The PCV valve on the 2001 Ford Explorer 4.0-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) engine is located in the back of the engine. You can reach it from the passenger side easier, though it is located near the center of the back of the intake manifold. The PCV valve is a plastic and metal T-shaped component. The metal is at the bottom of the valve, and the T-shaped part at the top is made of plastic. The valve has two hoses attached to the ends of the T-shaped part.
Remove the beauty cover, using the appropriate sockets.
Feel along the back of the plastic intake manifold for two hoses attached to a connector. Remove the vacuum hoses from both sides of the T-shaped part of the PCV valve. The connector is tie-strapped into place. You can cut the tie strap with the dykes, though some mechanics just twist them to break the tie strap. Either way is acceptable. Twist the valve to remove it. Remove the tie strap.
Install the new PCV valve. Push the vacuum hoses onto each side of the T-shaped part of the valve. The hoses are force-fit, and will hold everything in place. You do not need to install another tie strap, unless you want to and can fit your hands behind the intake to get the strap in and around the PCV valve.
Reinstall the beauty cover and tighten the bolts snugly. Do not over-tighten the bolts, as you will crack the plastic.
