I can hear a vacuum leak around the pcv grommet in my valley cover. Has anyone replaced one? Are there any techniques that you would recommend which will minimize the chance of losing pieces into the valley. How critical is a leak around this grommet?
You shouldn't lose any of it into the lifter valley, there is a top and bottom part of the valley pan with a couple of vents to pull crankcase gases through at the bottom. They do tend to dry out and crumble when they get old(real old), warm up the motor and let the rubber soften and then use some needle nose pliers to remove it. You should be ok...just order a new one first, I've found alot of places don't keep them in stock anymore.
There is one made by "HELP!" (the little red packages at the auto parts stores) that works. Don't know the part number but I have bought a few of them just by looking at them, you can tell which one will work.
