Can You Still Drive with a Faulty Engine PCV Valve?

[GiaFitz]

You can continue driving for a short period if the engine PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is faulty, but prolonged neglect may lead to oil burning, which can eventually cause engine seizure (hydrolock), rendering the vehicle undrivable. Initial minor damage to the PCV valve allows engine oil to enter the intake manifold and then the combustion chamber, resulting in oil consumption. This leads to reduced oil levels and severe piston carbon buildup. Severe PCV valve failure may allow large amounts of oil to enter the cylinder. Since liquids are incompressible, the piston and cylinder can be damaged, causing hydrolock. Symptoms include loud noises during cold starts, unstable idling, increased fuel consumption, and in some turbocharged models, loss of turbo boost, resulting in poor acceleration.