[Boosted]

Replaced a leaky valve cover gasket...PCV valve that still rattled, but didn´t plug well when blown in reverse..and the breather hose to the intake tube.
And than I realized - you know sometimes we get comfortable and think "well, that can´t be much". Well, I had forgotten. PCV is metered air!!.
It draws into the valve cover **after** the VAM. Cracked breather hose, leaky gasket and bad pcv valve distorted what the computer thought.
Having fixed all that and re-setting the computer has made a HUGE difference in performance.
Thought I might share that for anyone having some performance loss.
Usually takes my computer a tank or so to settle back in...hope it stays!!
PCV, is also rumored to give a few HP because of better engine case breathing....

 

[rellimpk]

Does that mean that the hose that runs from the valve cover to the filter box is really necessary? I´ve got a breather filter on mine and it seems to be doing just fine. Really no difference from before I changed that either.

 

[siragan]

whats a VAM

I´ve got a leaky valve cover gasket too. Some people say it´s a bad PCV valve/grommet, some say it´s the valve cover gasket itself. I just want it fixed. Can you help me out at all?

 

[Boosted]

Hi, sorry didn´t mean to ignore you. Work and all.
But to answer your questions.

"Does that mean that the hose that runs from the valve cover to the filter box is really necessary? "
Well, in my situation it seems so. PCV regulates how much engine oil gasses get reburned. The hose you replaced with a filter was connected to the air tube *after* the vam (airflow meter); which means that minute amount was figured into the amount of fuel needed. Yes, it´s very little air, but in my humble opinion, all air should be metered. If it works for you, go for it. Might want to make sure you aren´t running lean.

"whats a VAM"
A "Vane Airflow Meter". It´s on top of your air filter. Look upside down into it and you´ll see the vane, which tells the computer how much air is being drawn so it can make a fuel calculation.

"I´ve got a leaky valve cover gasket too. Some people say it´s a bad PCV valve/grommet, some say it´s the valve cover gasket itself. I just want it fixed. Can you help me out at all?"
If the concentration of oil is only around the PCV valve then I´d say it´s the rubber gasket. More likely, you need to replace the valve cover gasket. They are cheap ($15 here) and easy to replace. Just remember don´t tighten the screws too much, and start from the inside and work your way out.
If it´s the PCV gasket, they are cheap at the dealer, and also easy to replace.

 

[Beaverboy]

Can you guys instruct me on how to reset the computer on an LX? Do I just disconnect the battery and touch the brakes to discharge the car, or what?

 

[TheBlade]

well, the PCV valve isn´t a big deal. In fact you can put a breather filter on the valve cover and everything will run fine.