Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Crankcase Depression Regulator Valve (6.5L)
The purpose of Crankcase Depression Regulator (CDR) valve is to maintain 0-4 in. H2 O (0-0.996 kPa) vacuum in crankcase at all engine speeds, assuming that piston/ring combustion blow-by is not excessive (less than 4 cm). Too little vacuum will tend to force oil leaks. CDR valve is checked with a water manometer. A "U" tube manometer indicates pressure or vacuum by difference in height of 2 columns of fluid. If crankcase vacuum is more than 4 in. H2 O (0.996 kPa), dirt or dust can be pulled into crankcase cavity through front/rear crankcase seal, etc. and contaminate oil. If crankcase pressure is positive, engine oil leaks are likely to occur around engine seals and gaskets.
- Connect one end of manometer to engine oil dipstick hole. The other end of manometer is vented to atmosphere.
- Unplug rubber vent tube from turbo inlet elbow.
- Run engine through a no-load speed range (gear selector in PARK) and observe manometer readings. If manometer reading is 4 in. H2 O (0.996 kPa) or less positive pressure, reconnect CDR system and proceed to next step. If manometer reading is higher than 4 in. H2 O (0.996 kPa) positive pressure, this indicates that there is an internal engine problem.
- Install air cleaner.
- Start engine and observe manometer (vacuum) reading. Manometer reading should be approximately 0-1 in. H2 O (0.249 kPa) at idle to approximately 3-5 in. H2 O (0.747-1.245 kPa) at 2000 RPM. Add amount that manometer column travels up, to amount that column travels down, in order to obtain total water pressure (vacuum).
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.