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Toyota 2H and 12H-T digital engine factory workshop and repair manual

What the PCV system does (plain language)
- PCV = Positive Crankcase Ventilation. It vents blow-by gases (combustion gases that leak past the rings) out of the crankcase so they don’t pressurize the engine or contaminate the oil. Instead of letting these gases escape to the atmosphere, the PCV system routes them back into the intake to be burned.
- Analogy: think of the crankcase as a kitchen with cooking smoke. The PCV is the one‑way kitchen vent that lets smoke out into the stove hood to be burned, but keeps outside air and pressure from blowing back in.

Why this repair is needed on a Toyota 2H / 12H‑T
- If the PCV valve, breather, hoses or oil‑separator clog, stick or fail, crankcase pressure rises and oil leaks, seals/gaskets fail, oil gets pushed into the intake (smoke and oil contamination), oil consumption goes up, and sludge forms. On turbocharged 12H‑T engines a failed one‑way valve can allow boost pressure into the crankcase, making things much worse (excess pressure, oil blow‑by and turbo contamination).
- Regular inspection/cleaning or replacement prevents engine oil contamination, leaks, poor idle/smoke and possible turbo/intercooler oil deposits.

Main components of the PCV/breather system (detailed)
1. Valve cover breather (baffle/oil separator inside valve cover)
- Purpose: first stage separation of oil droplets from blow-by. It’s a chamber and baffle or mesh that slows gases so oil drops back into the cover.
- What to watch for: clogged baffles or heavy sludge means poor separation; oil can be carried into the rest of the system.

2. PCV valve / one‑way check valve
- Description: small, usually metal or plastic valve that fits in the valve cover or inline in the hose. Spring or diaphragm or ball style that allows gas to flow out of the crankcase to the intake, but closes if pressure tries to flow the other way.
- On turbo 12H‑T: the valve must prevent boost from being forced into the crankcase — often a stronger spring or separate check valve is used.
- Failure modes: sticking (won’t open or won’t close), clogged with sludge, cracked housing.

3. Hoses and fittings
- Purpose: rubber/vacuum hose that connects the breather/PCV to the intake manifold or turbo inlet.
- What to watch for: collapsed hose, hardened/cracked rubber, split ends, clogged oil traps inside hose, loose clamps/grommets.

4. Grommet / seal
- Purpose: rubber seal between PCV valve and valve cover (or intake nipple) to prevent leaks.
- Failure: hardened or torn grommets cause vacuum/leak problems and oil seepage.

5. Intake connection
- Location: nipple on intake manifold or turbo inlet. On turbo models the connection is usually upstream of turbo compressor so crankcase gases are drawn in before the turbo.
- Check for clogged nipple or soot build-up.

6. Optional oil catch can / additional separator
- Some installations have an aftermarket catch can to trap more oil before it reaches the intake.
- If installed, it needs routine draining/cleaning; if neglected it clogs.

Tools and parts you’ll need
- Replacement PCV valve (OEM part for 2H or 12H‑T) and replacement grommet if available
- Replacement hose if hardened or cracked
- Basic hand tools: screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), pliers, small socket set, rags
- Small pick for removing old grommet
- Throttle body/cleaner or brake cleaner (for cleaning oily passages)
- Compressed air (optional) or a hand vacuum pump for testing
- Gloves and eye protection

How the system works (step‑by‑step theory)
- Combustion blow‑by gets into the crankcase. That creates a mixture of air, combustion gases and oil mist.
- The breather baffle traps oil droplets so mostly gas and vapor remain.
- The PCV/one‑way valve opens when the intake draws vacuum (or when there is lower pressure relative to the crankcase) and allows those gases into the intake stream to be burned.
- The one‑way design prevents intake air or turbo boost from being forced into the crankcase.
- The collected oil drains back into the sump or valve cover.

How to inspect, test, clean and replace the PCV valve (step‑by‑step for a beginner mechanic)
Safety first
- Work on a cool or warm engine (not scalding hot). Turn engine off and key out. Wear gloves and eye protection.

Locate the components
- On H‑series engines the breather/PCV is mounted on the valve cover with a hose that runs to the intake or turbo inlet. On 12H‑T look for a hose from the valve cover area to the turbo inlet or intake manifold.

Remove the hose
- Loosen clamps and pull the hose off both ends. Note the routing.

Remove the PCV valve
- Pull the valve straight out of the grommet or unscrew if threaded. If it’s stubborn, twist gently while pulling. Use a pick to remove a hardened grommet if replacing.

Inspect parts
- PCV valve: look for heavy sludge, stickiness, clogged passages or physical cracks.
- Hoses: squeeze them—if they collapse or feel brittle, replace. Look inside for sludgy goo.
- Grommet: check for tears or hardening.
- Breather passages: look for sludge.

