Q: How to regularly inspect PCV hoses and other plastic, rubber, and metal pipes on Ford F-250?
A: The inspection of rubber and plastic hoses at regular intervals is necessary because they may be damaged due to high temperatures in the engine bay. Cracks, loose clamps, hardening of material, and leakages should be looked for. Hose clamps are checked to confirm that they have not stretched or hardened around fittings which can cause leaks. Examine the PCV system hose for cracks, leaks, damage, and clean up by using a solvent. Check vacuum hoses; they are often color-coded and must meet requirements for thickness, collapse resistance, and temperature resistance. A small vacuum hose is used as a stethoscope to inspect plastic fittings for cracks/hose distortions that cause leaks. Fuel hoses can deteriorate, chafe, or crack so replace them with good-quality fuel lines. When changing hoses, substitute spring-type clamps with screw clamps only if necessary. The bending of metal lines for fuel systems and brake systems is examined for crimps, cracks, or breaks.