# PCV Valve Replacement in Upland > PCV valve replacement in Upland for oil burning, whistles and oil leaks caused by crankcase pressure. We test the vent system and quote it in writing first. Source: https://route66autorepairshop.com/engine-services/pcv-valve-replacement Updated: 2026-09-17 Business: Route 66 Auto Repair, 1775 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, (909) 608-7699 Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, Sunday closed **TLDR:** A stuck **PCV valve** builds **crankcase pressure** that forces oil out of seals and into the intake. We test the vent system, then replace the valve and **cracked hoses**. A PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve vents blow-by gases out of the crankcase and back into the engine to be burned. When it sticks, pressure builds and pushes oil past seals. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland checks crankcase pressure and the hoses around the valve before replacing it, so you are not paying for a small part while the leak keeps going. Every line is written on the estimate first. ## How do you know the PCV valve is failing? - Oil use between changes with no visible drip - A whistle or hiss from the top of the engine at idle - Oil wetness around the valve cover or rear main seal - Blue smoke at startup or oil pooled in the air intake tube - Lean codes or a rough idle from a split PCV hose ## Why does a small valve cause big leaks? Every engine leaks a little combustion gas past the piston rings. The PCV system pulls that gas out. If the valve sticks closed, pressure has nowhere to go, so it shoves oil past the softest seal it can find. That is how a part that fits in your palm turns into a wet [valve cover gasket](https://route66autorepairshop.com/engine-services/valve-cover-gasket-repair) or a leaking crank seal. If the valve sticks open, the engine pulls oil mist into the intake and burns it. ## Our PCV valve replacement process 1. **Pressure and vacuum check:** We measure crankcase pressure at the oil fill with the engine idling to confirm venting is the problem. 2. **Locate the valve:** Some valves sit in the valve cover grommet. Others are built into the cover or tucked under the intake, which changes the labor. 3. **Replace valve and hoses:** We install the new valve, replace hardened hoses and grommets, and clear any oil sludge from the ports. 4. **Verify:** We recheck crankcase pressure, clear codes and road test the vehicle. ## What's included in PCV valve replacement - Crankcase pressure test - New PCV valve or integrated cover assembly as quoted - Grommet and vent hose inspection and replacement as quoted - Intake tube check for pooled oil - Road test ## Need-now or need-later? **Need now:** - Oil being pushed out of the dipstick tube or fill cap - Oil dripping onto the exhaust, which can smoke or catch **Need later:** - A stiff but working valve found during an oil change - Light oil mist in the intake tube with normal oil use ## How pricing and timing work The part is usually modest. Access sets the price: a valve in a grommet takes minutes, while a valve built into the valve cover means a new cover and gasket. We tell you which one your engine has before we start. Phone quotes are ranges until we see the engine. AAA members save 10% on parts and labor, up to $75. Most of these jobs are same-day when the board allows. ## Aftercare Oil use should drop over the next month. Leaks that were driven by pressure often slow down but may not stop, because the seal may already be damaged. If one keeps dripping, our [engine oil leak repair](https://route66autorepairshop.com/oil-change-services/engine-oil-leak-repair) team can pin down which seal is still weeping. ## Frequently asked questions ### How often should a PCV valve be replaced? Many owner's manuals list an interval, and some do not list one at all. We go by condition. A quick rattle test and a crankcase pressure reading during an [oil change inspection](https://route66autorepairshop.com/oil-change-services/oil-change-inspection) tell us more than mileage does. ### Can a bad PCV valve cause a check engine light? Yes. A split hose or a valve stuck open lets in unmetered air, which can set lean or idle codes. The code usually points at the air mixture, not at the PCV valve by name, so we test the system before replacing parts. ### Is it safe to drive with a bad PCV valve? For a short time, usually. The risk grows if oil is being pushed onto hot exhaust parts or if the engine is burning enough oil to foul spark plugs. We label it need-now or need-later on your estimate based on what we find. --- Call (909) 608-7699 or visit https://route66autorepairshop.com/contact for a written estimate.