Someone was selling them for the earlier engines, not sure if it's the same as this version.

Yeah unfortunately for the N18 the only way I have found to replace the cap is to scavenge one from another valve cover. The kit for the N14 has a new cap, but it will not fit on an N18. That’s why I looked into epoxy like I did, lol. If it breaks, glue it back on with JB Plasti-Weld

njaremka, it sounds like the internal parts of the PCV may be getting clogged up if you are having a lot of oil and stuff in there.... you may have to bite the bullet and replace the whole valve cover one of these days.

You might be right, but I refuse to admit it.

I ordered a new diaphragm this afternoon. When that comes in, I’ll clean it up a little more inside the cavity.

Ha, a kindred spirit!

Thanks for all of your great help, guys. I appreciate it! I'll post back my results after I've acquired the diaphram, the JB Plasti-Weld and a backup plan in case I mess up. Have a great day!

Please share your technique! I am really cautious about doing this and I and everyone else will appreciate learning from you. Thank you!

have you read this thread? It could not be more detailed so please go back and start again

Might anyone have insight on what damage is caused by driving with a busted PCV diaphram while awaiting the part from Russia? Will there be damage to the engine or catalytic converter, etc.? Thank you!

You may get smoke out your exhaust, loss of power, otherwise not a huge problem

I was asking GyumDoong for his technique. Please tell me where he details it. Thank you.

Thank you for your advice! I appreciate the assurance!

grumpy and I have detailed exactly how it goes and since then there are detailed pictures and guides?

Scudder44, I appreciate your invaluable help. I thought our debt was owed to MrGrumpy, but reviewing the post, I see that he credits you! -- "And last and most important to Scudder44 who was the first person I found to have done this and his advice was invaluable!"

GyumDoong apparently did not break any clips on the cap, while MrGrumpy did. Might you be able to offer some fool-proof insight into this?

Also, I see that dmath asked you about acquiring a new cap where you said you can purchase it from ECS. Can you please provide a link?

Thank you and sorry for any miscommunication! Best to you!

ECS and grumpy will be along soon to help. Am in Europe and not much use to you. Ebay is handy. Check yours before u buy, no point wasting money if yer diaphragm is ok

Hello, Just saw this. We sell the PCV cap for the N12/N16 engines,

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vaico-pa...127646554~vai/

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/1089971_x800.webp


not the N18 yet. We have not confirmed if its the same for the N18. My guess based on the design it's not.

We just have the full covers for now:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/11127646552/

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/739669_x800.webp

Thank you, ECSTuning! Any idea when you might have the cap for the N18?

$847 less 10% discount is what dealer wants for the Valve cover replacement for this issue. Parts ordered and on the way. Thanks Grumpy and Scudder44.

They also want $850 to replace leaking thermostat and upper hose, need to research that fix next.

Sorry, I’ve been a little busy lately.
Just read the most recent posts.... just as a correction, to Lemengrass, I actually did not break any clips. I was obviously worried about it, but it comes off really easy.

MinnietheMoocher, that’s just ridiculous! The thermostat isn’t really that bad, but using a tool like this made the job soooo much easier! The worst part for me was finding that the pipe going from the thermostat to the water pump was brittle and broke when I pulled the thermostat! It’s a good idea to have that on hand too, from what I’ve since learned, they almost always need replacing too.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...5f7aaffe4.jpeg

Oh and for those looking for the exact technique to remove the cap....well there isn’t really one, lol.
first pull straight up in the left rear corner of it until it pops free there, then using a pick set and small screwdrivers I slowly worked my way around it, gently releasing the other 4 clips at the base of the cap.
if you look at the pics. You can kind of see how they hold on there.its basically 4 nubs that protrude from the diaphragm housing. They lock into the 4 small openings in the sides of the cap.
prying gently outward from underneath/inside the caps edge, just carefully release them and it’s done... don’t lose the spring!

Nice catch! Yes if I hadn’t PM’d with Scudder44 about it first, I may well have not tried it! He deserves all the credit!


I have emailed ECS about this, because I wanted to link their part in the thread, but unfortunately they only offer the kit for the N14, and the diaphragm and cap are not the same and will not fit.


my clips didn’t break, although it’s painfully obvious that I was worried about that! Ha ha. It’s really simple. Even an idiot like me can do it!


The good news is that it’s still working fine! Gas mileage is better, better cold idle, ..... just obviously a happier car! No residue around it anymore, and most of all, no more vacuum leak!!.... I’m very pleased with how it worked out

Can someone post a photo of the PCV sensor connection on the air duct running from the air box to the turbo? When I reinstalled after doing the thermostat replacement, the electrical connector seemed to push in much further than I remembered. I want to make sure I got it right. Here's what I'm talking about in case I didn't describe it correctly:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...b2a5406e41.png

Got you covered, gimme a minute to go take a photo

Ok @dmath here’s a couple pics of mine. There should be a small clip that holds it in place. If it isn’t plugged in right you will get a CEL, so it you don’t have the yellow engine light on the speedo, you are probably fine.

edit: dang! Look at that crap on my valve cover! It’s literally crap! Apparently I had a critter for a visit! Looks like I have a little cleaning to do!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...d8ff1d723.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...25aa8e5e3.jpeg

Thanks very much, Mr. Grumpy. Next time I'm in the PNW, I owe you a Guinness. It appears that my electrical connector is good.

I bought my car a year ago. Not long after, I was looking under the hood and noticed that connector was not connected to anything -- neither the sensor nor the hose. Oddly, there was no CEL and the car ran fine. I reconnected it. I didn't realize until your reply that there is supposed to be a clip. As soon as I find it on RealOEM, I'll order one.

Edit: I guess I spoke too soon. I found the PCV vent pipe on RealOEM but there is no part number for the clip. It will take more detective work.

That sounds like a deal!
this is where the clip is, it is just a smaller version of the one on the the other hose on the intake.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...f1249e0e5.jpeg