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As a MINI owner, engine health is one essential thing to always bear in mind as a healthy engine means a working vehicle. However, there are several factors that can disrupt a MINI’s engine function and one common one is a faulty PCV valve.
The PCV valve is an essential vehicle component that helps to control emissions and over time, it could get damaged, requiring that you replace it. The longer the time between damage and replacement, the greater the risk for your car’s engine. This guide will help you identify the first signs of failure so you can find a solution early enough.
The Function of a PCV Valve and Why it Fails
The engine works to supply power to keep a vehicle running and this activity usually results in the production of exhaust gasses from combustion. However, these gasses can cause harm both to the engine and the environment which is why the PCV valve exists to take care of this emission problem.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a one-way valve that is attached to the engine’s crankcase. It ventilates exhaust gasses and reroutes them back to the combustion chamber where they are properly combusted. Not only does this valve prevent air pollution, it also prevents gasses from returning to the crankcase and mixing with oil which could cause sludge formation and damage the engine.
However, this essential function of the PCV valve could get impaired due to many factors. Some of the common causes of PCV valve damage are;
- Wear and Tear: Damage as a result of aging or wear and tear is one of the most common causes of PCV valve failures in cars. The springs that control the valve’s open and close movement or other parts of the components can wear out and fail to work after prolonged use.
- Lack of Maintenance: When it comes to maintenance, popular vehicle components such as tires, spark plugs, and brakes have all the attention. However, the PCV valve requires as much attention as these other components. Then lack of maintenance can lead to a buildup of dirt which could cause clogging and eventually failure.
Other causes of PCV valve failures are;
- Manufacturing or installment errors.
- Contamination from dirt or debris.
How to Identify a Faulty MINI PCV Valve
To get the best care for your MINI, you need to be able to identify the first sign of trouble. Hence, here are some signs to look out for that indicate that your car’s PCV valve might require a replacement.
- Engine Noises: While a little humming and some soft sounds from the engine area could be normal; once you start hearing loud or unusual noises coming from the engine bay, then it means there could be trouble. Hissing or whistling sounds could indicate a valve leak and other sounds could indicate that it’s time for an engine inspection.
- “Check Engine” Light: Another common sign of a PCV valve failure in most vehicles is that the engine begins to act up. This usually happens because a damaged valve affects engine function either through sludge formation or corrosion of engine parts from gas blow-back. Once this happens, the “check engine” light illuminates on the dashboard along with some error codes to indicate that there is an engine problem. Other signs that may follow in this case are poor acceleration, rough idling, and even engine misfiring.
- Poor Fuel Economy: If your car’s fuel efficiency decreases, then you may need a PCV valve replacement. A faulty valve could be stuck in either open/close and this affects the oxygen intake into the combustion chamber. This usually disrupts the air-fuel mixture balance in the engine, requiring more fuel for equilibrium. In essence, this affects the affected car’s fuel economy.
The Best Garage in West Palm Beach for Your MINI’s PCV Valve Replacement
If your MINI runs into problems and you start noticing signs such as engine problems, poor fuel economy, or oil leaks, it could be that the PCV valve is clogged or damaged, needing a replacement. However, it could mean other things as well and only a qualified mechanic can certify what the problem is.
MotorHaus is a top-level auto shop in West Palm Beach, FL and we offer quality car care and repair services. We have factory-trained and ASE-certified technicians as well as industry-standard equipment to properly diagnose and fix any problem with BMW, Mercedes, and MINI Vehicles. If you fall under this category, you should bring your car to us and we will offer it the best care.
* Black Mini Cooper Car image credit goes to: claudiodivizia.
