Oro

Here is a $3 fix for that $25 specialized PCV (inlet side) breather hose that heats and cracks. I am referring to the PCV breather/inlet hose on the front/#2 bank, not the valve itself and attendant hose in the back. "This thing" (image courtesy of imgur):




The issue is the inlet to the valve cover pipe is right along the cover, under the engine cover with little ventilation, and gets very hot, shrinks, and cracks over time. It also often breaks if removed with less than surgical care. It's oily and sealant won't help, and tape heats and fails. The hose itself is ridiculously over-designed going from 5/8"/16mm outlet at the air box, necks down to 3/8"/10mm internally, then opens to 1/2"/13mm at the VC inlet. Ridiculous for what is just a vent. The replacement is ~$23 + shipping.

This is the business end at the VC and how it heat-hardens and cracks, creating a vacuum leak:



1) Go to Ace Hardware or similar and get a plastic 1/2" to 3/8" hose barb; this is the piece that Ace has for $2.50 + tax.



2) Go across the street to O'Reillys and get 6" or so of 1/2" fuel-grade hose. Ace has this type of hose, but unlikely 1/2" - mine did not. This was free because the manager refused to charge me for less than a foot (nice guys).

3) Cut the hose 1/2 way and splice the bottom part in to adapt from the still-functioning upper 1/2 and the bad lower end.:

hypervish

Thanks for the DIY, solid work! Literally one day too late!! haha, I just replaced mine yesterday, got it for $18 at my Lexus dealership with a coupon code. I broke the hose while doing the valve cover gaskets, and it's been setting off a P0171 and P0174. Now to see if the codes do not re-appear, hopefully it was just this hose! I did install a new intake manifold gasket, so I doubt it's that.

freddiekd

Neat clean worn there. I think I'll do just that.