PCV Valve for 2009 GX470

[JimFromAZ]

Hi All,

I just purchased a 2009 GX with 145,000 miles on it in August. Been going over all preventive maintenance items. I was told by a specialist at LexusPartsNow.com that my 2009 GX470 does not have a PCV valve. When I search for the PCV on Amazon, I find part number 12204-50030 but Amazon tells me it does not fit my vehicle. Yet today I when I was replacing the two insulated ventilation hoses that connect to the valve covers, low-and-behold, there's a PCV valve with part number 12204-50030 on the driver's side valve cover. What's the deal? Do 2009 GX470's have PCV valves or not? Did the prior owner simply install a PCV valve when none is needed? If the 2009 doesn't have a PCV valve, what part goes into the driver's side valve cover?

[RX400h]

Some vehicles have flow reducing fittings that are not considered to be true PCV valves. Did you take the part and shake it? I believe that PCV valves have a built-in check valve to prevent reverse flow but I could be mistaken. A flow-restricting orifice part will not rattle when you shake it.

[JimFromAZ]

Hi Dave, No it's still in the vehicle...didn't shake it. I guess I can take it out, shake it, and put it back in or replace it. The vehicle seems to run fine so if someone replaced a flow reducing fitting with an actual PCV valve, I'm not sure I can sense any wrong with how the vehicle runs. Thanks! JIm.

[RX400h]

Jim, perhaps it is a flow-restricting orifice which may never need to be cleaned or replaced if the engine is running well. I did look at some Lexus parts suppliers but no PCV valve was listed in any of those sites.

[JimFromAZ]

I'll have to check. the 12204-50030 part is described as a PCV Valve on Amazon, so it's confusing right now. My guess is the one on the passenger side valve cover might be a flow-restricting orifice. Perhaps both sides were supposed to be the flow-restrictor, but somehow I've ended up with a PCV valve (as per part number) on the driver's side. Thanks and take care!