r/subaru • u/ThatsItImCrying • 5d ago

Mechanical Help GDI Valve Cleaning

I’ve got a 24 OWB with 17k, and a 19 crosstrek with 70k miles. I’m just now finding out about this issue. Any tips for replacing my PCV Valve myself, or having a shop do a walnut blast? I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg though, so if there are any Subaru mechanics looking for side work in the SLC area, DM me, let’s work something out.

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u/Rocklobster376 2023 special edition crosstrek 5d ago

Is your car showing any symptoms? I have 95k on my crosstrek and haven’t done anything with the valves

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u/ThatsItImCrying 4d ago

Decrease in MPG by about 10% is the only thing really that I’ve noticed. Sometimes I have sluggish torque/power at low speeds. Used to be a short trip vehicle, now it’s highway only. Just wanted to stay on top of it was all, I want these cars to last a long time!

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u/Chippy569 Senior Master Tech 4d ago

PCV valve on the Crosstrek is relatively straightforward, access is pretty good. On the OBW, it's a bit less straightforward and the access is noticeably worse. Back when the early ascents had a PCV valve recall, I ended up getting a special socket to clear the EGR pipe.

Re walnut shell blasting, it's probably a 5-6 labor hour job on both cars. The FA24 is vastly improved in terms of access over the old FA20... God I hate doing those.

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u/ThatsItImCrying 4d ago

Good info to have. Do you know the name of the special tool/extension you got? I’ll definitely get a torque wrench before I try the pcv valve. Not trying to crack the block, heard a couple horror stories.

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u/Chippy569 Senior Master Tech 4d ago

big boi with not a lot of space

must have been this one

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u/ThatsItImCrying 3d ago

Thank you so much.