PVC valve

[msmith10]

Is there any reason why I couldn't use the carburetor spacer plate that MMI sells (for relocating the scavenger tube) to pipe in a PCV valve? That would save me about half the cost of the Indigo system.

[hanleyclifford]

Good eye, Mark. Sounds like the right call.

[edwardc]

Is there any reason why I couldn't use the carburetor spacer plate that MMI sells (for relocating the scavenger tube) to pipe in a PCV valve? That would save me about half the cost of the Indigo system.

That's exactly what I have, although I can't take credit. The engine came with it.

[msmith10]

I have ordered it. Planning for next season is how I get through the winter here in Ohio.
I don't know how Russ does it!

[ILikeRust]

I was just eyeballing the Indigo kit and thinking that it should be pretty easy (or at least not too terribly difficult) to cobble together the same thing on my own for less money. It's mostly just a couple bits of rubber hose, a couple stainless hose clamps, a standard home center copper plumbing bend, and a PCV valve.

So question: what PCV valve do you use? Just buy any one from Auto Zone or whatever, as long as it has the right diameter inlet and outlet? Is there a particular PCV valve that anyone has found to work just right with the A4?

Looking at the pic on Indigo's website, it sure looks like they're using this one from AutoZone.

[Dave Neptune]

Pcv

Bill, the open flow and idle flow rates vary as to part number. Be sure to get the right one. I'm not sure of the number but mine does wonders for keeping things clean and the cabin free of fumes.

Dave Neptune

[edwardc]

You'll still need to use the carburetor spacer plate that MMI sells (Product No. - FCAR_13.2_166) in order to have someplace to connect the elbow. But is should still save a few bucks over the Indigo kit.

[msmith10]

Bill,
Like you, I'm looking for the correct PCV valve. Perhaps someone will post the valve that they use. I suspect the opening/closing pressure is the important factor, but the specs on this are not given routinely, so I'm not sure how to figure this one out.
Come spring, I'm going to try it, though. I have MMI's spacer and I'll just try a PCV valve off the shelf if I can't figure out which one to buy.

[ILikeRust]

Well in both Ed's picture, above, and the one shown on Indigo's site, it sure does look like that one I linked to at AutoZone.

If the flow rates or backpressure or whatever are not quite "right," what would happen? I suppose if the valve does not allow air flow when it's supposed to, you can get too much pressure in the crankcase?

[dvd]

M

I just recently installed the Indigo PCV kit and it was really worth the extra money (about $75) It had detailed instructions and every little part that could possibly be needed to do the job right. The job went smoothly with no hangups and nothing left undone. Yes it is just a collection of parts that you could put together yourself, but why?. Remember, because you are installing a spacer to connect the line from the engine you must have new longer studs or your carb won't fit back on with the spacer etc. etc. I suppose if you have the time to run back and forth to the parts store for all the little parts you need then maybe its worth it to try and save 30 bucks.

All I can say is that my PCV system is in and it is now a job that is complete. Dont have to still get this or still get that etc.

Also, once I installed the pcv system I think my engine runs differently. When I first started up after the install a bucnch of black sooty stuff came out of the exhaust for a few seconds. I think the pcv upgrade is actually good for the engine as it makes it breath differently.

dvd

[hanleyclifford]

Indigo PCV Kit

I bought the complete kit from Indigo. Installation was quick and smooth and the system is one thing on the engine that has never given me any trouble. There is quite a variety of valves out there with widely different characteristics so be careful if you decide to go off the shelf.

[roadnsky]

Don't forget WHO brings you this site!

To continue the theme of what DVD and Art have said...
Tom knows WHICH valves will work and he includes it with his kit, but I wouldn't throw him under the bus by giving out that same info that he's worked to research.

ALSO, don't forget who is bringing us this wonderful forum!
(MMI also sells a really good PCV kit too)
It's a testament to Don and the gang's dedication to our A4 community that they not only allow us to discuss using their competitor's products on this forum,
but actually allow the competitors themselves to interact and post with us.

I completely understand and sympathize with saving boat buck$,
and if you work out your own A4 fixes using the knowledge gleaned here, I'm sure that makes Don's heart warm.
But please, anytime we can support those that support us with their great products and knowledge, it's a excellent long-range investment.

My engine would never be where it's at today without all of them.

Sorry for the sermon.
And now, back to your regular programming...

[sastanley]

I bought the complete kit from Indigo. Installation was quick and smooth and the system is one thing on the engine that has never given me any trouble. There is quite a variety of valves out there with widely different characteristics so be careful if you decide to go off the shelf.

+1 (and all the others..) the Indigo PCV kit was the first 'upgrade' I made to my engine..it made a big difference in the smell..At least now most of the blue smoke comes out the transom instead of the cabin.

[Dave Neptune]

The valve

Bill, the valves are specific to displacement, cam profile, idle bleeds in the carb and RPM to manifold preassure averages. How much they open, when they open and when and if they close are all engineered into the many PCV valves.
The wrong choice could drastically affect your idle and even lean you down to much at low cruise settings .
These are the reasons to bight the bullet and support Tom and Don's research into offering these means of improving our A-4's. There may be more refinemants in the future if they they are able to keep up the quality work they do .

Dave Neptune

[hanleyclifford]

Russ originally posted this but I thought it might be germaine to the discussion. We can appreciate the potential for problems if the wrong valve is chosen.