GM 1.4L Turbo Intake Manifold PCV Valve Fix Kits
Overview
These fix kits apply to the following vehicles with the GM 1.4L Turbo LUJ/LUV/A14NET engine:
2011-2016 Limited 1.4L Cruze
2011-2018 Chevy Sonic/Aveo
2015+ Chevy Trax
2015+ Buick Encore
2011+ Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (Turbo only)
2009+ Opel/Vauxhall Astra J (Turbo only)
2010+ Opel/Vauxhall Meriva B
2011+ Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The 1.4L Turbo engine (LUJ/LUV) in the Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax and Buick Encore has a check valve in the intake manifold that has a 100% failure rate. Out of warranty, it can cost as much as $350 to replace. There is no redesigned part for this (at the time of this post's writing), and new intake manifolds are still failing regularly after about 30,000-60,000 miles. The Dorman intake reportedly has the same flawed design. This thread presents two fix options that can be implemented for between $85 (V2) and $130 (V1), which is cheaper than all other aftermarket options.
DISCLAIMER: This solution has received validation testing and is currently considered reliable. To ensure a proper install, MAKE SURE YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN THIS POST. Neither myself nor CruzeTalk.com accept any liability for what happens during or after the installation of this kit. This kit is only being offered for convenience; it is your responsibility to ensure that all of the components of the kit are clean and are in good operating condition. For full disclaimer, click here.
Read the first post on the following thread, which explains how our PCV system works and will help you understand the solution better:
2011-2016 Cruze Limited 1.4L PCV System Explained
The basic principle is simple. You have two chambers; the intake downstream of the throttle body, and the PCV chamber. You need to allow gas to freely flow from the PCV chamber into the intake chamber when the engine is under vacuum (not producing boost), but block that flow of gas when the engine is producing boost. You need to be able to do this while sustaining pressures of 15-30psi (stock/tuned vehicles). The OEM intake manifold check valve serves this function decently well, while it works, but the check valve stops sealing well after a few thousand miles, producing an audible boost leak, and eventually disappears altogether. This solution offers you the opportunity to cleanly retrofit a durable, leak-free external check valve that can be serviced easily and replaced for $15-$25 should the check valve itself ever fail.
Benefits to this fix kit are:
- Eliminates boost leak caused by aged, worn, or clogged OEM check valve
- Solves boost leak, loss of power, poor fuel economy, and oil consumption caused by missing OEM check valve
- The new external check valve is easily accessible for cleaning, and can be replaced for $10-$20
- Stops oil consumption caused by missing check valve. Oil consumption will cause carbon build up on the piston crown and ring lands, which can cause detonation and piston damage.
- Much longer lasting than the OEM check valve due to more robust design.
PCV Fix Kit Comparison
I have three kits available for fixing this PCV system. Here are here are the differences between them:
V1 Kit: This is the original PCV fix kit. This kit routes the PCV gas through a check valve into a BNR throttle body spacer. Because this kit requires a throttle body spacer, it is more expensive to use if you don't already have the spacer. However, those who already have a BNR throttle body spacer, or want one for other purposes will find the V1 kit cheaper by $10. One benefit to this kit is that the check valve can be removed for inspection or cleaning by disconnecting the throttle body spacer, which doesn't require intake manifold removal.
V2.1 Kit: I designed the original V2 kit to reduce the cost of this fix as it doens't require the BNR throttle body spacer. Instead of returning the PCV gas to a BNR throttle body spacer like the V1 kit does, the V2.1 kit uses a Y fitting on the EVAP purge line or optionally, a brake booster tee fititng. While the adapter and some components add to the cost of the kit itself, the V2 kit saves you $50 as you no longer need to buy a separate BNR throttle body spacer. Please note that the check valve cannot be easily removed for inspection without pulling the intake manifold itself. However, the check valve is extremely robust and over-built for this application. The V2 kit is also easier and quicker to install and does not require the inch-pound torque wrench you need to get the throttle body spacer and throttle body back on. Please note, however, that the optional brake booster tee fitting should be checked and cleaned (if necessary) about at least every 50,000 miles or 2 years
V3.4 Kit: The V3 kit is the most recent PCV fix kit design, with a completely top-side installation that in most cases, does not require intake manifold removal. The V.43 kit also replaces the OEM PCV pipe (the corrugated/accordion hose from the intake manifold to the turbo, which has a high rate of failure due to cracking) while re-using the terminals. The V3.4 kit's check valve is also easily serviceable without intake manifold removal.
Purchase Details:
Orders are handled on my website at CruzeKits.com.
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Alternate Order Options
Please contact me for multiple-order discounts if you need to purchase more than one kit at a time, if you need a re-install kit, or if you need any replacement parts. I can also ship overnight via UPS if needed.
Installation Instructions
V1 Fix Kit Instructions: How-To: GM 1.4L LUV/LUJ PCV Fix Kit V1 Install
V2.1 Fix Kit Instructions: Coming Soon
V3 Fix Kit Instructions:
