What is disconnected?

[SeagullFTB]

Admittedly, I don't know much about the cars. My wife's Kia Sportage has been losing about 1 quart of oil every 1500 miles and it was suggested that the PCV valve was replaced as it could be the issue.

Whilst under the hood, I noticed that something appears to be disconnected. Nobody has touched the car since the service MOT, about 10 months ago (beside me checking fluid levels and toppimg up the oil).

Can anyone tell me what looks to be disconnected in the picture below?

[paddy1970]

The component circled in your image is part of the vehicle's Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system or a vacuum line, which plays a key role in regulating engine pressure and recirculating blow-by gases. The disconnected nipple (the protruding tube) at the bottom is likely meant to have a hose attached to it.

[SeagullFTB]

Thank you.

Is it possible that its the reason for a gradual loss of oil? There hasn't been any smoke from the exhaust or signs of overheating.

[paddy1970]

Yes, the absence of a hose here could lead to:

- Oil leaks

- Poor engine performance (vacuum leaks)

- Increased oil consumption

- Rough idling

[paddy1970]

Check for a loose hose nearby – There may be a hose hanging in the vicinity that should be connected to this fitting.

[GreenV8S]

As far as I can make out, that big duct is the engine air intake between the air filter and the throttle body.

This would normally have the non-vacuum engine breather line connected to it. This will carry engine breather gases into the intake manifold when the engine is heavily loaded.

If it's disconnected, the breather gases will come out of the hose and go to atmosphere instead. That will increase the vehicle emissions and leave a sticky residue wherever the free end of the hose is. It won't increase oil consumption.

It will also mean there is unfiltered air going into the engine. That isn't catastrophic but isn't a good idea long term.

In some vehicles this would also mean that the unfiltered air is also unmetered, which could lead to engine running problems - I don't know whether that applies to yours.

It's a problem you should aim to fix, but probably not related to your unexpected oil consumption.

[SeagullFTB]

Thanks all.

I've found the end of the hose, which was quite dirty and covered in a black sticky substance. Its been reattached.

I'm having the PCV valve replaced tomorrow. Hopefully this will reduce oil consumption.

[SeagullFTB]

Just to confirm, this hose marked in the image below was the one that I found disconnected and attached it to the nipple nearby. Does that sound correct?

It just made sense to me but I don't understand what it actually is. If was the perfect length to attach to that connection too.

Thanks

[E-bmw]

Yes, that looks like it comes from the rocker cover & goes to the inlet, which is where the PCV hose should go.

[SeagullFTB]

Thank you.

Could someone pinpoint on that picture where the PCV valve is? Apparently replacing it is as simply as unscrewing the old one and screwing in the new one and re-attaching the hose. I just can't work out where it is. Every video is find online has a slightly different looking engine.

[GreenV8S]

SeagullFTB said:

Could someone pinpoint on that picture where the PCV valve is?

The PCV check valve would usually be at the far end of that non-vacuum breather hose you've just reconnected.

[E-bmw]

GreenV8S said:

SeagullFTB said:

Could someone pinpoint on that picture where the PCV valve is?

The PCV check valve would usually be at the far end of that non-vacuum breather hose you've just reconnected.

It also may not be visible, as sometimes they are effectively built into the rocker cover.

[SeagullFTB]

I found it. Well, someone helped me find it.

It's under a foam cover and has a blue line drawn along it.