While I had the wire loom loose on the drivers side after replacing the spark plugs I decided to replace the PCV valve. By the way, the PCV valve takes a 19mm wrench.



I removed this bolt and it's bracket to give myself just a little more room when working back there as well as loosening the zip tie catches all along the wire loom when doing the spark plugs. However I was having a heck of a time getting any wrench back there (I don't have stubbies) let alone any leverage to turn the PCV.



Then I remembered my daughter had bought me some crow foot wrenches last year for Christmas and I had completely forgot about them. After digging through all my junk I found them. Below are the Harbor Freight specials that I used which made removing the PCV so much easier. I found that my PCV was pretty sticky even at 66,124 miles so I'm glad I replaced it.
After plugs and PCV the car feels peppy again.

 

So 19mm plus extension, unscrew and done? I've got 63k now, just had my plugs replaced but didn't touch PCV

 

Correct. 19mm crow foot, plus long extension, unscrew and replace. Done. You may not even need to remove the small bracket like I did but I had already done it when I was trying to use a normal wrench. I did try a few of my thin wall sockets but the intake manifold is just to close to the PCV. And I did try a 19mm Craftsman Max Axess socket and it did fit but I couldn't get the wrench on it, again due to the intake manifold. The crow foot makes removing the PCV pretty easy.

 

You can manipulate a regular open end wrench in there with a lot of elbow grease and swearing. But you had the right idea, a Crow Foot is the way to go for sure.

At 235,000km, mine was still fine. I pulled it out because I have been seeing some oil consumption, about 1 later every couple thousand KM. Cleaned it with some brake clean just because it was out, but it felt fine.

 

Just replaced mine for the second time yesterday. Removed the same bracket to gain enough access to use my box end wrench. Though this PCV had ~50k miles on it, the thing rattled around quite easily and probably was good for another 50k. But for <$10, why not! Also did new plug too!

 

Thank you Soledad, All. I have a 2006 IS250 sucking oil now (have to refill 1 liter approx for every 1000 kms. Would this be the right tools?

19mm crow foot,
6 x 3/8 in. dr Locking Extension Bar
3/8 in. dr x 15 in. Ratcheting Breaker Bar

My mechanic says "this PCV need not be replaced", "it's hard to access... bla bla bla" so doin it myself.

Thanks,
Ed

 

Not hard with the right tools! A breaker bar isn't necessary; a normal ratchet will be fine. I'd get a longer extension that will serve you in tight situations on future projects. Get something closer to a 9-12" extension bar.

 

Guess what, I may have 'listed' the right tools but still with them, I wasn't able to get the PCV off so went to a nearby mechanic (went to them several times and they were awesome). Paid 40 CAD for it - saw their tools - yes the crowfoot wrench - maybe around 8 -10 inches long and a long nose plier (really long) to pull off the hose from the PCV. Did it in under 20 minutes. The owner said that's what you get for a mechanic with 3 years of formal education doing these stuff. =). I noticed (hopefully not psychological only) that the car acceleration picked up a bit. Once I go pass 500km, I'll come back and advise if in my case, if the PCV replacement helped. As for the old PCV, it was rattling, not stuck up, a little dirty but doesn't seem to be bad (in terms of not rattling and stuck up). Again, the strange increase in acceleration is something worth noting.


Ok, after 1000 kms, the PCV valve replacement appear to have helped improve gas consumption, now at 10.8 litres per 100 km from 12-13 liters per 100 kms. Oil consumption was the same - still had to top-up engine oil about a litre ++.

 

so I was wanting to do this to my GS but I am completely unable to remove the rubber hose or even make it budge! Any tips or part numbers so if I break that hose. 90k 2011 GS350

 

Yeah these stock hoses seem to harden fairly quickly. You can probably get some hose disconnect pliers at your local automotive store. Though you risk of tearing the old hose. I'd prepare for it cracking pulling it off.