Simple tests
- Rattle test: many PCV valves contain a small weight/spring. Shake it—if it rattles, it’s often OK. Note: not all valves will rattle the same; use additional tests.
- Flow test: blow gently through the valve from the crankcase side — it should allow flow. Blow from the intake side — it should NOT allow flow (one‑way). For more accuracy, use a hand vacuum pump to pull on the intake side and check that the valve opens, then apply gentle pressure on the intake side to make sure it closes.
- If you can’t blow through it or it’s stuck closed, replace.

Cleaning (if you choose)
- If the valve is dirty but not damaged you can soak it in solvent and blow compressed air through it until clear. Clean hoses and the valve cover passages with solvent and a rag. Dry thoroughly.
- If heavily sludged or the valve is sticky, replace it—cleaning is temporary.

Replace parts if needed
- Install a new grommet first (push into valve cover securely).
- Push new or cleaned PCV valve into grommet (or thread in).
- Replace hose if old; route as original and tighten clamps.
- Ensure the hose to intake/turbo is attached on the correct side (PCV side to crankcase, intake side to manifold/turbo inlet).
- If the engine has a separate check valve or turbo‑specific assembly, use the correct OEM part.

Recheck and start engine
- Start engine and observe: there should not be heavy smoking, oil leaks at the grommet, or noticeable high idle changes. With fingers near (not touching hot parts) the hose, you may feel slight suction at idle (or very little on turbo engines) and no strong blow outward.
- Look for oil mist or wetness in intake piping—if present, further cleaning of intercooler/intake may be needed.

What can go wrong (common failure modes and consequences)
1. PCV valve stuck closed
- Effect: crankcase pressure rises, oil leaks (valve cover, seals), blown gaskets, increased oil consumption, sludge buildup.
2. PCV valve stuck open or stuck open in the wrong direction
- Effect: uncontrolled airflow causes vacuum leak, rough idle, lean running (on petrol), but on diesel it can alter fueling sensing or idle quality; allows boost backflow on turbo if not one‑way.
3. Hoses cracked/collapsed
- Effect: vacuum leaks cause poor engine behavior; collapsed hose restricts flow so venting fails.
4. Grommet leaking
- Effect: vacuum leak and oil seepage at the valve cover.
5. Oil separator/baffle clogged
- Effect: oil carryover to intake (smoke, oily intercooler), sludge in system.
6. Failed check valve on turbocharged engine
- Effect: turbo boost forced into crankcase — severe pressure, oil out of seals, increased blow‑by, turbo/intercooler contamination.
7. Using wrong PCV part
- Effect: improper spring tension or sealing, allowing boost leakage or insufficient flow.

Symptoms that point to PCV problems
- Blue/gray smoke from exhaust or oil in intake piping.
- Oil leaks around valve cover or seals.
- Increased oil consumption.
- Rough idle or unusual engine sounds (whistling/hissing vacuum leak).
- Soot/oily buildup in intake manifold/intercooler.
- Hissing or whistling at valve cover breather.

Preventive maintenance and upgrades
- Inspect PCV, hoses and grommet every oil change interval (or at least every 12,000 miles/12 months).
- Replace plastic valves and hoses every few years or at first sign of trouble.
- On turbo engines, consider a quality OEM one‑way valve or an oil catch can if you see significant oil in intake. If you add a catch can, plumb and maintain it—don’t let it clog.
- Keep engine oil and air filter changes current. Dirty oil increases sludge formation inside the breather.

Quick troubleshooting checklist
- If you suspect failure: remove hose and feel for suction with engine idling. Remove PCV and test one‑way action. Replace if stuck, dirty or leaking.
- If intake has oil: clean intercooler, intake and ensure PCV and separator are working; consider adding catch can if persistent.

Time estimate
- Inspection and basic test: 15–30 minutes.
- Replace valve and hose: 30–60 minutes depending on access and parts.
- Cleaning intercooler/intake (if contaminated): additional hours.

Final practical tips
- Always use the correct OEM or direct‑fit replacement for H series engines — aftermarket mismatch springs or wrong flow direction can cause problems, especially on turbo models.
- If you find excessive blow‑by (lots of oil/smoke even after PCV repair), check piston rings/compression and turbo seals — persistent blow‑by can be a sign of deeper engine wear.
- Replace the grommet whenever you replace the valve—cheap insurance against leaks.

This gives you the theory, the parts, the tests and a clear step‑by‑step on how to inspect/clean/replace the PCV on the Toyota 2H / 12H‑T. Follow the steps and replace any parts that are cracked, stuck or heavily contaminated.
rteeqp73

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