Crankcase Vent Filter Service Cost Guide
Basic Crankcase Vent Filter Replacement
Labor Time: 0.5-1 hour
Parts Cost: $15-30
Labor Cost: $62.50-125
Total Estimated Cost: $77.50-155
Integrated Crankcase Vent System Service
Labor Time: 1-2 hours
Parts Cost: $40-100
Labor Cost: $125-250
Total Estimated Cost: $165-350
Premium/Luxury Vehicle Crankcase Vent Service
Labor Time: 2-3 hours
Parts Cost: $100-300
Labor Cost: $250-375
Total Estimated Cost: $350-675
*Please note: These are estimated costs based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional repairs may be necessary if related components are damaged or worn.
Factors That May Affect Cost:
- Vehicle make and model
- Engine design and accessibility
- Additional parts needed
- Existing damage to related components
- Age of vehicle
Crankcase Vent Filter Replacement Procedures
BMW CCV (Crankcase Ventilation Valve) Filter
Time Required:1-2 hours
Steps:
- Allow engine to cool completely
- Remove engine cover and locate the CCV system
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the CCV valve
- Remove vacuum lines connected to the CCV valve
- Loosen and remove mounting bolts securing the CCV valve
- Remove old CCV valve and filter assembly
- Clean mounting surface thoroughly
- Install new CCV valve with new gaskets
- Reconnect vacuum lines and electrical connector
- Reinstall engine cover
- Start engine and check for leaks
Mercedes-Benz Oil Separator
Time Required:2-3 hours
Steps:
- Allow engine to cool completely
- Remove engine cover and locate oil separator
- Disconnect electrical connections and vacuum lines
- Remove mounting bolts securing oil separator
- Carefully remove old oil separator
- Clean mounting surface and oil passages
- Install new oil separator with new gaskets
- Torque mounting bolts to specification
- Reconnect vacuum lines and electrical connections
- Replace engine cover
- Reset service indicator if applicable
- Test run engine to check for leaks
Audi/VW PCV Valve
Time Required:1-2 hours
Steps:
- Ensure engine is cool
- Remove engine cover
- Locate PCV valve assembly
- Disconnect breather hoses from PCV valve
- Remove mounting screws/clips
- Remove old PCV valve assembly
- Clean mounting surface
- Install new PCV valve with new seals
- Reconnect breather hoses
- Secure mounting screws/clips
- Replace engine cover
- Start engine and verify proper operation
Volvo Oil Trap
Time Required:2-4 hours
Steps:
- Allow engine to cool completely
- Remove necessary components for access
- Disconnect all hoses from oil trap
- Remove mounting bolts
- Carefully remove old oil trap
- Clean mounting surface thoroughly
- Install new oil trap with new gaskets
- Reconnect all hoses
- Reinstall removed components
- Check/top-off engine oil level
- Start engine and check for leaks
Important Notes:
- Always use OEM or high-quality replacement parts
- Replace all gaskets and seals during installation
- Follow manufacturer torque specifications
- Proper disposal of old parts is required
- Some vehicles may require additional steps not listed
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific procedures may vary by model and year. Professional installation is recommended for best results.
Understanding Crankcase Vent Filters

ACrankcase Vent Filter, also known as a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) filter or oil separator, is a crucial component in your engine's ventilation system. It serves multiple important functions that help maintain your engine's health and performance.
What is a Crankcase Vent Filter
The crankcase vent filter is a specialized filtration device designed to:
- Remove oil mist and contaminants from crankcase gases
- Prevent oil from entering the intake system
- Allow proper crankcase ventilation
- Reduce engine emissions
How Does It Work
During engine operation, combustion gases can leak past the piston rings into the crankcase (known as "blow-by"). These gases, combined with oil mist, need to be safely vented. The crankcase vent filter:
- Captures oil dropletsfrom the vented gases
- Returns filtered oilback to the engine
- Allows clean airto pass through to the intake system
Benefits of a Properly Functioning Crankcase Vent Filter
A well-maintained crankcase vent filter provides several important benefits:
- Reduced oil consumptionby preventing oil loss through the ventilation system
- Cleaner engine operationby preventing oil contamination in the intake system
- Better engine performancethrough proper crankcase pressure regulation
- Extended engine lifeby maintaining proper ventilation
- Reduced emissionsby properly filtering crankcase gases
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of your crankcase vent filter is essential for optimal engine performance and longevity.
Common Failure Symptoms of Crankcase Vent Filters: Warning Signs to Watch For
Crankcase Vent Filter Maintenance Guide
Open Crankcase Ventilation (OCV) Filter
Signs of Failure:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Blue/gray exhaust smoke
- Oil leaks around engine gaskets
- Increased engine blow-by
Service Schedule: Generally every 20,000-30,000 miles or when symptoms appear
Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) Filter
Signs of Failure:
- Check engine light illumination
- Rough idle or stalling
- Oil in intake manifold
- Increased oil consumption
- Poor engine performance
Service Schedule: Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles, but varies by manufacturer
Catch Can Filter
Signs of Failure:
- Filter becomes saturated
- Visible oil accumulation in catch can
- Reduced filtering efficiency
Service Schedule: Check every 5,000-10,000 miles, clean or replace as needed
PCV Valve Filter
Signs of Failure:
- Rough idle
- Failed emissions test
- Oil leaks around valve cover
- Whistling noise from engine
Service Schedule: Replace every 20,000-50,000 miles or when PCV valve is serviced
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance intervals and recommendations.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.