markc123

My SAI valve was definitely bad, allowing air to go both ways, I was wondering if this was the reason for the CEL and not clogged ports..

kkim

what is the cel code?

markc123

P0410 Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction
comes on every 500 or so miles

kkim

P0410 would more likely to be the SAI valve than clogged ports. Ports would be P1411 for the 4-6 cylinders... couldn't tell you off hand what 1-3 would be.

As it was explained to me, the computer sees only flow for bank 1(1-3) or bank 2(4-6). Clogged ports cause a slowdown of air passing through the banks so it will trigger codes for the particular side. The fact that you're not getting any of these would infer that flow is still happening through the ports.

If I were you, I'd change the SAI valve for now and see if the CEL goes away. My advice, though, would be to plan to do the DIY flush sometime in the future. Once they get clogged... they are really clogged.

markc123

Thanks for the info. Right now I have my car on jackstands installing a new suspension and doing a 60K service, so I think I will go ahead with the flush.

kkim

At 60k, I would do a flush, too. Good luck... let us know how it turns out.

Reynard38

I just ordered a 27mm crowsfoot with the "tommybar" from www.samstagsales.com. May have to do a little "thinning" on it to get it to fit, but it will be the correct witdth for the SAI valve. I have bought tools from these guys before ( Hazet socket for the suspension change on the '97 "S" and wrenches for the valve adjust on my Merc 300SD). They are not cheap, but in the imortal words of Butthead "you need the right tool for the job Beavis".

Reynard38

Hey Markc123 I see that you are a few clicks west in Powder Spings. You planning on going to the Petit Lemans this Saturday?
I'll be doing the SAI flush in the next few weeks. I've got access to a 2 post lift near my house. Should make things a bit easier. With 38K miles I'm hoping I don't find any fully clogged ports.

Dan V

Well, it still won't budge and I've worn off most of the edges of the "bolt" head. I can actually see the aluminum around the SAI port flex when I pull on the breaker bar. I'm looking for one of these now

kkim

Yikes, Dan... you still haven't gotten that thing off yet? Have you tried some pb blaster or liquid wrench around the bottom of the valve where it screws into the engine?

Also, have you tried repositioning the crowsfoot wrench a few times at different angles to the valve?

Last, are you using 1/2" drive components to try and take the valve off? When I was using 3/8 drive stuff, it wouldn't budge.

Dan V

Kim: yes to all of the above except pb blaster. I've never in my life encountered a screwed-on part so stubborn, and I've had my fair share of DIY's on old cars (MGB, VW, Plymouth, etc).

I'm also considering cutting the top off the check valve, and somehow attach a 25 or 26 mm socket inside, to put the maximum torque where it's needed. Might need to bore holes thru the valve and socket and put some screws to hold them together.

Dan V

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

That bugger is HISTORY. I just figured out.... brace the extension vertically. I used my 13oz hammer -- it fit perfectly, braced against the bulkhead next to the pwr steering fld resevoir. That SOB fought me the whole way out -- resistance was futile : DO NOT F*@K WITH AN EX_MARINE

interestingly: I checked and it was no longer functioning as a 1-way valve: some air passes upstream.

Dan V Out.

C4S_fan

Congrats... as the weather turns here, I'm going to do this for sure. Just cracked 45,000 miles.

ppressle

Congrats. Sounds like it put up a good fight!

It is hard to explain, but there is something so sweet about conquering a challenge like this.

Pete

myflat6

Hello, I have owned my 993 for two months and am doing the major service. Wow, what an introduction to this car! Everything so far is a PITA! Spark plugs, wires and now the crazy valve that was apparently installed by the hulk. Why on earth would this thing need to be torqued down this tight AND with no topside removal! Anyway, enough venting. I am having the exact same problem as above. The top cap is turning but I cannot get the base to budge. I am desperate at this point, hoping that someone near me would lend me an already modified tool. I live in Orange County, CA.