Slightly bad or really bad? - Crank vent valve

[maxp]

A mate was nosing about and pulled on the crank ventilation valve and lifted it out with suprising ease.

I dont think its seated particularly well, as it now takes zero force to lift it out.

Is it just a new grommet i need, or does the whole thing need replacing.

Also is it just pressured air that flows through it?

He reassured me that once the engine was started it held itself in abit more.

Does anyone know the symptoms the engine would present if this was leaking air?

(pic for reference)

[tony_ack]

Your picture suggests you mean the air breather hose on top of the camshaft (not crankshaft!)

Mine comes off fairly easily too - I wasn't under the impression that it was meant to be a super-tight fit? If it was, I guess it would be held down by a hose clip or something.

Even if you did need to replace this (and I don't think you do), it's not like it's hard to remove and replace, and I'm sure you'll find plenty at a local scrappy/ebay. Worst case scenario is that you would have to replace the rocker cover, as this is what it 'plugs' into.

[Steve_B]

The bung that holds it on looks cracked and brittle to me, probably best to replace it, something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK2-RUBBER-BUNG-FOR-ROCKER-COVER-BREATHER_W0QQitemZ300312326275QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item300312326275&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Have you noticed it leaking any oil? mine did when it split.

[scooter perv]

It will probably mess up your idle if it was leaking air there. As above it looks pretty cracked so maybe invest in a new one.

[maxp]

Your picture suggests you mean the air breather hose on top of the camshaft (not crankshaft!)

Mine comes off fairly easily too - I wasn't under the impression that it was meant to be a super-tight fit? If it was, I guess it would be held down by a hose clip or something.

Even if you did need to replace this (and I don't think you do), it's not like it's hard to remove and replace, and I'm sure you'll find plenty at a local scrappy/ebay. Worst case scenario is that you would have to replace the rocker cover, as this is what it 'plugs' into.

Sorry! I meant the 'crankcase ventilation pressure regulator valve' as haynes says.

(Assume its item #3 on this pic (pt:028103500)) http://www.vagcat.com/p/B110/005100.png

[Steve_B]

Yep, that's the one.

[Ben Lessani]

I got a new one from GSF, they cost buttons, stops you leaking oil/drawing water in/drawing air in etc.

Mine will pull out with a firm yank, but its meant to be seated pretty tight.