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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Venture Base, Van Passenger >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 390 (Engine Mechanical - 3.8L (On-Vehicle)) >> Description and Operation >> Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Description

Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Inspection/Description
G01764354Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The Crankcase Ventilation System is used to consume crankcase vapors (1) in the combustion process instead of venting them to atmosphere. Fresh air from the throttle body is supplied to the crankcase, mixed with blow-by gases and then passed through a crankcase ventilation valve into the supercharger inlet (L67) or the intake manifold (L36).

Fig 2: Crankcase Ventilation Valve
G01764355Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The primary control is through the crankcase ventilation valve (1) which meters the flow at a rate depending on inlet vacuum. To maintain idle quality, the crankcase ventilation valve restricts the flow when inlet vacuum is high. If abnormal operating conditions arise, the system is designed to allow excessive amounts of blow-by gases to back flow through the crankcase vent into the throttle body to be consumed by normal combustion.