Blow-Out Protection for PCV Failure

[chendo72mvae]

Background: For different failure modes of the multiple check valves in the PCV system on the 1.4L Turbo engine (LUV) used in the Buick Encore, Cruze, and Sonic : 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4 PCV Valve Cover/Intake Manifold Issues

I have been looking for something to protect against pressurizing the crankcase and potentially blowing out oil seals, gaskets and the rubber disc on the valve cover that frequently happens when the non-replaceable rubber flapper check valve in the plastic intake manifold fails. According to most sources folks are lucky to get 60K before that happens (research for yourself).

When the rubber flapper check valve made into the intake disappears or fails, the turbo boost in the intake can pressurize the crankcase. Of course this can cause all kinds of issues with crankshaft seals, valve cover and other gasket failures, etc.

A *normal* valve cover breather would not work because in normal operation, there is a vacuum regulated by the diaphragm on the valve cover, with vacuum either from the intake or the turbo inlet. Such a breather would cause a severe vacuum leak. But, several performance companies have started making oil caps with a breather AND A BALL CHECK VALVE.

The replacement oil cap (w/check valve & breather) basically does nothing as long as the PCV is functioning normally... When (not if) the check valve made in the plastic intake manifold fails, the check valve in the new oil cap/breather will vent that turbo-boost pressure to protect the engine seals -- similar to a blow-off valve on a pressure cooker.

The trick it seemed was to find something that would work with the 1.4L turbo engine on the Encore. Starting in model year 2017 (and later replacement valve covers for earlier years), the valve covers come with a locking collar that implements the old-style double-helix GM oil cap design -- earlier years had an oil cap with two tangs -- not the double-helix.

After some looking on eBay and other sites, there just did not seem to be anything to work, but the folks in Florida worked with me to basically take a cap for GM and enlarge one of the openings to the helix so that the billet aluminum fits the 1.4L Turbo perfectly. If interested visit: CFM Performance Billet Valve Cover Breather for 2016-2018 Buick Encore 1.4L
(I do not work for them -- but am thankful for their help)

does this cap work on 2013 buick encore 1.4 turbo

 

[Steveyo]

No. The 2016 and newer Encores came with an extended oil filler neck on the valve cover, which the above check valve breather cap is designed for.

CFM Performance Billet Valve Cover Breather for 2016-2018 Buick Encore 1.4L (might also work on Chevy Sonic, Cruze, and Trax models)

“NOT FOR SALE/LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA/CARB STATES. ORDERS WILL BE CANCELLED AND REFUNDED“ FREE SHIPPING available via USPS First Class Mail to USA, APO, FPO, and PR. Please contact us if you need this product faster and would like to discuss expedited options.

www.c-f-m.com

 

[foultrouble]

Background: For different failure modes of the multiple check valves in the PCV system on the 1.4L Turbo engine (LUV) used in the Buick Encore, Cruze, and Sonic : 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4 PCV Valve Cover/Intake Manifold Issues

I have been looking for something to protect against pressurizing the crankcase and potentially blowing out oil seals, gaskets and the rubber disc on the valve cover that frequently happens when the non-replaceable rubber flapper check valve in the plastic intake manifold fails. According to most sources folks are lucky to get 60K before that happens (research for yourself).

When the rubber flapper check valve made into the intake disappears or fails, the turbo boost in the intake can pressurize the crankcase. Of course this can cause all kinds of issues with crankshaft seals, valve cover and other gasket failures, etc.

A *normal* valve cover breather would not work because in normal operation, there is a vacuum regulated by the diaphragm on the valve cover, with vacuum either from the intake or the turbo inlet. Such a breather would cause a severe vacuum leak. But, several performance companies have started making oil caps with a breather AND A BALL CHECK VALVE.

The replacement oil cap (w/check valve & breather) basically does nothing as long as the PCV is functioning normally... When (not if) the check valve made in the plastic intake manifold fails, the check valve in the new oil cap/breather will vent that turbo-boost pressure to protect the engine seals -- similar to a blow-off valve on a pressure cooker.

