Cleaning up a PCV Valve

[MadRiver]

Howdy all:

I'm cleaning up my engine compartment, and my PCV valve has some light surface rust. I have a new one, but it's bare metal, and also has some surface scratches. I would love some advice from the crowd as to the best way to clean it all up so it looks pretty!

Also, is there any problem just replacing the valve itself? Seems simple enough. Won't cause any problems, would it?

Thanks as always! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Andy Blackley]

I replaced mine last year with one from TRF, IIRC. It just screws on, no big deal. No tips on beautifying, I used it as it came out of the box.
Eastwood sells various coatings that replicate a variety of underhood metal finishes as used on domestic brands. A dull cast iron look might be appropriate to restore the old top.

 

[dklawson]

I'm confused. The Smiths PVC valves I'm familiar with have diecast aluminum funnel shaped bodies. They have a flat, zinc plated steel disk held on by a music wire spring clip. Is that the part you're having rust issues with? Did Smiths introduce a different PCV valve later that was all steel?

 

[MadRiver]

Doug -- interesting question! Here's a picture -- it is certainly possible that the residue on it is something else, but it always looked like rust to me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Those with careful eyes will also note that the hose leading into it is an origial -- you can just make out the faint hint of yellow stripe. I recently replaced an original hose that lead from the heater valve to the bulkhead. It was stiff, but not leaking! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[dklawson]

That's the one I was thinking about. The body should be diecast aluminum and only the top is zinc plated steel.

When I've worked on these before I thoroughly degreased them and then phosphoric acid washed them to remove the rust. This will take off all the remaining zinc so it's necessary to paint them when you're done. Eastwood sells a "silver cad" paint that looks fairly nice if not a little "blue" in tint. It's benefit is that it looks metallic but doesn't rub off like most aluminum spray paints. Of course you could use almost any silvery paint and it would work. The Eastwood paints are high-quality and will hold up to engine compartment conditions well.

 

[MadRiver]

Thanks so much for the information! I appreciate it!