Are you wondering what the crankcase ventilation valve does in your BMW? This important component assists in the management of pressures within an engine and ensures that your engine is in its best state. Without this valve, your BMW’s engine will not run as it should. When it begins to fail, you will realize it triggers several performance problems. So what leads to this valve’s failure, and how can it be fixed early on?
Typical Causes of Crankcase Ventilation Valve Defects
- Cold Weather Problems: The crankcase valve of your BMW can encounter considerable problems in cold weather. When it gets very cold, the oil in the crankcase can thicken, making valve function difficult. Also, any condensation within the system can freeze, leading to blockages that keep the valve from effectively releasing gasses. When the weather turns cold in your area, it is important to watch how your BMW performs. Making sure your engine warms up and the oil is flowing correctly, can help lower the chance of valve failures in cold weather.
- Age and Wear: Just like any other part of your vehicle, the PCV valve can deteriorate with age. As your BMW racks up miles, components that used to work well will start to decline in performance, and the crankcase valve will not be spared either. The result of aging is that the valve's components might become either brittle or cracked. This aging will influence your car's ability to manage the pressure in the crankcase. Regular maintenance can reveal this problem almost as soon as it emerges, which can help avoid more engine problems. Even though changing the valve may not look like an urgent matter, executing that change when it's worn out could provide protection against pricey repairs in the future.
- Oil Contamination: One of the principal sources of PCV valve failure is oil contamination. As time goes by, the valve may clog up with oil, dirt, and debris, which prevents it from working adequately. The result is that the crankcase gasses cannot escape, generating too much pressure in the engine. This may produce seal failure or interfere with other engine parts. Skip routine oil changes or put low-quality oil in, and you may experience an increase in oil contaminant buildup. Keeping your oil fresh and utilizing premium oil will help stop this problem.
- Broken Hoses: The crankcase ventilation system of your BMW depends on hoses and connectors to operate. If any of these components cracks or come apart, it can lead to a system malfunction. When your BMW hose is damaged, it will not be able to regulate the pressure inside the engine, and what you’ll see next is erratic idling, oil leaks, or a drop in engine efficiency. A hose that has broken might look like a little problem, but when left unattended, it can create major issues. Inspection of the ventilation system regularly, can identify this problem early, enabling you to change the hose before it causes expensive repairs.
- Condensation Buildup: Buildup of condensation within the crankcase can happen, especially if you regularly engage in short trips in your BMW that don’t allow the engine to heat up fully. This condensation can blend with oil and other pollutants, which forms sludge that restricts the flow of gas in the ventilation valve. If you reside in areas with cold weather, it is usual for this to happen. Quick trips combined with low heat can lead to accelerated moisture buildup. Properly warming up your engine is important in order to evade this. Take your BMW for extended drives, so that you can control and reduce condensation buildup and maintain your engine's perfect operation.
How To Solve Problems Related to the Crankcase Valve
If you think your crankcase valve is not functioning correctly, it’s vital to have a professional take a look at it. The valve is buried in the engine, which complicates access unless you have the correct tools. A technician certified by BMW can find the problem and suggest the best way out.
Allow Royalty Auto Service To Take Care Of Your BMW Repairs
At Royalty Auto Service, we excel in the maintenance and repair of high-performance vehicles, including
BMWs. Our skilled technicians can help you solve crankcase valve or engine component issues. To guarantee the smooth and efficient operation of your BMW, we depend on the latest diagnostic equipment, along with original equipment manufacturer parts. You can visit our workshops in Kingsland or St Marys, GA. We also assist drivers from nearby areas like Amelia Island, King Bay Base, Brunswick, Woodbine, and Yulee, GA. Give us a call now to keep your BMW in top shape!
* Blue BMW M3 Car image credit goes to:Brandon Woyshnis.