Need help - PCV valve sparks? - Infamous Nissan

USCGamecocks20 · 08-04-2022, 04:03 AM

I was trying to remove my PCV valve with the radiator hoses/power steering pump out of the way, without removing the tire, and after a few minutes of trying to get a wrench on it I suddenly saw/heard a small burst of sparks right from the PCV valve fitting I was attaching the wrench to.

Obviously I still had the battery connected, which in hindsight I guess should always be disconnected even when not working on fuel/electrical, but what the hell could have caused sparks on a mechanical part like the PCV valve?

Did the bottom of the wrench touch the wire coil on the alternator, and if so would that cause sparks even with the engine completely off? I really want to know what caused that, both for my own sanity, and to avoid doing it in the future (and helping diagnose a problem if I just fried the alternator or something). Any thoughts or ideas would be awesome….I tried searching and found nothing.

USCGamecocks20 · 08-04-2022, 04:12 AM

I’m guessing I did this?

LugNut1990 · 08-04-2022, 11:18 AM

Yes, sounds right. Hopefully you did not fry anything -- I'd check the battery charge/voltage often.

USCGamecocks20 · 08-04-2022, 12:01 PM

I should just monitor it when I restart the engine for the first time, correct? If battery maintains charge, that means alternator is charging it successfully?

Cusser · 08-04-2022, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USCGamecocks20

I should just monitor it when I restart the engine for the first time, correct? If battery maintains charge, that means alternator is charging it successfully?

Check voltage across battery terminals with engine running about 2000 rpm to check charging system; should read about 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

DO NOT DISCONNECT EITHER OF THE TRUCK'S BATTERY CABLES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING THOUGH !!!

USCGamecocks20 · 08-04-2022, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cusser

Check voltage across battery terminals with engine running about 2000 rpm to check charging system; should read about 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

DO NOT DISCONNECT EITHER OF THE TRUCK'S BATTERY CABLES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING THOUGH !!!

Perfect, thanks, will do exactly that once I get everything back together. Much appreciated.

Also, I would never disconnect the battery while running haha, but what would happen just curious?

Midnight Tech · 08-05-2022, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USCGamecocks20

Perfect, thanks, will do exactly that once I get everything back together. Much appreciated.

Also, I would never disconnect the battery while running haha, but what would happen just curious?

You will lose the magic smoke from many items on your truck. Creates a massive surge that knocks out anything electronic.

USCGamecocks20 · 08-05-2022, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight Tech

You will lose the magic smoke from many items on your truck. Creates a massive surge that knocks out anything electronic.

Thanks, and I got scared at first thinking you were responding to my “arc’ed the alternator” comment, and that I fried all of my electronics haha. Had to read my last question again.

89'HBV6 · 08-05-2022, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight Tech

You will lose the magic smoke from many items on your truck. Creates a massive surge that knocks out anything electronic.

This is true. Electronics run on smoke. when you release the smoke, electronics simply stop working... and getting the damn smoke back in is, at best, difficult.

I tried for over 20 years in the IT world... but when it's a PEBCAK, not much can be done.

08-04-2022, 04:03 AM	#1
USCGamecocks20 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: South Carolina Posts: 74 Vehicle: 1993 Nissan D21 (KA24E) 2WD automatic King Cab Thanks: 8 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	Need help - PCV valve sparks? I was trying to remove my PCV valve with the radiator hoses/power steering pump out of the way, without removing the tire, and after a few minutes of trying to get a wrench on it I suddenly saw/heard a small burst of sparks right from the PCV valve fitting I was attaching the wrench to. Obviously I still had the battery connected, which in hindsight I guess should always be disconnected even when not working on fuel/electrical, but what the hell could have caused sparks on a mechanical part like the PCV valve? Did the bottom of the wrench touch the wire coil on the alternator, and if so would that cause sparks even with the engine completely off? I really want to know what caused that, both for my own sanity, and to avoid doing it in the future (and helping diagnose a problem if I just fried the alternator or something). Any thoughts or ideas would be awesome….I tried searching and found nothing.

08-04-2022, 11:18 AM	#3
LugNut1990 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: N.E. Kansas Posts: 940 Vehicle: 1990 Nissan Hardbody Thanks: 0 Thanked 144 Times in 125 Posts	Yes, sounds right. Hopefully you did not fry anything -- I'd check the battery charge/voltage often. __________________ Original owner 1990 Nissan Hardbody, Aztec Red Standard cab, 4x4, KA24E, 5-speed Intentionally near-stock Mods: Second OEM horn, stereo/speakers/sub, mud and snow tires, HD trailer hitch (cat 3+), liquid bed liner, G1W dashcam Definitely not for sale!

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08-04-2022, 04:12 AM	#2
USCGamecocks20 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: South Carolina Posts: 74 Vehicle: 1993 Nissan D21 (KA24E) 2WD automatic King Cab Thanks: 8 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	I’m guessing I did this?

08-04-2022, 12:01 PM	#4
USCGamecocks20 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: South Carolina Posts: 74 Vehicle: 1993 Nissan D21 (KA24E) 2WD automatic King Cab Thanks: 8 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts	I should just monitor it when I restart the engine for the first time, correct? If battery maintains charge, that means alternator is charging it successfully?