This is the stuff of nightmares.

I replaced the PCV valve on my JustaCooper last week and in the process of putting it in, I broke it . Pliers and plastic do not mix; this is a good reason why I am not a mechanic. The threaded portion was inside the aperture and the rest was in my hand. With the help of a bolt extractor, the broken piece was retrieved and a new valve ordered.

Valve #2 was installed and, after driving for a bit with the car not acting "right", decided to investigate the valve again. After taking it out and putting it back in, I cracked the threaded part of the valve (I swear I only turned it once with the pliers, the rest was hand tightening ). The crack is approximately 1/2 the circumference of the valve and is attached well enough that I could continue installing it and get the hose attached. Took it for a test drive (app. 10mi. mixed driving) with no ill effects in idling, starting, or running.

My question is, will this crack have a detrimental effect on my engine? There is a blue O-ring at the base where it comes out of the valve cover. Is this enough to prevent excessive blow-by over time? More importantly, will the cracked valve break at some point in the near future and leave me stranded. They are apparently only available at the dealer, so I can't just head over to an auto parts store if it does go and it takes 2 days for part to come in. This will be my third valve in as many weeks if I do need to replace it again and it is solely my fault.

I should NOT be allowed to handle tools.

 

As you stated pliers and plastic dont mix - Live and learn......never ever heard of this happening before either.

I gess it depends on how big the crack is, but this will not leave you stranded at roadside, and more likely than not, you will expericence some idling issues before anything catastophic happens....

May be a good idea to join a Local MINI club and find their club mechanic / Handy Mini owner.

 

So I will see a few raindrops (idle problem) before the big storm (call a tow truck) hits. That's good to know.

The crack is in the threaded portion of the valve and is about half the circumference. As I stated, it was in enough of one piece to get it screwed in. If I need a new one, I am having someone else put it in and then not touching the thing. I must be cursed.

Thanks for your reply.