Where is it located on my '99 GS400 engine?
Do I have to remove anything to get to it?
Does it make much difference what brand PCV valve I use?
Should I replace the grommet at the same time (1999 with 71K miles)?

 

I can check my manual when I get home

Jonny

 

Toyota dealer for the part... best price with the right fit.

I would replace the rubber grommet at the same time Gently pry out the old one, keeping a hold on it so not to drop it inside the valve cover. Hook it with a piece of coat hanger while removing .

After slipping down the finger clamp, pry the rubber tube from the valve, using minimum rotating motions.

A "light" coat of dish detergent and water on the new seal can help with the seal reinstallation and the valve installation. Dry off any excess.

 

how often should a PCV valve be changed?

 

Researching indicates Toyota recommends every 30,000 miles.. I couldn't locate a Lexus specification.

I clean mine once a year with "Orange Blast" citrus degreaser and cleaner. Water based, it works much better than a mineral solvent. No oily residue after canned air dry.

I coat the used grommet and PCV valve with "Aerospace 303 rubber protectant" prior to reinstallation. This keeps it pliable.

 

Even if it doesn't rattle there's no need to replace the OEM PVC valve.
Many replacement PVC valves are made of cheaper plastic, but the stock valve is made of metal that is easily cleaned to like-new condition with a little solvent.

That grommet does need replacement from time to time, though.
The local stealership wants $6.80 for that rubber ring - anyone know of an alternative source?

 

If you want the best fit for the part, go straight to a Toyota dealership. Not sure what the price is for the grommet alone, but you are better off to go there than anywhere else. I learned my lesson after deciding to replace mine with a grommet part bought from Advance Auto Parts for like $2. The piece was not a tight fit to the engine, and the valve could not sustain itself with the grommet. I took care of it all at Toyota for around $25 to $30.

 

I have used one of those orange cleaners on mine just as Tammy mentioned...and they are good. I was using some petroleum-based cleaners before my uncle said I was going to get deposits...he was right, but I have found one carburator cleaner sold down here that did not have that issue. It can make a definite difference in performance if not cleaned and/or changed.

 

I am not a very good mechanic (ok - I am just short of a moron) and still need to know where the PCV valve is located on the engine......

 

If you don't know where it is, how do you know it needs a grommet?

 

I'd like to open this up to the GS300 crowd as well... I believe it is located under the engine cover... but would greatly appreciate any pics that someone could share before I go hunting around for it. Thanks!

 

It's located at the rear of the intake valve cover (drivers side) just in front of the firewall behind the throttle body for GS300, and on the left (drivers side) valve cover towards the front of the engine facing the intake manifold.

 

thanks... I'll give it a try next weekend when I'm back home.