Oil Catch Can - PCV Bypass

[brando73]

Just wanted to hear some opinions on installing an oil catch can vs. just replacing the pcv valve. PCV is clogged and causing oil to leak onto the intake manifold. Pathfinder has 130K on it and was wandering if it was worth it to install a catch can or just replace the pcv. The Pathy consumes about 1/2 qt to 3/4 qt oil between changes, which I know is common for these engines, but want to minimize leakage.

[Buzzman]

If it's your 2004 Pathy you are talking about, then replacing the PCV valve is a royal pain.
You have to lift the intake manifold off to get at it. Big job.
Not familiar with any kind of a catch can though. Sorry.

[atraudes]

An oil residue in the intake manifold is very common in these engines, so it's no cause for great alarm unless it's more than a film. That said, a catch can is never a bad idea, though you'll need to get down to where the PCV valve is to install one anyway. I looked into installing one myself, but couldn't decide on a good mounting point so I haven't gotten to it yet. I've replaced my PCV valve once or twice but doing so didn't change the amount of oil in the intake (though it's still a good idea).

The oil consumption you describe isn't too bad. Have you confirmed that all of your power valve screws are still in place? Engines that inhale these screws tend to burn more oil. If you haven't checked already, it's an excellent idea regardless, and doing so gets you most of the way to the PCV valve. If/when you change the valve be warned that there's two different styles: a screw-in and push-in. Maybe buy both and return the one you don't use.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out!