does the "whine" happen when theres no load on the engine? Stand outside the car and rev it up with the throttle body, if it is a vacuum leak, u should be able to hear where its coming from. As for replacing a pcv, u can pick one up from walmart for like 5 bux, and its as simple as pulling the hose off and putting the hose on the new one. the easiest way to test a pcv is to pull it off and shake it. if you hear a rattle inside, it means its good. But whos to say that the seal on the pcv isnt bad?