Car Fix DIY Videos

The 3.2L straight-six in this 2011 Volvo XC60 is a tank, but it has areas to watch: the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system. When the diaphragm tears, it starts whistling like a tea kettle and sucking air through the seals. Or, the PCV simply ran its course and needs to be replaced before significant damage is done to the engine due to breathing deficiencies.

The Struggle: Not every day is about old iron. Today we’re working on the family fleet—a 2011 Volvo XC60 that’s pushing 135,000 miles. These PCV systems are only rated for about 100k, and based on the 2010 date stamp on the part, this one has been doing overtime since it left the factory.

The Curve: Replacing a PCV assembly on the 3.2L isn’t just a simple valve swap like the old days; it’s a full diaphragm assembly. Getting to those back bolts requires a bit of reach and some patience, and the amount of oil gunk hiding underneath that original 15-year-old plastic was a reminder of why maintenance can’t be ignored.

The Payoff: After a quick cleanup with some carb cleaner and a fresh gasket, we torqued it down from the center out to exactly 10 Newton meters. The “click” of the torque wrench is the sound of a job done right, keeping those internal gases recycling properly so the SI6 can keep purring for another 100k.

Vehicle: 2011 Volvo XC60 3.2L V6 ENGINE: 3.2L I6 DOHC 24V (Engine Serial #: B6324S5)
Parts: PCV Assembly (31319642)

Tools used:
– 10mm Socket -Negative battery post.
– T30 Torx socket w/ 2″ x 1/4″ extension.
– Torque wrench – (torque the T30 bolts to 10 Nm)

00:00 Intro: Not working on patina today, working on the family fleet 2011 Volvo XC60.
00:00:32 Why change a PCV? Theory of emissions from the 40s to modern systems.
00:01:28 The service life: 100,000 miles vs 135,000 miles on this one.
00:02:03 Disconnecting the battery (10mm).
00:02:56 Removing the original 2010 PCV assembly.
00:03:07 Pro-tip: Using a 2-1/4 inch extension.
00:04:23 Inspection: How nasty the original diaphragm is.
00:04:59 Cleaning the oil/gunk with carb cleaner.
00:06:08 Installing the new PCV with rubber gasket.
00:07:30 Torque sequence: Torquing from the center out to 10 Newton meters.
00:08:13 Using the small torque wrench for the final “click.”
00:10:06 Summary and what’s next (Brake vacuum pump).

DISCLAIMER: I hack as a hobby, not as a profession. This video is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as a definitive ‘how-to’ guide. Results will vary, so please do your own research and stay safe when working on your own projects.

#HackingPatina #DIYRepair #Maintenance #Volvo #XC60 #32L #PCVValve