R36 PCV Valve Replacement

[prn31]

So my mechanic has informed me that the PCV Valve on my R36 is leaking and needs to be replaced. I understand that oil ventilation issues can lead to all sorted of issues like misfires and the like so I need to get it sorted.

Anyway I was told that the PCV is part of the engine rocker cover and that this needs to be replaced with a factory/OEM part. With three hours labour the quote I received was just over $1,000...

Is this reasonable? Is there a more economical solution that works?

[Domatron]

YouTube

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[Domatron]

RKX VW & Audi 3.6 & 3.2 Engine Valve Cover PCV Valve Diaphragm membrane V6 VR6 R32 – RKXtech

It looks like its easy enough to only replace the diaphragm...

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[prn31]

RKX VW & Audi 3.6 & 3.2 Engine Valve Cover PCV Valve Diaphragm membrane V6 VR6 R32 – RKXtech

It looks like its easy enough to only replace the diaphragm...

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Thanks Domatron, I just found that myself. It does appear to be the answer and a lot cheaper too... I will order one!

[shinjukuthief]

As far as having a mechanic do it all for you, including their mark up on the parts, and also labour, $1k seems about standard. Mine was a little more, however that included new sparkplugs as well. Although I was told (and have read elsewhere) that the rocker cover has to be replaced as well?

[prn31]

So the pcv valve is incorporated in the rocker cover and VW don't sell the pcv as a separate part, only the entire rocker, which I think is in the vicinity of $500-600.

There is a "how to" thread on the VW Vortex forum and it certainly appears doable for someone with basic skills like myself.
I've ordered the kit, which includes gaskets for the rocker cover and inlet manifold for just under US$100 and will give it a go...

[Domatron]

So the pcv valve is incorporated in the rocker cover and VW don't sell the pcv as a separate part, only the entire rocker, which I think is in the vicinity of $500-600.

There is a "how to" thread on the VW Vortex forum and it certainly appears doable for someone with basic skills like myself.
I've ordered the kit, which includes gaskets for the rocker cover and inlet manifold for just under US$100 and will give it a go...

What symptoms, if any, were you experiencing prior to the mechanic diagnosing the issue?

Keep us posted...

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[prn31]

What symptoms, if any, were you experiencing prior to the mechanic diagnosing the issue?

Keep us posted...

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To be honest the engine has been performing faultlessly - no misfires. When I popped the bonnet after a drive it did smell a bit fumey though. It may be a while before I get a chance to change the part so I will keep an eye on the engine in the meantime.

[kamold]

3 hours?
I did it twice yesterday (if a job's worth doing, it's worth doing it again after making a mistake so you learn a lesson...) and it would have taken a total of about 1.5hours total for both attempts.

Here is a video another member @ianpgonzaga

YouTube

[prn31]

3 hours?
I did it twice yesterday (if a job's worth doing, it's worth doing it again after making a mistake so you learn a lesson...) and it would have taken a total of about 1.5hours total for both attempts.

Here is a video another member @ianpgonzaga

YouTube

Thanks Kamold. 3 hours seems a lot especially as they only replace the rocker cover and not service the pcv. I notice in @ianpgonzaga video that he didn't replace the rocker cover or inlet manifold gaskets. I ordered these as it made sense to replace them as the guy in the VW Vortex explanatory thread did.

@ianpgonzaga does make it seem easy. I'm sure it isn't, especially extracting the pcv, but I hate spending unnecessary money on parts that are still serviceable.

[kamold]

Pretty sure Ian just left that part out of the video.
The gaskets take 5mins and are part of the kit, so he just would have edited for brevity I assume.

[prn31]

Pretty sure Ian just left that part out of the video.
The gaskets take 5mins and are part of the kit, so he just would have edited for brevity I assume.

You can order just the diaphragm without the gaskets. That is what I initially did and then changed my order to buy the complete kit. I'm sure you can get away without replacing the gaskets but it makes sense to do this having broken the seal.

I've heard stories of using non-original rocker covers as replacements, but they don't work apparently.

[IanPGonzaga]

Definitely easy and nothing too tricky. Fiddliest part was getting the pcv cyclonic unit out of the cam cover but just keep praying away, evenly, and it’s all peachy.

Take note of the original diaphragm orientation. Then re assemble. 1k for this job... you’re getting ripped off there!

[IanPGonzaga]

Ps. I didn’t renew the cam cover gaskets.

I’ve re used many non leaking ones (both vr6 and 4cyl). It’s only when they’re leaking is what flags me to change.

[prn31]

So I did this job over the weekend - but it took two attempts! First up I went to a mate's workshop on Saturday and set about the task. It wasn't that difficult and my mate helped out. It was when we got the pcv unit out of the rocker cover that things got difficult. I got a bit confused as to how the new membrane attached to the small spring and the larger spring. When we put it back together it ran ok to start with and then the revs raced at idle and it didn’t sound very happy. I ran out of time so planned to do it again first thing Sunday at home.

The process was a lot smoother than the previous day though one of the connectors to a coil pack had broken (a previous bodge - not me). My mate had managed to separate it the previous day but I couldn’t. Ultimately I just took out the connector with coilpack attached, easy. Anyway I took apart the pcv module and it became clear (having studied the online videos again) that I had put the new membrane in upside down– not sure how I managed that! Anyway put it all back together and the engine ran smoothly – job done!

How long did it take? A bit over two hours on Saturday and a bit under two hours on Sunday. I didn’t replace the rocker cover or inlet manifold gaskets – they looked fine. And yes, the original pcv membrane was perforated.