LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Cadillac >> 1989 >> Seville Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> PCV System >> Operation
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

PCV System: Operation

The PCV valve provides primary control in this system by metering the flow of the blow-by vapors, according to manifold vacuum. When manifold vacuum is high (at idle) the PCV restricts the flow to maintain a smooth idle condition.

Under conditions where abnormal amounts of blow-by gases are produced (such as worn cylinders or rings), the system is designed to allow the excess gases to flow back through crankcase vent hose into the air inlet and be consumed during normal combustion. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Positive Crankcase Ventilation System (Typical)
G109103Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.