The trick it seemed was to find something that would work with the 1.4L turbo engine on the Encore. Starting in model year 2017 (and later replacement valve covers for earlier years), the valve covers come with a locking collar that implements the old-style double-helix GM oil cap design -- earlier years had an oil cap with two tangs -- not the double-helix.

After some looking on eBay and other sites, there just did not seem to be anything to work, but the folks in Florida worked with me to basically take a cap for GM and enlarge one of the openings to the helix so that the billet aluminum fits the 1.4L Turbo perfectly. If interested visit: CFM Performance Billet Valve Cover Breather for 2016-2018 Buick Encore 1.4L
(I do not work for them -- but am thankful for their help)

I have a 2014 Encore Premium and I've just addressed the intake manifold PCV issue with one of the Cruzekits. I want to address the valve cover now, and use the CFM valve cover breather for additional peace of mind. The valve cover on the engine now is the old style (uses the 2 tang oil cap). I'm looking at replacement valve covers but haven't been able to gain any confidence that I've found the replacement valve cover with the locking collar oil filler port. Wondering if you can point me in the right direction. How do I ensure I end up with the right valve cover as the part photos I'm looking at aren't giving me any confidence that I've found the right replacement. The original post indicates there is such a replacement, but maybe I'm misinterpreting.

 

[Steveyo]

Here is a picture of the replacement neck that screws into the filler hole on the valve cover. The aftermarket breather assembly is then screwed onto the filler neck(after removing the filler cap). Some replacement valve covers may come with the newer filler neck, but I suspect you'll have to buy it separately (good prices on eBay) and attach it yourself. After doing so, the breather/check valve device screw into the top of the filler tube.

OEM NEW 09-20 GM Chevrolet Cadillac Pontiac Buick Engine Oil Filler Cap 25192632 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM NEW 09-20 GM Chevrolet Cadillac Pontiac Buick Engine Oil Filler Cap 25192632 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[foultrouble]

Here is a picture of the replacement neck that screws into the filler hole on the valve cover. The aftermarket breather assembly is then screwed onto the filler neck(after removing the filler cap). Some replacement valve covers may come with the newer filler neck, but I suspect you'll have to buy it separately (good prices on eBay) and attach it yourself. After doing so, the breather/check valve device screw into the top of the filler tube.

OEM NEW 09-20 GM Chevrolet Cadillac Pontiac Buick Engine Oil Filler Cap 25192632 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM NEW 09-20 GM Chevrolet Cadillac Pontiac Buick Engine Oil Filler Cap 25192632 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Perfect! Thank you for the intel!

 

[Smoothsailer717]

Just received a notice in the mail from GM for the PCV valve freezing problem.

So what did the letter say?

 

[Again]

So what did the letter say?

 

[Smoothsailer717]

Thats the inner cooler thing,, not the pcv valve.

 

[Daytona@88]

No. The 2016 and newer Encores came with an extended oil filler neck on the valve cover, which the above check valve breather cap is designed for.

CFM Performance Billet Valve Cover Breather for 2016-2018 Buick Encore 1.4L (might also work on Chevy Sonic, Cruze, and Trax models)

“NOT FOR SALE/LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA/CARB STATES. ORDERS WILL BE CANCELLED AND REFUNDED“ FREE SHIPPING available via USPS First Class Mail to USA, APO, FPO, and PR. Please contact us if you need this product faster and would like to discuss expedited options.

www.c-f-m.com

Hi Steveyo,
I'm new to the forum but I just purchase a 2016 Encore, about 29,000 miles. While I was researching the vehicle I saw all the postings about the check valve failure and came across this check valve breather cap. Can you please give me some feedback on how well this cap works? Should I be worry about any damage to engine that may avoid my warranty? Do they leak or splatter oil once releasing the positive pressure. Sorry about all the questions and I know it's an old post but I was just looking for some feedback before I buy it. Thank you.
Rick

 

[Steveyo]

