2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 242

242 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed. Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present. NOTE: Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage. You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed during service. Care should be taken in installing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plugging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve. Do not attempt to clean the oil PCV valve! Check ventilating hose for indication of damage or plugging with deposits. Replace if necessary.