Positive Crankshaft Ventilation valve : where can I find it, what is involved in cleaning it ? (1/00)

The PCV valve is the black plastic thing in the camshaft cover on the inlet manifold side, with a pipe connecting it to the inlet manifold. It's a valve controlling crankcase ventilation (Positive Crankcase Ventilation). Just pull the pipe off, and pull the valve out of the cam cover (it's not tight). Blast it through with WD40 (from the engine side) and shake to make sure that the ball valve is free.. If you can face it, try and blow through from both sides and make sure that you can't from the inlet manifold side - the valve should close. (1/00)

I thought the PCV valve was a serviceable item and should be changed ? rather than cleaned ?, (think I've read this somewhere) (1/00)

It gets gunged up with oily deposits. I've always cleaned them with WD40 - works a treat (WD40 will clean almost anything - bathroom taps, electric shavers, etc etc - it destroys latex rubber though!) The manual says to replace the valve if it doesn't work - but it will keep on for ever (well a long time) if you keep it clean! (1/00)