4 Common Symptoms of a Clogged Crankcase Ventilation Filter
Do you think you might have a problem with your crankcase ventilation filter? This inexpensive but vital engine part prevents performance-reducing pressure build-up in the crankcase by filtering contaminants from recycled and emitted gases.
We’ll explain the symptoms of a broken or clogged crankcase ventilation filter and how much it might cost to repair. The good news is that filters are inexpensive and almost anyone can replace them themselves.
What does a crankcase ventilation filter do? When pressure builds up in your engine, you have two options: vent or redirect the pressure.
You can release the pressure using a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve or a crankcase ventilation filter. In this scenario, the focus is on releasing excess gas pressure using a crankcase ventilation filter.
Generally, there is no difference in the operation of a CCV filter and other types of filters in your car’s engine. This filter removes oil particles and other residues in the gas while releasing excess pressure to the environment.
In addition, this crankcase ventilation filter helps prevent dirt from entering the crankcase, especially during the engine cooling process, keeping the crankcase clean. Ultimately, crankcase ventilation prevents oil contamination that can have far-reaching negative effects on your engine.
Where is the crankcase ventilation filter? This section of the engine releases excess pressure and draws air in and out of the atmosphere.
Symptoms of a clogged crankcase ventilation filter
A clogged crankcase ventilation filter can cause a variety of problems for your vehicle, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and address them early. Here are some signs to look out for…
1) High idle speed
A clogged filter will affect your car’s idling speed. A clogged filter can cause high idle speeds. This symptom is caused by oil blockages or leaks in the engine. So, changes in idle speed can be a good indicator of if there is a problem with your car’s crankcase ventilation filter.
2) Oil leaks
In most cases, an oil leak is the first sign of a clogged filter. The filter’s main role is to prevent debris and other contaminants from entering the engine while removing pressure from it. When the filter becomes clogged, pressure is likely to build up, and this high pressure can cause gaskets and seals to explode.
As a result, you may find that your car’s engine starts leaking oil or you notice oil and sludge buildup in the intake manifold.
3) Poor Engine Performance
Another notable symptom of a clogged CCV filter is a decrease in your vehicle’s engine performance. A clogged filter affects the air-fuel ratio, which affects your car’s acceleration and performance. You may notice this issue especially when driving at slower speeds.
However, there are many other components that affect engine performance. For this reason, always consult with your dealer, an independent professional mechanic, or an auto repair shop for a professional diagnosis of your vehicle.
4) Check Engine Light Illumination
As with many other engine-related issues, an illuminated Check Engine Light is often the first symptom you notice, and here is no exception.
It is not necessarily the CCV filter itself that causes it to illuminate (code P051F is an exception), but because the engine’s ECM or PCM has detected that something measurable is outside of its normal operating range (which “object” is illuminated by a clogged crankcase ventilation filter).
DTCs such as P0171 (System Too Lean), P0172 (System Too Rich), and even P0441 (EVAP System Flow) can all be triggered due to issues with the CCV filter. Why does oil leak from the crankcase ventilation filter?If you notice engine oil leaking from your crankcase ventilation filter, you may need to check the seal. A worn seal can cause oil to backfire in the intake valve, causing pressure to build up and force oil back into the intake filter. This CCV filter blows this engine oil out.