Hi Steveyo,
I'm new to the forum but I just purchase a 2016 Encore, about 29,000 miles. While I was researching the vehicle I saw all the postings about the check valve failure and came across this check valve breather cap. Can you please give me some feedback on how well this cap works? Should I be worry about any damage to engine that may avoid my warranty? Do they leak or splatter oil once releasing the positive pressure. Sorry about all the questions and I know it's an old post but I was just looking for some feedback before I buy it. Thank you.
Rick

As I understand, the breather cap with check valve only starts doing its job when something goes wrong with the normal PCV system, which causes too much pressure to build up in the crankcase leading to oil and gasket leaks. Until then, the check valve in the breather cap stays closed and only opens when the pressure is too high in order to allow the excess pressure to escape, and thus prevents gasket and seal leaks caused by the excess pressure. So if the engine has no problems, the breather cap check valve remains closed and basically functions like a regular oil filler cap. Since I only have 14,000 on my Encore, and the breather cap has not opened yet due to excess pressure, I cannot speak about it leaking, though I doubt it would since it relieves crankcase pressure. I would suggest taking the aftermarket cap off and putting the stock/OEM cap back on when taking the vehicle in for any warranty work or smog checks, even though the cap basically performs exactly like the OEM cap until a problem arises.

 

[Daytona@88]

As I understand, the breather cap with check valve only starts doing its job when something goes wrong with the normal PCV system, which causes too much pressure to build up in the crankcase leading to oil and gasket leaks. Until then, the check valve in the breather cap stays closed and only opens when the pressure is too high in order to allow the excess pressure to escape, and thus prevents gasket and seal leaks caused by the excess pressure. So if the engine has no problems, the breather cap check valve remains closed and basically functions like a regular oil filler cap. Since I only have 14,000 on my Encore, and the breather cap has not opened yet due to excess pressure, I cannot speak about it leaking, though I doubt it would since it relieves crankcase pressure. I would suggest taking the aftermarket cap off and putting the stock/OEM cap back on when taking the vehicle in for any warranty work or smog checks, even though the cap basically performs exactly like the OEM cap until a problem arises.

Thank you so much! This was a great explanation and I feel much better on getting one now. Glad I joined this forum.

 

[Daytona@88]

Background: For different failure modes of the multiple check valves in the PCV system on the 1.4L Turbo engine (LUV) used in the Buick Encore, Cruze, and Sonic : 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4 PCV Valve Cover/Intake Manifold Issues

I have been looking for something to protect against pressurizing the crankcase and potentially blowing out oil seals, gaskets and the rubber disc on the valve cover that frequently happens when the non-replaceable rubber flapper check valve in the plastic intake manifold fails. According to most sources folks are lucky to get 60K before that happens (research for yourself).

When the rubber flapper check valve made into the intake disappears or fails, the turbo boost in the intake can pressurize the crankcase. Of course this can cause all kinds of issues with crankshaft seals, valve cover and other gasket failures, etc.

A *normal* valve cover breather would not work because in normal operation, there is a vacuum regulated by the diaphragm on the valve cover, with vacuum either from the intake or the turbo inlet. Such a breather would cause a severe vacuum leak. But, several performance companies have started making oil caps with a breather AND A BALL CHECK VALVE.

The replacement oil cap (w/check valve & breather) basically does nothing as long as the PCV is functioning normally... When (not if) the check valve made in the plastic intake manifold fails, the check valve in the new oil cap/breather will vent that turbo-boost pressure to protect the engine seals -- similar to a blow-off valve on a pressure cooker.

The trick it seemed was to find something that would work with the 1.4L turbo engine on the Encore. Starting in model year 2017 (and later replacement valve covers for earlier years), the valve covers come with a locking collar that implements the old-style double-helix GM oil cap design -- earlier years had an oil cap with two tangs -- not the double-helix.

