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Massey Ferguson MF35 tractor factory workshop and repair manual download

Short version first: the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve on the MF35 is a small one‑way valve that lets blow‑by gases escape the crankcase and be drawn into the intake to be burned. If it sticks or the hose/grommet fails you get pressure in the crankcase, oil leaks, smoking, fouled plugs and rough running. Below is a beginner‑friendly, detailed guide: what every part is, how the system works, how to inspect/clean/replace the valve, tests, safety notes and common failures — with plain analogies to help.

What the system is and why it matters (theory, with an analogy)
- The engine is like a sealed room where a small amount of exhaust gases (blow‑by) leak past the piston rings. Those gases contain unburned fuel and combustion byproducts.
- The PCV system is like a controlled ventilation system for that room. Instead of letting the room build pressure and stink, the ventilator (PCV valve) lets those gases flow into the intake where they are burned in the engine.
- If the ventilator is blocked or stuck closed, pressure builds in the crankcase: oil seals/gaskets get pushed out, causing oil leaks and smoking. If the ventilator is stuck wide open or the hose is leaking, the engine gets extra/unmetered air or oil vapour, which causes rough idle, black smoke, fouled plugs or poor performance.

Main components (and what each does)
- Valve cover (rocker cover): the lid over the top of the cylinder head. The PCV valve sits in a hole or grommet in this cover or the breather pipe attaches here. This is the crankcase outlet.
- PCV valve (the valve itself): a small one‑way valve (usually metal/plastic) with a plunger inside that meters flow according to engine vacuum. Allows gases out of crankcase into intake but closes (partly) under some conditions to prevent backflow.
- Grommet/seal: rubber plug in the valve cover that holds the PCV valve and seals the opening. If brittle, it leaks.
- Hose (rubber vacuum hose): connects PCV valve to the intake or carburetor throat (or vacuum port). Transports gases to be burned.
- Hose clamps / clips: keep the hose attached.
- Intake port / carburetor throat / vacuum source: where the hose connects on the intake side. On an MF35 petrol engine this is often a barb on a carburetor or a fitting on the intake manifold. This is the “sucking” side that pulls gases through the valve.
- Optional breather cap (some MF35 variations): an open breather with a mesh filter that vents to atmosphere instead of into the intake.

Tools & supplies
- Gloves and eye protection
- Basic spanner/sockets (8–14 mm set typically)
- Flat/blade screwdriver (for hose clamps)
- Pliers (for clamps)
- Rags
- Carb cleaner / brake cleaner (for cleaning carbon)
- New PCV valve and new grommet/hose if worn
- Replacement vacuum hose (internal diameter to fit barbs)
- Small wire brush or pick (if needed to clean grommet seat)
- Vacuum gauge (optional) or just use feel/idle tests

Safety first
- Work with engine OFF and key out when removing parts. If you run the engine for tests, be cautious of moving parts and hot surfaces.
- Don’t spray cleaners into the open intake while running.
- Keep rags clear of moving belts and hot parts.
- Work in a ventilated area; keep flames and sparks away (fuel vapours present).

How a proper PCV valve behaves (simple)
- At idle (high manifold vacuum) the valve restricts some flow to prevent too much suction on the crankcase which would pull oil into the intake.
- Under load (lower vacuum) it opens more, allowing more blow‑by to be drawn out.
- The valve is one‑way: gases go from crankcase → intake, not the reverse.

Symptoms of a bad PCV system
- Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, rear main or seals (pressure pushes oil out).
- Wet/dark oil or foamy oil on dipstick (contaminated with blow‑by condensate).
- Excess smoke from exhaust (oil vapour burning).
- Rough idle, stalling, poor running, black sooty plugs (if valve stuck open or hose leaks).
- Strong crankcase odor.
- Carburetor icing/fouling if oil vapour condenses in carb.

Common PCV failures and causes
- PCV valve stuck (carbon build‑up, plunger stuck so no movement).
- PCV valve stuck open (creates large vacuum leak/unmetered air).
- PCV valve stuck closed (crankcase pressure build, leaks and smoking).
- Hose collapsed internally (old rubber can collapse and restrict flow).
- Grommet hardened/crumbled → vacuum leak at valve cover.
- Hose disconnected or incorrectly routed to atmosphere instead of intake.
- Wrong replacement part (wrong flow characteristic).

