What is the hose from the air intake to the valve cover called?
This cracked hose connecting the air intake to the valve cover is typically a PCV or crankcase ventilation hose, which is why oil can leak through the crack. Replacing it is often as simple as disconnecting the old one and putting on a new replacement, though proper identification is essential to finding the right part before ordering.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from October 2026.
- This comes up 10.5× more often in r/MechanicAdvice than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
What is the hose from the air intake to the valve cover called?
- 1Trying to guess the part name to search for replacements onlineDid this help you?
- 2Looking for a local mechanic to handle the diagnosis and repairDid this help you?
- 3replacing the cracked hose and PCV valveDid this help you?
- 4inspecting hoses for oil foulingDid this help you?
- 5Replacing the damaged hose and cleaning the area to monitor for further leaksDid this help you?
- 6Spraying degreaser on the areaDid this help you?
- 7Cutting the hose where the pinhole is and using a brass union and hose clamps from a parts storeDid this help you?
- 8remove the hose and take it to your local auto parts storeDid this help you?
- 9Searching multiple stores or online for a separate replacement part.Did this help you?
- 10Looking up hose specifications after purchaseDid this help you?
- 11Asking online forums for advice on appropriate automotive hose typesDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Seem to have an oil leak from this hose, it has a split at the top. Simple as just remove and replace the hose? MOT is due and only noticed whilst checking engine fluids.”source ↗
“Having a hard time finding a hose online that’s less than 100 and or right.”source ↗
“Can’t find a simple hose online.”source ↗
“I found a hose split in two and I want to replace it but idk what it is.”source ↗
“Been having some engine compression issues on my 2003 Nissan Ad Wagon, QG13 engine and saw this hose has a rupture a lot of oil and I'm trying to find a replacement hose and a mechanic who can deal with this issue for me hopefully.”source ↗
“What's the correct name for this part so I don't look like an idiot when searching please?”source ↗
“For sure. I know there's a seal and compression leak somewhere but it's to get the funds and someone with expertise nearby to diagnose and deal with it currently. The hose itself gave up this morning entirely so vehicle can't move so I'm just making sure I know what exactly I'm asking for when searching for parts.”source ↗
“That oil and leakage issue is substantial but may be beyond my budget right now. :(”source ↗
“Recently noticed an oil consumption problem.”source ↗
“Anyways, I was looking for leaks again, and noticed this hose going from the air intake to the valve cover. It has oil on it, and I noticed a crack in the hose.”source ↗
“My questions are: what hose is it? And if it's an air/vaccuum hose, then why is there oil coming through the crack on the valve cover side? Is this fix really as simple as "disconnect hose, connect new hose"?”source ↗
“I've been trying to find a replacement hose but everywhere I look wants me to buy the entire assembly when I just need the 1 longer hose of the two.”source ↗
“I went to O'Reilly and picked up this hose. It will fit the PCV valve, but I looked it up when I got home and it says "windshield washer/coolant hose." Do I need a different kind of hose?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 15How to fix a leaking exhaust pipe with wrap on it
- 7Why does my new air intake hose keep ripping in the exact same spot?
- 3Where is the best place to get a replacement engine or transmission?
- 5Can a temporary head gasket fix last for a few months?
- 8Do I need to replace a leaking gas stove fuel line?
- 3What extra parts do I need to replace during an engine teardown?