6.7 Powerstroke Crankcase Vent Issues - Need Some Help!

Technical Issues
1

I’m diving into the crankcase ventilation system on my 6.7 Powerstroke and have hit a few bumps along the way. If you’ve worked on this before or have experience, I’d really appreciate your insights.

Overview of the Crankcase Ventilation System

The crankcase vent system is crucial for maintaining proper pressure within the engine’s crankcase. In the 6.7L Powerstroke, this system helps ensure that harmful gases are vented and that pressure doesn’t build up, which could lead to oil leaks and other problems.

Common Issues I’ve Encountered

  1. Check Engine Light: Recently, my check engine light came on, and after scanning the codes, I found a P0456. I’m guessing it’s related to the ventilation system.
  2. Oil Leaks: I’ve noticed some oil pooling underneath the engine, which I suspect might be due to a malfunctioning vent.
  3. Unusual Oil Consumption: Anyone else experiencing high oil consumption? I started noticing I need to top off more than usual.

What I’ve Tried So Far

  • Visual Inspection: I’ve looked for any visible cracks in hoses or other components but haven’t found anything obvious.
  • Referencing YouTube Videos: There are a few tutorials out there, but they all seem to gloss over the specific solutions I need.

Looking for Guidance

  • Maintenance Tips: What regular maintenance should I be doing to keep the crankcase vent in good shape?
  • Replacement Parts: Are there any recommended brands for replacement vent components?
  • Troubleshooting: Any specific steps you recommend for troubleshooting or specific tests that I can run?

I want to tackle this issue myself, but I don’t want to dive in blind. All your experiences or advice on the crankcase ventilation system would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!

2

The crankcase ventilation system in the 6.7 Powerstroke is designed to manage blow-by gases and prevent pressure buildup. It allows these gases to escape and be rerouted to the intake manifold. This process helps improve engine efficiency and reduces emissions.

3

That’s really informative, but how does it handle extreme conditions? I’ve noticed some fluctuation in pressure while driving.

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4

From my experience, the crankcase venting system should ideally vent to the atmosphere to avoid pressure issues. Is yours still using the factory system or has it been modified?

5

I haven’t modified it at all! Just trying to understand what might be causing the pressure build-up.

6

The system uses a series of hoses and the oil separator. If those are clogged or damaged, it can create pressure problems too. Have you checked those components?

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7

That’s an interesting point, Cory. Clogged hoses can definitely cause issues. What about the vent itself? Does it need regular maintenance?

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8

I haven’t done any maintenance on the vent. How often should it be checked?

9

Maintaining the vent is crucial. I personally check mine during oil changes. A good rule of thumb is every 5,000 miles or so, depending on your driving conditions.

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10

Wow, I had no idea it should be that frequent. I’m learning so much from this thread!

11

You’re never too old to learn something new. They say maintenance is key to a happy engine! Who knew crankcase vents could be so exciting?

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12

I’ve heard that excessive oil consumption can be a major issue with the 6.7 Powerstroke, often linked to crankcase vent problems. Has anyone else experienced this?

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13

Yes! I had to replace my PCV valve when I noticed a drop in performance and excessive oil consumption. Keeping an eye on those could help!

14

Another thing to check is if there’s excessive pressure building up in the crankcase. That can signal a venting issue quite clearly. Did you check your oil breather?

15

I didn’t even think about that! Thanks for the tip. How often should that be inspected?

16

It’s recommended to check the oil breather every oil change. A clogged breather can lead to serious issues, so it’s worth keeping it clean!

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17

Funny enough, my friend referred to that as ‘the hidden monster’ of the 6.7. If it’s not maintained, it can be quite the troublemaker!

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18

I’d suggest running a few tests on the engine to diagnose performance issues. Using a scan tool can help understand any underlying codes from the vent system. Anyone know of reliable tools for this?

19

I’ve had success with the BlueDriver; it’s user-friendly and helped me identify issues I was having before. Definitely worth it!

20

It’s amazing how much of a difference these small components make. I remember chasing performance issues for weeks until I found my crankcase vent was blocked. Like, seriously!