After some looking on eBay and other sites, there just did not seem to be anything to work, but the folks in Florida worked with me to basically take a cap for GM and enlarge one of the openings to the helix so that the billet aluminum fits the 1.4L Turbo perfectly. If interested visit: CFM Performance Billet Valve Cover Breather for 2016-2018 Buick Encore 1.4L
(I do not work for them -- but am thankful for their help)

Hi Ken,
I'm new to the forum but I just purchase a 2016 Encore, about 29,000 miles. While I was researching the vehicle I saw all the postings about the check valve failure and came across this check valve breather cap. Can you please give me some feedback on how well this cap works? Should I be worry about any damage to engine that may avoid my warranty? Do they leak or splatter oil once releasing the positive pressure. Sorry about all the questions and I know it's an old post but I was just looking for some feedback before I buy it. Thank you.
Rick

 

[Daytona@88]

Thank you so much! This was a great explanation and I feel much better on getting one now. Glad I joined this forum.

Thank you so much! This was a great explanation and I feel much better on getting one now. Glad I joined this forum.

As I understand, the breather cap with check valve only starts doing its job when something goes wrong with the normal PCV system, which causes too much pressure to build up in the crankcase leading to oil and gasket leaks. Until then, the check valve in the breather cap stays closed and only opens when the pressure is too high in order to allow the excess pressure to escape, and thus prevents gasket and seal leaks caused by the excess pressure. So if the engine has no problems, the breather cap check valve remains closed and basically functions like a regular oil filler cap. Since I only have 14,000 on my Encore, and the breather cap has not opened yet due to excess pressure, I cannot speak about it leaking, though I doubt it would since it relieves crankcase pressure. I would suggest taking the aftermarket cap off and putting the stock/OEM cap back on when taking the vehicle in for any warranty work or smog checks, even though the cap basically performs exactly like the OEM cap until a problem arises.

Hi Steveyo,
So I bought the breather and installed it last Thursday, put about 30 miles on the car no issues. On Friday, I took the ignition coil out to check the condition of my spark plugs, after putting everything back together the next day the check engine light comes on. I took the car to a friend of mine and it has code P0171, lean on bank 1. The only thing I remembered doing different was taking out the ignition coil out so I decided to take another look at it and when I took it out I noticed that inside one of the boots the spring resistor was hung up to the side of the boot and not seating correctly. I fixed it and put it back but light was still on. This morning I was going to take it to the dealer since I still have warranty but as soon as I turned the car on the light was gone. So basically what I want to ask you is, do you think it was really the coil pack issue and not the breather that threw the code? I'm only asking because it happened around the same time. Have you have the CEL come on at all since you install your breather? Your feed back will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Again]

The CEL needs 3 startups before it will turn "OFF" after code P0171 is fixed. So the spring hung up in the boot may have been the cause for your code. Changing the breather cap will not set a code.

 

[Daytona@88]

The CEL needs 3 startups before it will turn "OFF" after code P0171 is fixed. So the spring hung up in the boot may have been the cause for your code. Changing the breather cap will not set a code.

Thank you! that makes me feel much better. I bought the breather to prevent the blowout condition in case the PCV fails. I saw the breather has great reviews so I decided to give it a try, I will put it back on. Have a great day.

 

[Daytona@88]

Thank you! that makes me feel much better. I bought the breather to prevent the blowout condition in case the PCV fails. I saw the breather has great reviews so I decided to give it a try, I will put it back on. Have a great day.

Update: So, I went ahead and put the breather cap on and within 15 miles light comes back on. Not sure if I have a defective cap but it's almost certain that's the culprit of my CEL coming back. At this point I'm not going to keep trying with this cap and just keep the factory one on it. I'll see if I can return it and if not I'll have to take it as a lost.

 

[Again]

Same code? P0171

 

[Daytona@88]

Same code? P0171

YES, strange thing is that some people in this forum has the breather installed and they don't seem to have any issues, smh.

 

[Again]

I'm wondering if you may have a PCV issue already causing this code to come up. What kind of mileage do you have?

 

[Daytona@88]

Just turned 29,000 miles, is there a simple way to know or check if you have this issue?