is there any way possible a clogged untake before air filter or a bad pcv can ever lead to rod damage in the engine

Drove car to store. Came back out and engine wouldn't turn over. Was a bad starter. Replaced starter and no luck. Removed #1 spark plug and burped the engine,some kind of vapor lock? Engine turned over and rod was immediately knocking. With full new oil change and oil filter. Took car to Toyota and they said rod was wrapped around crank shaft and engine is shot. I'm real confused of how a rod gets so damaged from engine not running then total knock upon restarting.there was no knock or engine problem before stopping at store. How is any of this possible? It doesn't make sense
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. I have seen similar things happen with this engine before. Typically it has nothing to do with the PCV valve though. Majority of the time it was because a rod bearing was failing. Once the vehicle was turned off, it spun the bearing and then the noise occurred. The most common reason that I have come across for this issue is a failing catalytic converter. This can cause excessive pressure and even debris to back up into the engine which can cause it to lock and bend a rod. This can be an expensive repair. If you needed a second opinion, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the knocking you’re experiencing with the vehicle.

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A clogged hose or PCV system or inoperative valve can increase oil consumption because pressure builds when the vapors in the crankcase aren`t allowed to flow into the combustion chambers. That additional pressure can force oil past seals and gaskets.
PCV will not have an effect on your compression readings.
A PCV valve that`s stuck open will allow too much air to enter the intake manifold, leading to a leaner idling fuel-air mixture. Stuck closed leads to a build up of pressure in the crank case which creates a variety of oil leaks! And this in turn can lead to a range of issues, including a rough idle.
Common signs of a faulty PCV valve include excessive oil consumption, oil leaking, a blocked breather filter, and reduction in overall performance.
What the PCV system does is it draws fumes from the oil pan back into the intake manifold and burns them to reduce emissions and to protect the inside of the engine. That means that we have to have a vacuum source that sucks the fumes out of the valve cover into the intake manifold.
If engine wear causes too much crankcase pressure it will overwhelm the PCV system and lead to excessive oil leaks. Excess crankcase pressure may also occur if the PCV system vacuum supply becomes restricted.
Installation position of the PCV valve on the cylinder head. In vehicles with turbochargers, power loss, rough idling, or whistling noises are indicators of a defective crankcase ventilation system, MAHLE Aftermarket reports.
The PCV valve serves a few purposes: It stops excessive amounts of oil from being drawn out of the crankcase. It regulates the amount of Vacuum applied to the crankcase.
When your PCV valve is malfunctioning, it throws the air to fuel mixture out of balance and can lead to poor performance and rough idle, as well as misfires. In the very short term, these issues should not damage your car, but if you don`t fix the issue, you can do lasting damage, so it`s best to get it fixed promptly.
The PCV system allows for cleaner exhaust, prevents blowby at seals and gaskets, removes crankcase gasses generated by the combustion process that will sludge up and destroy the engine if left unchecked, and allows the engine to run more efficiently thus creating better fuel mileage!
Can WD40 be used to clean PCV valve? WD40 can be used to clean the PCV valve but it is not recommended. WD40 is a lubricant and not a cleaner. It will do little to remove the carbon buildup and may make it harder for you to get the valve out in the first place.
PCV system failure can cause oil leaks. Clogged crankcase ventilation systems often are overlooked causes of engine oil leaks.
A stuck closed PCV valve results in excessive crankcase pressure. It forces oil past the engine`s seals and gaskets. A stuck open PCV valve or leaking hose results in a large vacuum leak, a rough idle, and drivability issues like surging.
How often do pcv valves need to be replaced? PCV valves are a common repair since they are part of the factory scheduled maintenance plan. PCV valves are recommended from 35,000 -60,000 miles, with most being right at the 50,000 mile mark.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve hose is a hose running from the valve cover on the engine to either the intake air box or the intake manifold. The PCV valve is activated when crankcase pressure rises in the engine when running.
Car manufacturers suggest that PCV valves be cleaned or replaced after somewhere between 20,000 to 50,000 miles of driving. Consult your owner`s manual to see where the PCV valve is located on your vehicle and what the recommended service intervals are.
It is necessary to replace the PCV valve regularly. Most manufacturers recommend replacement of the valve as often as every thirty thousand miles.
Most manufacturers recommend that vehicle owners replace the PCV filter at least every 60,000 miles. While not a hard-and-fast rule, having a mechanic check the performance of the PVC system every two years can help ensure that it is working properly.
If the head gasket fails between the cylinder and an oil gallery,compression will enter the oil system and pressurize the crankcase.
Side effect #1: Crankcase pressure (“My engine leaks oil”)

If the engine is producing blow-by gases faster than the PCV system can dispose of them, an increasing surplus becomes trapped in the crankcase, causing excess pressure and, inevitably, oil leaks.

