with the engine running, should the pcv valve be open all the time? mine is and my hose is about collapsed, all i have on the the other side is a standalone breather

 

No it shouldn't be open all the time. That's why you have that clicking valve in there. If it doesn't click it's bad. If it's old, it's probably bad. It's only a $2 item, just get a new one.

 

wel, with it off i can shake it and it clicks, but with the engine on, the vaccum from the manifold keeps it open

 

It could be that since you have a stand alone breather on the other side, there is no balance and you have way too much vacuum. I am assuming you have no plenum problems. The other side is supposed to have suction from the TB. The lack of suction on the other side means it may all be going one way.

 

thats what i was thinking, thats not a problem is it?....everyone with the 14x3s are doin it that way

 

Is this causing you problems, or are you just curious about it being open all the time?

 

i was just curious since it is collapsing the hose from the vaccum

 

Hook a vacum gauge to it, see how much its pulling. I can't recall if there is an "acceptable" reading on the gauge. Off the top of my head, I would say as long as no oil is showing up in the hose or the pcv you should be ok.

 

Sounds as if you need a new vacuum hose or line for it.