Diagnose a Crankcase Ventilation Valve Malfunction in a BMW in Real Redwood City

While the BMW is a brand recognized for its sophisticated German engineering, it isn’t uncommon for the cars to develop faults with the crankcase ventilation valve.

The CrankCase Ventilation valve (also known as the CCV valve) is crucial for any internal combustion engine. It helps to reduce pressure off the crankcase and to redirect the combustion gases.

A malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve can cause the leak of an excess amount of unburned fuel and oil. This particular defect could cause high carbon deposits and also affect the lifespan of the engine of your BMW. Before examining the symptoms of a CCV valve malfunction and how they can be resolved, let’s discuss what it does and how it works.

What does the crankcase ventilation valve do?

The main job of your BMW’s CCV system is to move clean air through the engine of your car. Depending on your BMW model, a distinct inlet hose is connected to a filtered air source. This hose cleans the air coming from the crankcase ventilation system. The circulation of the filtered air through the engine picks up gases and vapors that need extraction. These gases and vapors are then deposited in the manifold through a connecting hose.

This air circulation ensures that fumes are extracted from the crank and burned in the engine for use. It also prevents oil leaks by creating a slight vacuum which helps to relieve any pressure that could build up.

The valve in the crankcase ventilation system essentially regulates the amount of airflow steadily running through the engine to affect the extraction of the fumes and vapors in the engine. It is located in the crankcase ventilation system, where the fumes are being taken out.

The valve is essential, because if the vacuum produced is excessive, the probability of oil being drawn out is higher. So the valve regulates the pressure based on the load and speed of the engine.

To illustrate, when you’re cruising down the highway in your BMW, the crank ventilation valve is less involved to maintain the airspeed, since the air and fuel mixture is operating at a higher speed. But when your BMW is parked idle, less air and fuel mixture is required, so the valve reduces the amount of airflow through the system to prevent the mixture from becoming lean.

Common Indicators of a BMW Crankcase Ventilation Valve Malfunction

General signs that the crankcase ventilation valve of your BMW is malfunctioning include the following:

• The check-engine light is on: This warning light will automatically alert you whenever there’s something wrong with the engine. It could hint at an issue with the CCV, whether the valve is stuck in either an open or closed position.
• Engine leaks and failed oil seals and gaskets: Oil seals and gaskets will fail once the pressure varies from the optimal level for your BMW, and with this failure comes oil leaks. You may notice engine oil leaking into the hoses. So, if you see that your BMW has been consuming more oil than usual, you may have a crankcase ventilation valve malfunction on your hands.
• Black smoke from the exhaust pipe: The failure of the crankcase ventilation valve may occasionally cause a sludge and moisture buildup in the system. Once this occurs, you may begin to experience engine surges and black smoke from the exhaust pipe when you rev the engine or during a drive.

Other symptoms of a CCV valve malfunction are:

• engine spark plugs are covered with oil
• whistling noises when driving
• torn inlet hose
• engine misfiring
• difficulty starting the engine

Cerrone’s European Will Fix The Problem

The best way to resolve your BMW’s crankcase ventilation valve malfunction is to bring it to the experts. At Cerrone’s European, we are committed to ensuring your BMW gets the first-rate service that befits its class. We are a family-owned business that has remained recognized for our quality workmanship since our inception in 1976.

Our licensed and experienced mechanics offer repair and maintenance services to resolve your crankcase ventilation valve malfunctions or any other issues with your BMW. We can swiftly and accurately diagnose the problem using state-of-the-art equipment with a service database, fixing it with the latest factory vehicle specs, all at affordable prices. We are located at 2306 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA. Come by to see us and speak to one of our technicians today or give us a call to set up an appointment.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: DarthArt.