Section 6 - PCV System 6-1

Marine Electronic Fuel Injection (MEFI)

Section 6
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System

Contents
General Description ......................................... Page 1 Functional Check of Positive Crankcase
Operation ...................................................... Page 1 Ventilation (PCV) System ..............................Page 2
Results of Incorrect Operation ......................Page 1 On-Board Service .............................................Page 2
Diagnosis ........................................................... Page 2
Functional Check of Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) Valve ..................................Page 2

General Description 2

A “closed” crankcase ventilation system is used to provide a

5
more complete scavenging of crankcase vapors. Fresh air 4
from the air cleaner is supplied to the crankcase, mixed with
blow-by gases, and then passed through a Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve into the intake manifold 3
(Figure 6-1).
Operation 1

The primary control is through the PCV valve (Figure 6-2)

which meters the flow at a rate depending on manifold
vacuum.
To maintain idle quality, the PCV valve restricts the flow when
intake manifold vacuum is high. If abnormal operating
conditions arise, the system is designed to allow excessive
amounts of blow-by gases to back flow through the crankcase
vent tube into the engine air inlet to be consumed by normal
combustion.
Results of Incorrect Operation
A plugged valve or hose may cause:
• Rough idle.
• Stalling or slow idle speed.
• Oil leaks.
• Sludge in the engine. CLEAN AIR
VOLATILE OIL FUMES
A leaking valve or hose may cause: MIXTURE OF AIR AND FUMES
• Rough idle.
• Stalling. 1 PCV VALVE

•
2 TO THROTTLE BODY
High idle speed.
3 CRANKCASE VENT HOSE
4 PCV VALVE HOSE
5 TO INTAKE MANIFOLD
5S 1725-6E
Figure 6-1 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Flow (Typical)

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6-2 Section 6 - PCV System

Diagnosis If vacuum is present, the PCV system is functioning properly.

No vacuum indicated, the engine may not be sealed and/or
Functional Check of Positive Crankcase is drawing in outside air. Check valve cover gasket, oil pan
Ventilation (PCV) Valve gasket, etc. for leaks. If the vacuum gauge registers a
pressure, or the vacuum gauge is pushed out of the dipstick
If an engine is idling rough, check for a plugged PCV valve tube, check for the correct PCV valve, a plugged hose or
or hose. Perform the following functional check of the PCV excessive engine blow-by.
valve:
1. Remove PCV valve from the intake manifold. On-Board Service
2. Run the engine at idle.
An engine which is operated without any crankcase
3. Place your thumb over the end of the PCV valve to check
ventilation can be damaged. Therefore, it is important to
for vacuum. If there is no vacuum present at the valve,
replace the PCV valve at the intervals recommended by the
check for plugged PCV valve, hoses, or manifold vacuum
manufacturer.
port. Replace plugged or deteriorated hoses.
Periodically, inspect the hoses and clamps and replace any
4. Turn engine “OFF” and remove the PCV valve. Shake
showing signs of deterioration.
the valve and listen for the rattle of the check needle
inside the valve. If the valve does not rattle, replace the
PCV valve.

1 CHECK VALVE
4S 0068-6E
Figure 6-2 - PCV Valve Cross-Section

With this system, any blow-by in excess of the system

capacity (from a badly-worn engine, sustained heavy load,
etc.) is exhausted into the intake manifold and is drawn into
the engine. Proper operation of the PCV system is dependent
upon a sealed engine. If oil sludging or dilution is noted, and
the PCV system is functioning properly, check engine for
possible cause and correct to ensure that the system will
function as intended.
Functional Check of Positive Crankcase
Ventilation (PCV) System
1. Check PCV valve for correct application.
2. Engine at normal operating temperature.
3. Block off PCV system fresh air inlet passage.
4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and install a vacuum
gauge on the dipstick tube.
5. Run the engine at 1500 RPM for 30 seconds and then
read vacuum gauge while at 1500 RPM.

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Section 6 - PCV System 6-3

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2003 Marine