What Happens When Your BMW’s Crankcase Ventilation Valve Fails

The crankcase ventilation valve also known as the PCV valve is a small but very important component of your BMW’s engine. Its job is to control the combustion products and ensure they do not stay within the engine because this can cause many problems for the engine. When this valve becomes faulty, you will begin to notice some problems; if this is not well attended to, it may cause serious damage to the engine. Let’s see what will happen if this component fails, how you can resolve its failure, and where you should go for quality repairs.

Symptoms of a Bad Crankcase Ventilation Valve

• Excessive Oil Consumption: The first symptom of a faulty crankcase valve is that the amount of oil consumed is high. When the valve stops doing its job, the engine will be put in a situation where more oil combusts in the combustion chamber. One of the ways to detect this problem is to observe your engine oil If you realize that you are adding oil much more than you normally would then the PCV valve is faulty.
• Rough Idling: Another sign is rough running or even stalling of your BMW when the engine is running but stationary. The PCV valve is supposed to manage the air-fuel combination by regulating the flow of gases within the engine, but when the valve fails, this combination loses balance which leads to stalling while idling.
• Oil Leaks: When the crankcase is over-pressurized because of a bad PCV valve, it forces oil through seals and gaskets that were not made to handle pressure. This can result in oil seepage around the engine, usually around the valve cover gasket or the oil pan.
• Engine Smoke: If the PCV valve is blocked or stuck open, then your BMW will emit thick, bluish smoke from its exhaust. This occurs because the oil is being burnt alongside the fuel, which is not healthy for your engine and if not corrected, will lead to serious damage.

What Happens When The Crankcase Ventilation Valve Fails?

If a vehicle has a crankcase valve failure it should be fixed as soon as possible because it is very destructive to the engine. The uncontrolled pressure in the crankcase will force oil into areas it should not get to like the air intake leading to oil leaks or other damages on the engine. If this continues it may lead to other major issues such as high costs for repairs or outright failure of the engine, so it is important to tackle the problem as soon as detected.

How to Deal With A Failing Crankcase Valve

The first step to resolving the crankcase valve issue is to check for any sign of wear, damage, or blockage. If the valve is not damaged but only dirty, then it may be cleaned. However, in most cases, valve replacement is the most effective approach to fixing the problem.

• Locate Valve: The crankcase valve is usually found on the valve cover. You can look at your BMW’s owner manual or ask an automobile expert to help you spot the exact position of this component.
• Remove Old Valve: If there is any hose/attachment to the valve, they should be detached and the valve is to be taken off the engine. Take care not to damage any part in its vicinity.
• Install New Valve: Once you are able to remove the old valve, place a new one in the former position and reconnect any hoses or other components that were disconnected from it.
• Test the Engine: When the new valve has been installed, start your engine and check for any sounds that are not normal. Make sure that the car is running and that there is no oil dripping.

If you are still confused about how the valve works, you should seek the services of a mechanic who will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.

Trust Milestone Motors With Your BMW Repairs

At Milestone Motors, we deal with different BMW issues and the crankcase valve is one of the problems that we handle. If you are facing any of the above symptoms, we are here to serve you with the best diagnostic and repair services. Our shop is based in Royal Palm Beach, FL but we help BMW drivers from neighboring cities like Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Wellington, FL. Maintain your BMW in the best state by contacting our experienced team today!