What are the symptoms of a faulty car exhaust valve?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty car exhaust valve: 1. Blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe; 2. Difficulty starting the car; 3. Engine shaking and unstable idle. The car exhaust valve, also known as the oil-gas separator or pressure control valve, is installed between the compressor outlet and the condenser inlet. It improves the heat transfer effect in the condenser and evaporator by separation, which is particularly important for systems where the lubricating oil and working fluid have poor mutual solubility. The working principle of the exhaust valve is that the high-pressure gas from the compressor enters the exhaust valve, then flows into the guide vanes of the exhaust valve in a spiral motion. The lubricating oil is separated from the working fluid gas by centrifugal force and gravity, leaving it along the inner wall of the cylinder.
A few days ago, I encountered a situation where my car's PCV valve failed, and the symptoms were quite obvious. While driving, I felt the engine constantly shaking, especially at idle—it felt like it was vibrating, and when stopped, the shaking became particularly severe. Additionally, the engine oil consumption was unusually fast; it would be full one moment and nearly empty the next. The exhaust pipe even emitted blue smoke, which was quite alarming. After checking online, I learned that this component controls the recirculation of crankcase gases. When it fails, it causes oil and gas leaks, leading to carbon buildup and affecting engine performance. It needed immediate attention to prevent further engine damage. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic simply replaced the valve, which didn’t cost much. Regular checks of the engine oil and PCV system are crucial—don’t wait until the problem becomes severe. Safety comes first, and it can also save you some fuel costs in the long run.
