I replaced my PCV/camshaft cover assembly today.

In the process I noticed that the wire harness leading to the small electrical connector next to the PCV valve was deteriorated... the loom had disintegrated, and the insulation on each of the three wires had also disintegrated, leaving mostly bare wires. The wire bundle is twisted, so not sure how they didn't short out, maybe just air gap and oil residue. No codes or engine trouble. I'm not sure what sensor that is.

Also not sure why they deteriorated, maybe chemical exposure (brake fluid?). They might have rubbed on the PCV valve itself, the copper wire was perfectly intact.

I wrapped each wire in electrical tape, then some more around the bundle, then a piece of loom over that.

Anyway something to keep an eye on.

 

Now I have to go check!
That should not happen in my opinion.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking chemical exposure, I don't see how chaffing would remove all of the insulation evenly around the wires. I also don't think the PCV valve should vent hot vapor to the engine bay, but maybe that's a failure mode.

 

I haven't seen something like that in a long time. It's one thing for the insulation to degrade, but to be removed like that requires some serious chafing in a very specific way.

 

Rodents

 

Give the man a ceegar. I would bet good money this is the right answer.

 

Unless you left the cover off or something was trapped between the cover and harness for a bit...........it's likely mice but...........you should see, at the very least, droppings. But critters does make sense.

 

You won't see dropping in the engine compartment. I had one of those mice in the cockpit of my glider and the inspector said he saw it. It was just specks of dark on my sling seat.

 

Didn't think of that, the car is a daily driver and goes on most vacations so it doesn't sit idle hardly at all. Maybe a week when we go overseas.

Must be some tasty insulation.