PCV Valve, When to replace, where to get Options

[ThinAir]

How do you tell when your PCV valve needs replacement?

If you need one, where do you get it and about how much? I've checked Pelican and GPR, but can't find one. I haven't called Brad yet, but I know he can get anything. I'm just curious how much they cost. They aren't much for a Honda at my FLAPS, but I doubt they would have one for a 914.

[ThinAir]

Thanks, Brad! That is great information. In all the years that I've had a 914, I've never done anything with the PCVV, except hook the breather hose up to it. On other cars it's always part of the maintenance routine, but for some reason I've never thought about it before as far as my Type IV is concerned.

The reason I asked about this is because I'm starting to assemble my 2.0L D-Jet. I want this to be an absolutely dry engine. One of the most often cited causes for the seep of oil from a Type IV engine is pressure within the crankcase, so it occured to me that if the PCV valve was not operating correctly, it could be part of why a Type IV leaks oil.

So is there an "engine breathing unit" that would be a good thing to put onto a Type IV to replace the stock PCV valve? You see a lot of these kinds of units on VWs, especially Type I engines, but these are almost always carbureted engines. Brad's helpful page makes it look like it's really no big deal to maintain or replace the stock valve, but I'm just wondering if there is a better way to go.