I am going to clean out the throttle body and upper plenum and EGR tube. (P0401 code)

I am wondering about the PCV valve. Most cars that I work on, the PCV valve rattles. If there is no rattle, it needs to be replaced. I remember replacing it on this car about 5 years ago, but when I shook the new valve out of habit, I was surprised it didn't rattle.

Is this normal (no rattle)? also when I checked on-line, MircoGard PCV valves are $4. There is another brand (Import Direct) for $23. Why the huge difference in price? Better quality?

The main reason I am asking this is because this car seems to lose oil. I dont see any leak on the driveway and no smoke coming out the exhaust. So I am wondering if the PCV valve is stuck open and I need to replace it?

 

It's normal for the plunger inside the PCV valve to move on it's spring. If you shake it, you feel it moving & hitting each end of it's movement. You might not call it a "rattle" but hope this explains it.

What's NOT normal is for the valve to get full of oil & crud, that prevents the plunger from moving as easily as it should.

I used to have a 98 4-cyl, remember it's quite easy to replace. You could put a brand-new $4 valve in every 1 or 2 oil changes. And it's almost not worthwhile trying to clean out the crud & reuse the valve. I don't know the difference between your 2 examples, but the $23 price is probably about the cost of a genuine Honda part from a dealer.

If the PCV valve keeps getting filled with oil, it may be an indication of blowby getting stronger; resulting in more oil carried through the baffles (inside the valvecover) into the PCV valve.

 

OK, I guess I will go with the cheap brand and hope the new PCV valve helps.

Thanks again!