What tool to use to remove PCV valve on 2009 prius?

I would remove the hose first, before removing the valve. Then use either a deep socket of a closed-end box wrench.

It's very tempting to put an open-end box wrench on the valve, try to knock it loose, but what can happen: as the valve breaks loose you end up punching a hole in the thin-cast ceiling of the valve cover. This is due to the shape of a typical open-end wrench; it get's increasingly thick going around the opening towards the handle.


Repair Manual info in the attached:

 

Agreed, get the hose off and do a long socket on-axis. Definitely do not want an open end or flare from above.

 

Safest way is to remove the VC then remove the PCV, granted a lot more involved Some have cracked their VC when their PCV broke loose and their tool contacted the top of the VC and then they had replace the VC as well. There are a couple YT vids each using a different method, socket and ratchet, one wrench, two wrenches etc.

 

It's not unheard of to start with a too-long deep socket and a grinder to make a custom-depth socket...

I still have a stubby 14mm custom socket for That One Alternator Nut on Subarus.

 

No kidding. Seems like overkill?

VC = Valve Cover I think?

@Liam howard if getting a long socket on is difficult due to clearance, if a closed-end box wrench will fit on, clear the valve cover ceiling, that would work fine. The issue is just open-end wrenches, with the increasing thickness. If you're super careful you could get away with it, just barely break it loose, ensure you don't rotate more than a few degrees at a time.

 

We do get repeated threads about people busting the valve cover by using an open-end wrench there. In one from a couple years ago Mendel made a nice drawing of what happens:





You have a lot of leverage in that picture, so even if you are planning to go just a few degrees at a time, if the valve starts stubborn and then lets go ....

You might get away with doing a test fit of the wrench to find out where it would have to stop, and putting a wood block of the right height under the far end, to definitely stop it there when the valve lets go.

 

Thanks for finding that!

 

Is a closed end 19mm wrench that rare? Certainly AutoZone or Advance or NAPA would have them as individually available.

 

19mm box end wrench is my first choice. Second choice is deep 19mm socket. Remember, right tighty- left loose. IOW, pull wrench towards front of the car. Finally, I will attach a pic of my old PCV when I get back to my desktop.

 

Harbor Freight has 9 piece metric wrench set (including 19 mm box end wrench) for $6.00 (on sale now from $8) before customary 20% discount coupon and sales tax. See HF SKUs: 42305, 69044, 63171. This 19mm box end wrench is the wrench that I used to change my PCV.

 

Ahh, young paddywan hasn't learned that this is an OPPORTUNITY (with all rights and privileges associated therein) for the DIYer to BUY more tools!

Seriously, get a set of good box end wrenches or sockets that include 19mm. My personal example: I got a deep set of six point impact sockets that now cover most of the lug nuts I encounter instead of trying to make due with regular sockets. Duplicate purchases can be stored in the car for emergencies (gen 2 has a TON of space underneath).

Money an issue? (when isn't it?) Tell friends/relatives, etc that you'd really appreciate tools (or better yet) gift cards for tool purchases instead of other gifts. Also, garage and estate sales are a great cheap source for tools.

 

I tend to buy sockets/wrenches one-at-a-time, as pricey as possible.

One time though, I scored a grab-bag of odds-and-ends sockets at Value Village, comes in handy: you can root through them for obscure small sizes in particular.

 

If you're low on cash and time, rent it. If you've got time and little cash, yard and estate sales. If you've got time and cash you don't need my advice- I could probably use yours.