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How-To: GM 1.4L LUV/LUJ PCV Fix Kit V2 Install

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How-To: GM 1.4L LUV/LUJ PCV Fix Kit V2 Install

Overview:
For details and ordering information on the PCV Fix kits, go to: Welcome to CruzeKits.com - Home of the PCV Fix Kit

Note: This PCV fix kit has been replaced by the V2.1 PCV Fix kit, which uses a EVAP purge line "Y" fitting for a vacuum source instead of the brake booster tee.


Tools Required:
  • A step bit that can drill down to 9/16" (Available on Amazon.com) - I got a set of 3 at Menard's for $12
  • A cordless drill
  • 2 adjustable wrenches
  • Pipe thread sealant (teflon tape would also work)
  • A file
  • An Allen wrench set
  • A #2 phillips screwdriver witha 6"+ shaft, or a screwdriver with interchangeable bits and an extension that can get you the same length (this will be needed to install the plug)
  • A GOOD, strong degreaser that leaves no residue. Brake clean may work.
  • A plastic brush (an old toothbrush will work)
  • A hole punch
  • A hammer
  • A flathead screwdriver or comparable tool to mix and apply epoxy
  • A paper towel to wipe the epoxy off the applicator tool
  • In-lb torque wrench (Available on Amazon.com)
Note: these are only the tools that will be required to install this fix. You will need other tools to get the intake manifold off.


Parts Required:
- PCV Fix Kit V2

DISCLAIMER:
This solution has been tested, proven, and is generally considered reliable. To ensure a proper install, MAKE SURE YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN THIS POST. Neither I nor CruzeTalk.com accept any liability for what happens during or after the installation of this kit. Proceed at your own risk. This is a kit that is being offered for your convenience. It is your responsibility to ensure that the components are working correctly and remain in good operating condition to prevent any issues. It is your repsonsibility to ensure that the components are clean (such as the check valve and the brake booster tee fitting on the V2 kit) and in working order to ensure there are no potential issues down the road. For full disclaimer: click here.

Procedure:
Note: if you've never worked with NPT fittings before, just remember; you can keep tightening, but you should not back out unless you're disconnecting and re-connecting (with new thread sealer). Also note: don't be afraid to use a lot of sealant tape. You should be making at least 5 laps around the threads with the tape.

1. Remove intake manifold from vehicle, and remove throttle body from manifold. Tutorial for removing the intake manifold can be found here: How-To: Remove 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4L Intake Manifold

2. Using degreaser and a toothbrush, thoroughly clean and de-grease the original check valve openings, surrounding area, and a few inches into the bottom of the PCV port (the flat area). The original PCV opening must be free from any contaminants and must be bone dry in order for the epoxy to adhere permanently. If using a strong solvent like brake clean, I'd recommend removing the gasket surrounding the ports first. Make sure the PCV port is dry before proceeding.



3. Below is where you will be installing the screw and washer. The idea is that if your check valve is missing that hole needs to be plugged up as it's creating a boost leak. First, drive the screw half way into the center hole for the check valve dry (without any epoxy) to start the thread, then back out.




4. Place the washer over the screw, and liberally coat the screw thread with epoxy. The more you can pile on there, the better. Have at least as much as shown below, more if possible.



5. Next, carefully, being sure not to touch the walls, drive the screw back into the hole all the way to the end. Once the screw starts drilling itself in, it will start to go in straight. IMPORTANT NOTE: don't over-tighten the screw.

6. Screw it in till it hits the end, then lightly tighten until it's snug. If you over-tighten, the screw will strip the plastic. This is just to hold the washer in place, the epoxy will do the sealing and holding.

7. At this point, the epoxy should have bonded to the screw, the washer, the surface of the port, and should have been pressed through the outer holes on the port to produce an excellent bond. However, if you want to more remaining epoxy on your mix surface, feel free to add around the screw for good measure. Once the epoxy cures, it's never coming off. Note: do not block off the port coming up out of the manifold that the corrugated hose connects to!

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4. Be sure to wipe off the screwdriver you're using after every single application. That stuff dries fast and you'll be scraping it off later. Full cure takes 24 hours but if you start with this part first, you'll be fine getting the intake manifold back together and starting the car, since it will be dry to the touch within an hour. No need to wait overnight before you start up the car.

5. Flip the intake manifold upside down and place a washer centered on the flat side. Make sure it is centered horizontally. I'd recommend starting 1/4" or so further back than I did in this picture to give yourself some flexibility in case the hole gets too close while you're drilling. Use a hole punch and hammer to make an indentation where the thread will be starting. Note: as of January 2019, I've been shipping kits out with a larger flat washer for the outside; make sure you drill the hole a tad further back than needed to ensure the washer lays flat on the runner.



6. Using a step bit, slowly and carefully drill down to 9/16", being sure to keep it centered. If you have trouble getting it centered, you can try drilling a small 1/8" pilot hole with another drill bit first. Note that the hole on mine ended up a little too close to the opening. This is why I recommended you start further back to give you some flexibility in case this happens.




7. Using a file, file down two opposing edges of one washer until it slides through the PCV port opening. Do the same for two opposing edges of the locknut. This won't take much filing. Note, you may not have to do this if you have the newer style locknut.