If you have car engine compression problems, your car will either misfire when you start the engine, perform poorly or, if you have low or no compression in all cylinders, won`t start at all. You can`t drive your car for long, if at all, with low compression.
A typical PCV system should be pulling about 1 to 3 inches of vacuum in the crankcase at idle. If you see a significantly higher vacuum reading, the intake manifold gasket is probably leaking and pulling vacuum on the crankcase.
Specifically, if the PCV valve malfunctions, or is stuck open, it allows some of the oil that is used to lubricate the pistons and cylinders to escape. This wayward oil can then find its way to the surface of the engine`s spark plugs, resulting in a condition known as “oil fouling.”

Relevant Questions and Answers :

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is there any way possible a clogged untake before air filter or a bad pcv can ever lead to rod damage in the engine
ANSWER : Hello. I have seen similar things happen with this engine before. Typically it has nothing to do with the PCV valve though. Majority of the time it was because a rod bearing was failing. Once the vehicle was turned off, it spun the bearing and then the noise occurred. The most common reason that I have come across for this issue is a failing catalytic converter. This can cause excessive pressure and even debris to back up into the engine which can cause it to lock and bend a rod. This can be an expensive repair. If you needed a second opinion, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the knocking you’re experiencing with the vehicle.

Engine seized…rods shot out both sides of engine block.
ANSWER : Hello. To answer your question, yes, the lack of an air filter can cause catastrophic engine damage. Over time, the debris will build up inside of the engine as it mixes with air and other carbon contaminates. Eventually, it will build up so much debris that damage will occur (including damage to the mass air flow sensor). In most cases, the debris will get caught in the valves which will hold them open and can cause a series of running issues as well as the piston hitting the valve. It can also cause enough build up in the cylinder that the piston seizes up, which will cause the engine to throw the rod. There are plenty of reasons for why this would happen. I hope this helps.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

Does a 2014 Lexus RX 350 need to have a service of new cabin air filter and engine air filter at 17,000 miles
ANSWER : Hi there. If you regularly park your car under a tree or near bushes, or live in desert areas the cabin air filter(s) will likely suck up debris and leaves, becoming dirtier, faster. It’s recommended to have this component replaced every 30,000 miles or every two years. The tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles – regardless of age; to ensure proper wear. If your dealership offers that service FREE, i’d take advantage of the tire rotation. If you’re a Costco member, they can complete the rotation as well for no charge. One of our [mobile mechanics can come to your location and complete the cabin air filter replacement if you’d like.

Should diesel engine shut off when i block air intake before filter.
ANSWER : Hi there. The air intake on today’s modern cars are finely tuned pieces of equipment – especially on a diesel engine. If air flow is blocked or reduced in any way, it can cause the engine to have troubles maintaining consistent RPM and may stall in some situations. The EGR valve is also a component that may be contributing to your engine issues on the Fiat. In order to determine which one is the source of your problems, have a certified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the stalling problem in person so that this can be addressed properly.

Intake air flow leaking. What makes this happen?
ANSWER : Hi there. When having the code P0171, the fuel system is too lean. This could be the fuel pump is not working, the fuel filter is dirty or plugged, or the injectors are plugged or not working properly. Check the fuel system and make sure that the fuel system is having a pressure of 35 psi or higher. Also, check the spark plugs and look for any burn marks. This would indicate that the spark is hotter than normal and the fuel system needs cleaned or repaired.

For the intake air flow leak, check the intake for any vacuum leaks on both sides of the throttle. Check all of the hoses from the air cleaner box to the throttle and check the manifold and all vacuum line including the brake booster line for any leaks. Put a vacuum hose on the engine and see what the engine vacuum is at idle. The vacuum should be 17 hg to 22 hg on the gauge. If there is a vacuum less that that, then there is a leak. If you need further assistance with your fuel system and a vacuum leak, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I unknowingly drove my car for the last 5,000 miles without an air filter, what potential damage has been done?
ANSWER : I do believe that no serious damage would have occurred. The air filter is made to prevent any leaves or other debris from entering the engine. However, due to the design of many newer intake systems, the debris would likely not make it that far anyway. This is due to screens that are built into some throttle bodies. I would recommend going with the intake/fuel system cleaning as well as another oil change. Once all of these maintenance items are completed, the vehicle should be good to go with no damage to worry about. If you want to have this looked at, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to conduct a comprehensive inspection so that any issues can be addressed as needed.

My code reader says I have a bad mass air flow sensor ans crank shat sensor test drive ran better shut off & engine Lt. Same code
ANSWER : Hi there. The problem you are describing, sounds like you may have a poor connection in the connector at the mass airflow sensor. Although, sometimes aftermarket parts do not perform as well as factory (OEM) parts. Check for corrosion and/or wide spacing in the terminal ends. Compare the terminal ends in the connector using a flashlight to see better. The terminals can be tightened. If you are not comfortable with doing that, a replacement pigtail (connector) is available. You vehicle may require further diagnosis performed with a scanner that provides parameters that can be viewed as the fault occurs. If that is the case, I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical circuits inspected in order to pinpoint the underlying fault.