. never replaced the gasket either.

[BrApple]

250K miles and mine never once leaked. never replaced the gasket either.

pretty sure my doesn't either at 228k. although a few years ago over one very cold winter I did discover some antifreeze leaking in that area, I was never able to pin point where it came from. plus it hasn't done that since.

[zorrex]

pretty sure my doesn't either at 228k. although a few years ago over one very cold winter I did discover some antifreeze leaking in that area, I was never able to pin point where it came from. plus it hasn't done that since.

Same here...

[mcgarvey]

That's crazy, around here they all seem to leak. It's such a common problem that there are aftermarket manufacturers that now make an improved housing to prevent that problem. Mine leaked, I replaced the gasket, it was fine for two years, and then it leaked again.

You guys must just be lucky.

[BrApple]

that or the pre98 are that much better ...