Step‑by‑step: locate, remove, inspect, test, clean/replace (beginner friendly)
1) Locate the PCV system:
- Look at the MF35 valve cover (top of the engine). You’ll usually see a small pipe or rubber grommet with a short hose running to the carburetor or intake. That assembly is the PCV/breather.
2) Visual inspection:
- With engine cold and OFF, inspect the hose for cracks, hardening, or kinks. Check the grommet in the valve cover for brittleness. Check clamps. Note if the hose ends are oily.
3) Remove the hose and valve:
- Loosen the hose clamp(s) with a screwdriver or pliers. Pull the hose off the barbs.
- Pull the PCV valve from the grommet (twist and pull). If grommet is glued or brittle, be careful not to tear valve cover paint/gasket.
4) Inspect the valve and grommet:
- Look inside the valve for carbon and oil sludge. The valve should have a small tapered end/plunger that can move in and out.
- If the grommet is cracked or crushed, replace it.
5) Shake test (quick bench test):
- Hold the valve in your hand and shake it; you should hear/feel a small rattle (the internal plunger/spring). If no rattle, it’s usually stuck or clogged → replace.
6) Flow test on the bench (basic):
- Blow gently through the intake side; air should pass one way and not the other. More usefully: connect the valve to a vacuum source if you have one and verify it meters (opens/closes) — but the shake test and visual cleanliness are usually enough for a beginner.
7) Clean (only if in reasonable shape):
- Soak the valve in carb cleaner or brake cleaner to dissolve carbon. Tap on a rag and blow through with compressed air if available. Do not damage the plunger.
- If valve is heavily corroded or stuck, replace it.
8) Replace hose/grommet if needed:
- Cut new hose to length; fit new grommet into valve cover hole first, then insert valve. Slide hose onto both ends and clamp.
9) Reinstall and test running:
- Start the engine. Put your finger over the open end of the PCV valve (or the hose connection if removed, only briefly) — you should feel vacuum suction. If the engine dies when you block the valve/hose, that indicates the intake is getting fuel/air through it (normal reaction to blocking vacuum). If no vacuum, check hose routing and intake connection.
- Observe idle and look/feel around valve cover for leaking oil or hissing vacuum leaks.
10) Final checks:
- After 15–20 minutes of running, recheck for oil leaks and that hose/clamps are secure.

Specific MF35 tips (practical)
- Many MF35s use a very simple metal valve or even just a breather; parts are inexpensive and commonly available at tractor parts suppliers or general small‑engine PCV valves sized by hose ID.
- If the MF35 has a direct carburetor connection, make sure the hose end is on the correct carb throat/vacuum nipple — routing into a high vacuum source is important.
- Replace grommets even if they look OK but are older than ~10 years — they become brittle and cause leaks.

What can go wrong while repairing and how to avoid it
- Introducing dirt into intake: when valve/hose is off, don’t leave intake open. Cap temporarily with a clean rag if you must run the engine briefly.
- Tearing the grommet hole or valve cover paint/thread: work gently, twist to remove rather than yank.
- Using wrong hose ID: hose too large or small will leak. Use the correct internal diameter to fit barbs snugly.
- Replacing with a non‑equivalent PCV valve: some aftermarket PCV valves have different flow characteristics — pick one recommended for small petrol engines or the correct size for MF35.
- Over‑tightening clamps or forcing components: hose clamps need only be snug; over‑tightening can cut hose or distort grommet.
- Ignoring root cause (worn rings): a PCV valve fixes symptoms of blow‑by routing, but severe blow‑by from worn rings causes persistent problems (excessive pressure, lots of oil in intake). If problems recur immediately after replacing PCV components, suspect engine internals.

When to replace rather than clean
- No rattle on shake test.
- Visible heavy carbon build‑up that won’t come off with cleaner.
- Cracked or hardened grommet or hose.
- Valve is several years old — inexpensive to replace.

A quick troubleshooting checklist
- Oil leaks + engine running hot → check PCV valve/grommet for blockage.
- Rough idle + black smoke → check for stuck‑open valve or cracked hose creating vacuum leak.
- No vacuum at valve while engine running → hose disconnected, clogged, or intake vacuum source wrong.
- Replacements don’t help and oil still foams → large blow‑by → compression/ring check needed.

Final practical notes
- Keep a spare PCV valve and a length of hose in the toolbox — they’re cheap and save downtime.
- Cleanliness matters: don't let dirt fall into the valve cover or intake when pulling parts off.
- Document routing before removal (photo with phone) if unsure where hose goes.

That’s the full beginner mechanic’s guide: what each piece is, why it matters, how to inspect/test/clean/replace it, what can go wrong, and how to avoid mistakes. Follow the safety steps, do the simple shake and vacuum checks, and replace grommets/hose when old — that alone fixes most MF35 crankcase ventilation problems.
rteeqp73

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