I think it is called a PCV valve or something....its the tube coming out of the top of the valve cover anc connecting right in-front of the TPS. Well anyways, what sort of problems can a bad grommet on one of these cause? And, where and how can the grommet be replaced? Also, there is oil or something in that hose/tube thing, is that good?

Your PCV valve is an inexpensive item that you can get a your local parts store, usually for under $10. Oil in it is OK. You check it by taking it off and shaking it. If it rattles freely, then it is probably OK. If the seal is bad get a new one anyway.

thats NOT the pcv valve. thats a breather hose to give fresh air to the pcv system, the valve is on the back side of the intake manifold to the left. and a bitch to get at mind you.

oil in the hose running to the area by the tps is not good, that means the flow has reversed cuz it should be sucking in air not spitting out oil. replace the pcv valve soon.

i dont know how to replace the grommet but i assume the valve cover has to come off. and if you cant get it just get a j/y valve cover with the hose attached, cant be too much money.

ok well lash'* explanation led me to finding a grommet on checkerauto.com that looks like the right kinda thing and is designated as a PCV valve grommet. Now, DS, it might just be me, but your explanation of that hose has a few voids in it...what is it called? You said it is supposed to transfer air, and if so, what is the air flow direction, into the valve cover or from? Also, there is basically no seal with the grommet that is on it where it sits on the valve cover....and i cannot hear any vacuum leaks around that area either, so maybe lash is right...maybe it is an oil type thing? Ok, there are only two opinions, both complete opposites, i need more opionions!!!

Sorry if I caused any confusion. My info came from the fact that some of my older GM vehicles did have the PCV valve right on the valve cover, in a grommet, so that is immediately what I thought of for yours.

To answer your question about the air breather hose, it usually comes from the air intake tube or air intake box, IIRC.

Hold on a bit and I'll try to locate a picture, sketch or diagram somewhere....

here is mine, sorta vague but thats what im talking about[/img]

wj, here what a PCV valve for your car looks like:



And this is the PCV valve grommet:


Looks like you can get a PCV valve for about $3.

ok that does not look like what I am looking for...what i am talking about is that thing shown in the pic just under the cover the black thing above the oil filler area...i will take batter pics later...

on the intake manifold, under the spark plug wires, on the rear of the passenger side. Pull off (up) the plastic '3800' cover and you will be able to search the area better.
They can be a real, and I mean 'real', PIA to remove. Mine came out easiest with the engine slightly warm, and the grommet soaked with penetrating oil. If the engine is too warm, you will burn your knuckles. Don't worry about the little rubber stub of a hose. it will slip off/on with a little 'rotation'.

Tip: Remove the plastic '3800' cover and the valve covers, and soak them in 409 to get all the old oil off.

Yeah, do that for us.