Ford introduced the compact Escort in the 1981 model year. The 1997 model arrived with the introduction of the fourth generation Escort. This redesign, which lasted throughout 2000, gave the Escort a neater and more aerodynamic appearance. The 1998 Escort had 2.0-liter engines available, the base-level SOHC version producing 110 horsepower and an optional DOHC version producing 130 horsepower. Both engines used an emission control device (the positive crankcase ventilation valve) that sent toxic gases into the combustion chamber to be burned. Over time, this valve plugs and allows gases to be released into the atmosphere.
Locate the PVC valve on the front of the motor on the driver’s side (attached to the PVC rubber hose).
Pull the PVC hose off the PVCC valve using a gentle twisting motion.
Grab the PVC valve and pull the oil separator tube (the tube from the oil container) with a slight twisting motion.
Hold the PVC valve between your thumb and index finger and shake it up and down. Listen to the sound coming from the valve as you shake it. If there is a sound, the PVC valve is OK. If there is no sound, the PVC valve needs to be replaced.
Attach the PVC valve to the oil separator hose and press it into the grommet on the hose until it stops moving.
Press the PVC hose onto the PVC valve.
