4.6L PCV valve foam

Looking at changing my PCV valve, I don't know the last time it was done (I'll guess never). I checked a few videos to see where it was located, but as is typical for me, they're from a 5.7. On the 4.6, there's the foam insulation wrapped around the hose but also a ton surrounding the valve itself, it doesn't seem easy to access; I can't even see the end of the hose. The foam is also 10 years old now so it's tearing easily when I try to push it aside. Any tips? How important is all that foam? I don't want to tear it all up.

 

Here's a picture looking down the hose, the top is disconnected.

 

im encountering same situation. did you get a resolution?

 

No, unfortunately no answers yet, and haven't had time to get back to trying the job either.

 

I chunked out enough insulation to get to the pcv Valve. Replaced what I could. It's a tight spot. Prepare to bruise your knuckles.

 

Here’s my 4.6 PCV replacement. Tired of looking at 5.7 vids. PCV on my 4.6 seems to be oriented more horizontal than the 5.7.


Tools I found helpful: 3/8 drive 22mm socket. Made 2.5” long socket work. Would prefer 2” long socket
Couple of options.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/TEKTON-3-8-in-Drive-x-22-mm-Deep-6-Point-Socket-SHD13122/1001875060

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/diehard-3-8-drive-6-point-deep-socket-22mm-dhp55061/12408912-P


Disconnected the bank 1 SAIS supply hose, mounting bracket, and some kind of sensor.



Used the pull straight off technique to remove the PCV hose like in this video.
https://youtu.be/aLaDAZajas0


Pulled out the top “foamie”. A bunch of it is under the air intake. (You can ignore that broken PCV valve.)




Pushed the front of the lower “foamie” left, under the air intake.



Used the needle nose to pluck foam out around the PCV. Foam was so tight I couldn’t get the socket on the PCV. Used shop vac to clean up my mess.

I have a coolant manifold flange that fought me every step of the way. The original half inch drive socket I borrowed was too long.


Only advice I can give on installing the PCV valve is take it slow so you don’t cross thread it. Also, don’t twist ON the PCV hose. That’s how I broke my first one. On my second attempt I put silicone grease in the hose ends, installed the clamps on the hose, and installed the hose using a straight push.

Finished up by pulling out “foamie” I tucked under the air intake. Then reinstalled top “foamie” I pulled out.

 

Exceptionally helpful and well-documented. Thanks for that. I have been putting this off for a while.