I would look at the remaining threads on the old PCV valve and tighten your new PCV valve to same number of remaining exposed threads. Which is usually the last two or three threads.

 

I would think that using torque wrench is a more accurate method…

 

Yes, a torque wrench would be the ideal method to use. However, many torque wrenches are not that accurate( can be off by a few ft/lbs) if you do not pay over $300 for a professional grade one(Snap On,Matco,etc) which could mean that you could still over-tighten the valve just enough to crack the valve cover.

I have cracked an engine cover trying to torque down an oil sensor to factory spec(15 ft/lbs) with a torque wrench(cheaper non-professional grade) on another car. I should have just stop tightening it down when it reached the same number of threads as the old one but I wanted to get it perfect. I learned my lesson to just stop where the factory sensor was placed based on counting the threads. It cracked just before my torque wrench clicked off at 15ft/lbs which was farther in than the old one. It required replacing the front timing cover.

 

Replaced PCV valve, used torque wrench and 20 lb-ft was perfect, same threads.

glad I replaced it, old one was nasty and it appeared that it was not moving freely when shaken. Car is 2013 with 26k miles. It was seldomly driven for very short distances, oil probably was not changed for several years at
a time given low milage per year and older person using it

 

So 20 ft/lbs was spot on. You got to love Toyota engineering.

I am also glad that counting the remaining thread method would have worked just as well as using a torque wrench. Same outcome either way..

What brand of torque wrench did you use that was that accurate?

Post a pic of the torque wrench you used please if you can.

 

I used this inexpensive one, it says 3% error rate.

its 45 lb-ft max, good for smaller torques like 7 lb-ft for brake caliper and etc


https://a.co/d/ePJiKlP
Amazon

 

I wonder if I need to run sone Valvoline Restore Protect in this engine. Its low miles 26k, but that car was rarely used and when used for really short trips, its possible it went 2-3 years without oil change.

 

Interesting. Generally those cheap off-brand torque wrenches are not that accurate as described by the seller.

Could you post an pic of the actual torque wrench you used that is in your possession before I buy that one based only on the Amazon link?

 

I would use the Valvoline Restore oil in your engine.

Here is what my engine looks like under the valve cover after using a similar formulated Valvoline High Mileage full synthetic oil with a good cleaning additive package in my 2015 RX350 with over 190k miles. Looks almost brand new and runs smooth and strong.

 

Its a 3/8” drive with torque range setting 5-45 ft-lb.
there is only one choice with these specs from the link

 

I am asking for you to post a pic of the "actual" torque wrench that you personally own and claimed to have used on your RX350 that was so spot on accurate for that cheap of a price; not an generic online seller link.


Here like this. These are my torque wrenches and digital torque adapters I use and own.

 

The link is the exact one I have, but I will post a pic

 

Thanks for reminding of PCV replacement, Toyota # 12204-31120 looks to be the oem part for 3RX.

 

 

Its $4.89 for PCV valve including shipping from https://parts.prestigelexus.com/p/62...204-31120.html


Its so cheap its a no brainer to swap it.