Ultimate pcv question

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by bammax, Jan 8, 2011.

  1. bammax

    bammax Well-Known Member

    This post has many measurements so don't get too overwhelmed :grin:

    I'm replacing the pcv valve and grommet on a 455. The original one basically shattered and had to be fished out of the intake in rock hard pieces. Now here's where the confusion and thinking comes in. All part numbers are from the Dorman "Help" parts.

    The intake hole is 15/16'ths. The pcv valve is 5/8'ths

    Grommet 42061 is 1-1/16th wide which means it's too large. It does have the 5/8'ths hole though which is correct for the pcv valve. (This is the valve cover grommet)

    Grommet 42056 is the correct 15/16'ths so it will fit the intake. The pcv hole is only 3/8'ths though which is too small.

    Grommet 42051 is also the correct 15/16'ths. This grommet has a large hole in the top with a smaller hole in the bottom as a catch for the valve. The top hole measures 3/4" while the bottom hole measures 7/16'ths.

    Would it be better to use one of these grommets (42051/42056) with a different size valve or to enlarge the hole on the 42056 grommet from 3/8 to 5/8 to fit the stock size valve?

    Originality is not a concern but parts availability is. I really like some of them valves with the plastic L shape to make the hose routing easier, but I'm not sure if they flow well enough.
     
  2. intense74

    intense74 Well-Known Member

    The last PCV grommet I got was a OEM and still available from the dealer. The part # is 1381487.
     
  3. bammax

    bammax Well-Known Member

    I used 42051 for a bit and decided I didn't like how much the valve could wiggle. I'm holding onto it for later use though as it may work perfectly with an L shaped valve.

    In the end I used 42056 and ran a grinding cone on a drill through it to enlarge the hole. It took some time and left the house smelling like a burnout box but it worked perfectly.

    I had also picked up a "universal" one that had the 15/16th diameter with a 5/8 hole, but it was made for a thinner intake than the 455 has so it wouldn't seat in right. It would be perfect on a thinner intake. I'm holding onto this one in case the aluminum intake I get in the spring is thinner.
     
  4. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Im going through this now. Brought home several from the parts store that the kid at the counter said would work that didnt. The factory one in the mainfold came out in pieces so thats no help. I endedup taking one that was to big and cut a wedge out of it and put some RTV on it and forced it into place. it dont look right or fit the valve right but works. Im goingto try some of these part#'s I found in some other post to see if I get better results.

    New question, Will it hurt anything to run a PCV in the manifold and in the valve cover using a T into the base of the carb? I have an open element breather on the L side and a PCV fitting on the R. Im wondering if this might be contributing to my oil leaks.
     
  5. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    If I understand you correctly, you have two PCV valves teed off one vacuum source, one valve drawing vapors from the stock location and the other from a valve cover?

    If so, this won't cause any problems, it's simply redundant and unnecessary; one PCV valve is fine at either of those locations.

    Devon
     
  6. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    42056 crosses over to the original number of 1381487. Yes, the PCV hole is 3/8" on it, and its a PITA to get the PCV valve in there, but it fits. Just dont do what I did and push the new grommet into the engine. Its really easy to do. Use lots of WD40 and it will fit
     
    Grandpas67 likes this.
  7. Racerx88

    Racerx88 Platinum Level Contributor

    Yep, still available, although a little pricey.

    Page 1: 1-1 of 1 items

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    [TD="class: reg"]GM PART # 1381487
    CATEGORY: All
    PACK QTY: 1
    CORE CHARGE: $0.00


    [​IMG][/TD]
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    [TD]List Price:[/TD]
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    [TR]
    [TD]Price:[/TD]
    [TD]$2.63[/TD]
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    [TR]
    [TD]You Save:[/TD]
    [TD] $1.85 (41%) [/TD]
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    [/TD]
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    [TR]
    [TD="class: reg, colspan: 3"] DESCRIPTION: GROMMET [/TD]
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    [HR][/HR]
     
  8. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where


    You've done that too :Dou: I've done it twice and fortunately the valley pan caught it both times and I was able to fish it out with a coat hanger. Yep, lots of WD-40 and be gentle and patient. I've gotten ones from NAPA and Autozone that have fit properly.
     
  9. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Devon, I havent done it yet I was just thinking about that as a solution to my leaks. Really dont think ive got excessive blow by. When I stomp on it I can smell a bit of oil hitting the exhaust and theres always a bit on the inside of the starter cone.I want to cover all the bases before I commit to pulling the engine again.
     
  10. Kingfish

    Kingfish Well-Known Member



    Me three. I now put the grommet and valve in the manifold before applying to the engine.
     
  11. Iron Maiden

    Iron Maiden Lorain, Ohio

    I have a 1969 400 engine, the factory part for the pcv valve grommet for the intake manifold is 1381487, not sure of the original dimensions, but was discontinued. parts store crossed to a dorman part number 42056 which has a hole that is too small for valve to fit and doesn't want to go into the manifold either.. I've tried all different methods and nothing seem to be working

    Below is a reference pic, I have the old grommet next to the replacement 42056 and on the left is the 42061 which is a replacent pcv/breather grommet for the valve cover original part number 1231486.

    I saw this website for turbo buicks

    https://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/460/PCV+VALVE+GROMMET+#7214.html

    They have a version part number 7214 they are offering that supposed to be an exact reproduction of the original part. Anyone use this on an older engine
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 30, 2018
  12. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    What I did on my last grommet install was to install the grommet on a spare intake. Then I took a very small Dremel style drum sander and put it on the end of my cordless drill. I sanded the inner diameter out a little at a time, test fitting the PCV valve till it fit snugly. Then I cleaned off all the rubber dust and installed it on the engine. Fit like a glove
     
  13. Iron Maiden

    Iron Maiden Lorain, Ohio

    Jason your a true blue "Buick-ologist" I will try that method if it comes down to it.

    Trying to find a cure for this pain in the you know what problem thru the reproduction parts route first..
     
  14. Iron Maiden

    Iron Maiden Lorain, Ohio

  15. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Excellent, have to try one from Kirban.. the current grommets available are ridiculous.. have been for years.

    If they fit, I will buy them in bulk and add to the tsp inventory list of parts we sell.

    Thanks for mentioning it.

    JW
     
  16. Iron Maiden

    Iron Maiden Lorain, Ohio

    You're welcome Jim.. I tried every freaking grommet mentioned and nothing fit right.. all the repos from any parts place are the dorman part with the small pcv hole..

    the only thing missing from the Kirban grommet is the stamped gm part number..
     
  17. Grandpas67

    Grandpas67 Well-Known Member

    Holy christ...$15.04 shipping to WA. There has to be one closer than PA...and cheaper to ship. UGH.
     
  18. cjeboyle

    cjeboyle Gold Level Contributor

    Dang it. I wish I knew about Kirban before I too pushed the grommet into the intake and onto the valley pan.
    Cliff
     
  19. Ken Warner

    Ken Warner Stand-up Philosopher


    Let us know what you find, count me in for one via TSP as soon as you get them.
     
  20. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    Add one to my order if it works
     

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