View Full Version : Mega-Mayo in the PCV Lines
betyouaint
02-01-2014, 12:56 PM
Today I changed my N80 valve to solve a few issues including 2187 and 1093 codes, stuttering after stopping and failure to start after filling up. I'd also ordered a front PCV valve as I was suspicious that it wasn't 100% and decided I'd change that at the same time. I was shocked at just how much oil/water mayo was clogging up the pipes. I did a search on here and there were a few examples of this but as you can see from the photos, it wasn't just a little smear. After failing to remove the long PCV hose from the crankcase (how the hell is that supposed to come off in such a restricted space...!!?) I ended up using my shop vac with a makeshift adapter to suck the pipe clean... ish.
I thought this only happened on cars that did frequent short journeys as that didn't give time for the engine to warm up and burn of the water vapor. My car does 2 journeys a day, both in excess of 40 miles.
http://www.legoheads.com/PCVGunk01.jpg
http://www.legoheads.com/PCVGunk02.jpg
http://www.legoheads.com/PCVGunk03.jpg
http://www.legoheads.com/PCVGunk04.jpg
b6Hate4
02-01-2014, 01:20 PM
wow that is ugly!
p0isin
02-01-2014, 01:38 PM
It really does look like a disgusting variant of mayonnaise.....
would you describe the mayo as being the consistency of kraft, or hellman's?
PNW Avant
02-01-2014, 02:28 PM
Bad ventilation can cause that build up. I would inspect all your lines and your PCV valve to ensure everything is operation correctly. Even if you do drive a lot, if there is not appropriate ventilation to get rid of that oil/water vapor, it will continue to foam. What does your valve cover gaskets look like?
betyouaint
02-01-2014, 02:58 PM
Interestingly, it tastes more like dijon mustard.
Interestingly, it tastes more like dijon mustard.
Sounds like its too watery, add 2 tbs of cayenne pepper and a dash of garlic powder, then let it marinate at 3000 RPM's for 5 minutes, you should see a much more zesty mayonnaise with this recipe.
On a serious note that does look like extensive moisture in your PCV system. When you drive your car do you drive for a half hour or is it something like 5 minutes, where the car doesn't even warm up? You may also have a bad check valve allowing moisture to enter the crankcase while the car is off. I would pull the valve cover, rinse all the gunk out of it using brakeleen or some type of cleaner htat will evaporate, then reinstall and go for a nice long drive, maybe 1 hr, see if the hoses look cleaner after that
betyouaint
02-01-2014, 04:37 PM
As per original post, car driven 2 journeys of just over 40 miles each per day, 45 minutes in the morning, around 55 minutes in the evening. Rarely does any other journey.
B72011
02-01-2014, 09:37 PM
Hellmans....it's know east of the Rockies...out west it's called best foods. FYI. Hahaha.
CorneliusRox
02-01-2014, 11:47 PM
I just threw up all over my computer... thanks
4rings5stars
02-02-2014, 06:47 AM
As per original post, car driven 2 journeys of just over 40 miles each per day, 45 minutes in the morning, around 55 minutes in the evening. Rarely does any other journey.
But how long have you had the car? That's been there a while. Maybe the previous owner?
betyouaint
02-02-2014, 08:12 AM
But how long have you had the car? That's been there a while. Maybe the previous owner?
I've had the car over 3.5 years and have taken it from 35k to just short of 110k. Until recently I haven't experienced any major issues unless you count the sudden massive increase in oil consumption that started around 70k (from zero top up in 10,000 miles to 1QT every 1200 miles). If you've seen my other post (James Bond Smoke Screen) you'll know that my turbo bit the dust a couple of weeks back and after replacement early indications are that oil consumption may be back under control; only time and additional mileage will confirm this. Other maintenance includes cam chain replacement (previous owner), flap module update, PVC update, crankshaft position sensor replacement, seatbelt sensor repair (all around 70k). I'm planning on checking the cam follower before the extended warranty expires at 120k but up until now, it has never been changed.
-Billy
02-02-2014, 08:41 AM
But how long have you had the car? That's been there a while. Maybe the previous owner?
It can build up in just a few days in the really cold twmps that have been happening. My catch can line get like that in one day at below 0. I bring it inside and clean it out every night so it doesn't freeza and blow out seals.
4rings5stars
02-02-2014, 01:51 PM
It can build up in just a few days in the really cold twmps that have been happening. My catch can line get like that in one day at below 0. I bring it inside and clean it out every night so it doesn't freeza and blow out seals.
Yikes! Was not aware of that. I really need to inspect mine in the spring!
I've had the car over 3.5 years and have taken it from 35k to just short of 110k. Until recently I haven't experienced any major issues unless you count the sudden massive increase in oil consumption that started around 70k (from zero top up in 10,000 miles to 1QT every 1200 miles). If you've seen my other post (James Bond Smoke Screen) you'll know that my turbo bit the dust a couple of weeks back and after replacement early indications are that oil consumption may be back under control; only time and additional mileage will confirm this. Other maintenance includes cam chain replacement (previous owner), flap module update, PVC update, crankshaft position sensor replacement, seatbelt sensor repair (all around 70k). I'm planning on checking the cam follower before the extended warranty expires at 120k but up until now, it has never been changed.
OK. Rules that out. Other than cleaning that crap out, I got nothing!