SS - How to replace braided line from valve cover to air inlet hose
 

THIS IS FOR SS TRIM LEVEL ONLY

I noticed that the little plastic C-clip type thing that keeps the check valve attached to the air inlet hose (just downstream from the MAF sensor) had broken off. It is integral with the check valve, which in turn is not really removable from the braided stainless line to the valve cover.

The assembly is no longer available (big surprise) so I decided to try to replace it in the same way I had replaced the other braided stainless line, from the corner of the valve cover to the turbocharger. This was part of my catch cans project.

I still had some of the 11/32" PCV hose, as well as some check valves, left over from that project, so this was a free fix for me.

First challenge was getting the stainless fitting off of the valve cover. My cheapie Harbor freight removal tool set just wasn't getting it done. The proper size tool just wasn't thick enough plastic to push out the pins inside the fitting enough to go over the ridge on the tube connected to the valve cover. Here's a picture. This is mocked up on my spare LNF engine.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...26c165888b.jpghttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...49bc236746.jpg

So I slipped this homemade tool on the tube, then pushed the stainless fitting towards the tool, then forced the tool into the stainless fitting. It wasn't too difficult to do, but once you get it forced in there, the fitting (and braided stainless hose) will come right off.

So then I cut a short piece of the 11/32" PCV line and attached it to the check valve, and another longer piece to the other end of the check valve. The overall length is 8". Make sure the check valve is oriented properly, there should be an arrow, which you will point toward the valve cover. If you can't see any arrow, blow through it, air should only flow in one direction, which is towards the valve cover.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...43ba958dcc.jpg


Now install it and tighten the clamps, done!

Nice work RJ, thanks for posting this replacement for the SS obsolete parts

I found the link from DrLoch in the catch can thread. This is where I got the check valve. https://www.siliconeintakes.com/?sea...ng=check+valve

The PCV line came from AutoZone.

I bet any PCV valve would do the job, that is what they do.

Sure, it just needs to fit the hose, or you'll end up adapting. I had purchased a couple different ones locally, they both leaked by. I also purchased 2 from the link, and 1 leaks by now, I don't think it did when new. Seems to be a crapshoot.

I would have assumed the air flow would go toward the air intake not the valve cover. The point of a normal PCV valve is to use the venturi effect to evacuate oil fumes from the crank case to be burned in the combustion chambers.

Nope, this is a fresh air inlet to the crankcase. The PCV valve is inside the intake manifold

Ahhh!

So which check valve fits?

Well 11/32" is almost 9mm, so you'd want the 10mm. Or maybe it was the 8mm I used. Been a few years since purchased I don't remember. I'll try to remember to measure it tomorrow when I'm at my shop.