PCV valve elbow removal?

Moab

TJ Expert
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2018
Messages
3,255
Location
Bohol, Phillipines/El Segundo, California
I cant seem to get these out to replace them. Any tricks? I tried pulling. And then tried a screw driver to pry. And broke the ears off as u can see.

Screenshot_20210801-160035_Gallery.webp
 
I had luck cutting up the grommet in an attempt to loosen the elbow. I took it apart in little pieces. It didn't take much and the elbow was loose enough to remove. I had planned on replacing the grommet anyways so it wasn't a big deal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Darsmith
Ill give that a shot. Can i lube it with anything?
You shouldn't need to. If your grommets are like mine they'll break pretty easily. They're pretty thick so getting them out of there frees up a lotta space quickly.

Disclaimer: My valve cover was on my work bench at the time so there wasn't a risk of dropping grommet pieces into my cylinder head.
 
Replace the grommet and the valve. They’re usually brittle. Destroy, make sure to not get any pieces down in there. Easy
 
  • Like
Reactions: MikeE024
You shouldn't need to. If your grommets are like mine they'll break pretty easily. They're pretty thick so getting them out of there frees up a lotta space quickly.

Disclaimer: My valve cover was on my work bench at the time so there wasn't a risk of dropping grommet pieces into my cylinder head.
Ya. Thats my concern. My valve cover is on.

I think im to tired to be messing with this at the moment. Havent slept this weekend very well. I think its time to cut bait. And tackle this tomorrow.

The grommet is very dry too. It pulls apart with needle nose pliers. But again not interested in dropping any pieces down in there. I think if i could find my channel locks i might be able to pry the elbow out. We'll see.

Any other tips greatly appreciated.
 
Replace the grommet and the valve. They’re usually brittle. Destroy, make sure to not get any pieces down in there. Easy
I have both new elbows and grommets. But it feels like a bit of dirt between the elbow and grommet. So the elbow isnt easily sliding out. Also probably cause the plastic and rubber are so old and stiff.

Thats my new tagline. "To old and stiff."
 
I removed both mine and had success “rolling” them out instead of pulling straight up.
 
I have both new elbows and grommets. But it feels like a bit of dirt between the elbow and grommet. So the elbow isnt easily sliding out. Also probably cause the plastic and rubber are so old and stiff.

Thats my new tagline. "To old and stiff."
What a mess. I don’t remember any grit in mine. I think I used a flathead screwdriver and some finagling, twisting the valve, and worked it out. Hopefully you can massage the “old and stiff” and make it young and pliable. The heat gun was an idea, but not sure it isn’t used to that kind of heat in the engine bay. Worth a shot. Wear gloves!
 
The only way I know of is to pry, chip and cut..ifbyou don't end up with 800 pieces everywhere you did it wrong lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: madridalejandro
Mr Dale makes it look easy!

I watched that same video before I tackled mine and thought “I’ll knock this out real quick, maybe 20 mins for both.” Famous last words, i ended up cutting the grommet with a razor and using a flat head screwdriver to get under the elbow and work it up for both.
 
If you want it out in one piece you got to remove the valve cover and push it out from the bottom.
 
I did both of mine a few months ago. What a pain in the drain! I just got a flathead screw driver under it and kept prying, but it broke off in several places. Eventually I was able to wrestle it out with channel locks. The grommets were so hard I ending up cutting them out with a razor knife. Just had to be careful not to drop any pieces into the valve cover.
Good Luck!