The positive crankcase ventilation valve for your 1997 Ford Ranger is a simple device, designed to meter and divert unspent hydrocarbon gasses from the engine's crankcase. The unspent gases, also known as “blow-by,” will not only harm the environment if not recirculated through the combustion chamber, but will also contaminate the engine oil very quickly if allowed to remain inside of the engine. Eventually, oil sludge will restrict the PCV valve, which may lead to dirtier oil between scheduled changes, higher fuel consumption and a possible negative effect on engine performance.
Open the hood. Disconnect the rubber hose connected to the PCV valve on the driver side of the engine bay. The PCV valve is mounted on top of the valve cover, near the firewall. Disconnect the other end of the PCV valve hose from the intake manifold, then remove the hose from the engine compartment for a visual inspection. If the hose is oil-soaked and extremely soft, collapsed or cracked, replace it.
Remove the PCV valve from the valve cover by pulling it straight up. Visually inspect the PCV grommet – press-fitted to the valve cover – for cracks and deterioration. If the grommet is in bad shape, use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove it, then press-fit a replacement to the valve cover.
Insert and seat the new PCV valve. Connect the new or reusable hose to the PCV valve, then connect the other end of the PCV hose to the intake manifold.