8. Fit another un-modified washer over the NTP adapter, and fit the adapter trough the hole. Fit the nitrile gasket over the threads, followed by the washer you filed down.

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9. Slide the locknut through onto the top of the thread, and begin tightening the adapter against the thread. It may help to fit the elbow onto the adapter for this part to get more leverage. If the rubber seal starts to press out, you've tightened it too far.



10. Remove the 90 degree elbow, apply some thread sealer to both threads, and tighten it against the adapter using the two wrenches while also positioning the barb to point toward the throttle body. Note: if you run out of space to turn, DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE ADAPTER. The plastic on the manifold is pretty thick but it can still crack if you get crazy. You can tell if you're going too far when the rubber seal starts to press outward. Back out the adapter, remove the locknut, turn it clockwise one step, and put it back in. This will give you another 60 degrees before it gets too tight again, which should be plenty. At this point, the first washer you slid onto the adapter may start flaring upward. That's OK, its primary purpose was to distribute the force of the adapter against the plastic on the intake manifold so it doesn't crack; it is the nitrile seal on the inside that will keep this from producing any leaks.

11. Once the elbow is attached, apply some thread sealer to the barbed fitting, and attach that to the check valve to the end the arrow is pointing to. Next, attach the check valve to the elbow. Important Note: When tightening the check valve, be sure to use a wrench to hold the elbow, and do not place any weight on the intake manifold itself. If you fail to do this, you will apply too much axial pressure on the adapter and may crack the intake manifold. Do not use the manifold for leverage when tightening the check valve; instead, hold the adapter with a wrench.



12. Measure and ensure that the length of your hose is ~10.5". Slide the hose clamps about 2" over each end of the hose clamp. Then, push the hose clamp over the barbed fitting while holding the check valve. Do not hold the intake manifold while doing this as you may apply too much axial pressure to adapter and crack the manifold. It helps to coat the barb with some silicone grease/spray, or soapy water if you have a tough time getting it on. Once you have the hose on, use some pliers to slide the hose clamp over the the wider section of the hose that the barb is going through.



13. Lastly, attach the brake booster tee fitting to the hose in the same fashion as in the last step, and install the fitting on the intake manifold as shown below.





Note: The hose supplied with the kit should measure approximately 11". I measured an ideal length of 10.5" on my own intake manifold. Trim the hose if you find that it is too long.

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What does it mean on the first step to drive the screw into the first hole? Wha hole?
What does it mean on the first step to drive the screw into the first hole? Wha hole?
The hole that the orange check valve used to occupy.
The check valve hole has broken out from the center during my install. What's the best way to seal it now?

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The check valve hole has broken out from the center during my install. What's the best way to seal it now?
Try to find a bigger self drilling screw with a head no bigger than that washer, or just pile on the epoxy, press some through to make sure it went through the holes, and wait for it to dry. About an hour or so. Should hold solid.

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Thank for the write up and kits. works great and way better than the rubber one. well done. :not_worthy:
Maybe I missed it in one of the other threads (I actually did try to read through all of them) but what do you do with the hose that used to connect the turbo (with second valve) to the manifold, now that the hole in the manifold is plugged? Do you still hook that hose back up? If so, what function does it serve now?
Maybe I missed it in one of the other threads (I actually did try to read through all of them) but what do you do with the hose that used to connect the turbo (with second valve) to the manifold, now that the hole in the manifold is plugged? Do you still hook that hose back up? If so, what function does it serve now?
I think I figured it out. Correct me if I'm wrong. That entire hole doesn't get plugged. The side of that hole that used to vent back into the manifold via the crappy valve is what gets plugged, so the hose that connects the manifold to the turbo still gets hooked up the way it used to, it's just not used to vent the manifold side any longer. Correct?
You still need to allow PCV gas to pass through the corrugated hose so you're not blocking off the whole path, just the "wall" where the original check valve went.

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Wow, I didn't think you were still working on improving the design. Great Job!
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Wow, I didn't think you were still working on improving the design. Great Job!
Thanks. This is more of an adaptation to the original design that was made to reduce costs. While costing $10 more than the V1 kit (which I still sell), it doesn't require the BNR throttle body spacer, saving you a net $50.
Adding photo for main tutorial.

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That's a great upgrade that doesn't require adding the spacer!
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Pics are broken, just received your v2 kit in the mail last week... Any other resource for installation instructions with pictures?
Pics are broken, just received your v2 kit in the mail last week... Any other resource for installation instructions with pictures?
pics work fine in this thread, you have an issue on your end
pics work fine in this thread, you have an issue on your end
Just accessed from my laptop, sure enough it's working fine. Phone is having issues displaying for whatever reason
Where can I find the flat o rings for the intake manifold bolts?
Where can I find the flat o rings for the intake manifold bolts?
I'm fairly certain those are not sold separately. However, I have a spare intake manifold sitting here so I may be able to pull something off and send it to you.
Where can I find the flat o rings for the intake manifold bolts?
I'm fairly certain those are not sold separately. However, I have a spare intake manifold sitting here so I may be able to pull something off and send it to you.
Closest thing I could find was a complete head gasket set at $229. I'm tempted just to slap a little bead of RTV around the bolts. The o rings that are on them are dry, brittle and one completely disintegrated.
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