Oil Return Line Question

[jwhiteker]

Not sure if "oil return line" is the proper name for it, but I was wondering about that plastic hose that connects from just below the oil filler cap on the passenger side valve cover and goes over to a connection on the throttle body before going into the upper intake. The rubber inserts for that hose on each side are pretty much cracked up, and the one on the valve cover side leaks a slight amount of oil from it down onto the valve cover. Ok so my question is, can I replace that hose with a rubber one with ring clamps instead, or is there a reason why that hose is plastic and not rubber?

[miamibob]

PCV line? If so you can use rubber and no clamps as long as the proper diameter is used.

[jwhiteker]

Zoomed in on some engine pics I have and circled the parts I am talking about

[miamibob]

Thought it was a newer car. Should be same principle as I doubt you will find dealer parts for that. Will probably need some heat resistant hoses - in this case small clamps wouldn't hurt if the diameter is not exact.

[jwhiteker]

Yah I should have read up a little more on what that line was I guess on the older models a pcv valve wasn't used, just a pcv return line to the intake. At least I don't have to worry about replacing a pcv valve on this engine! Thanks for that info miamibob.

[miamibob]

There IS a PCV along with a grommet and filter screen tucked behind the intake almost dead center. You REALLY have to lean back there i see it. I would change ALL three while I was back there. By the way, what year/make are we talking about??

[ford man]

Crankcase vent tube is what I'm going to call that. You can use transmission cooler hose to fix that up.

[miamibob]

Crankcase vent tube is what I'm going to call that. You can use transmission cooler hose to fix that up.

+1!

[jaywish]

Double on replacing the PCV, filter and gromet. I bought my wagon as the original owner had neglected that, the screen got fouled, which caused the rear main seal and other gaskets to start leaking which caused the bearings to wear... It is like the old saw about the horseshoe nail losing the war or the lost button losing the war.

[miamibob]

"The Sage From Yonkers" speaks the truth! Clogged PCV's/lines cause pressure back-ups and therefore leaks!

[jwhiteker]

Thanks for the advice on this! I'll be sure to replace that pcv, filter, gromet, and use transmission cooler hose or heat resistant hose for replacement. And miamibob, it's an 86 Grand Marquis.

[miamibob]

Cool! I have an '87 GM so should all be in the same place! Good luck with it and do keep it going!! Bobby

P.S. Got all the PCV parts from ROCKAUTO. Sometimes the screen and or grommet are tough to locate.

[packman]

Mine snapped off when I tried replacing he valve cover gaskets. I used a smallish rubber fuel line (I don't think it was 3/8") to connect with the oil filler tube nipple and the connection on the intake manifold. In between I used copper refrigeration/water tubing from Home Depot. It worked out pretty good. I will look at the rubber line and tell you what size it is when I get home.

I tried to replace the pcv screen as well, but it was jammed into the intake manifold real good. I tried running a wood screw into the screen and driving it out with vice grips to no avail. So I stuck the grommet on top and called it quits. If I have to replace the screen, I will just get another intake rather than wrestle with that again.



Packman

[miamibob]

Usually using a screw to remove the screen works. Maybe it was installed damaged so it is jammed in so well?? GOT to be a way to remove it without removing the intake, though.