Droops83

We just had a 993 in a couple weeks ago w/ clogged SAI ports and a perfectly functioning check valve, and most that we have seen have been this case. I'm not saying that it CAN'T be, (usually the problem is that it rusts and gets stuck in one position-not usually a problem here in CA) but the problem is usually rooted in the valve guides. The ports will clog up pretty good before a big increase in oil comsumption is noted; it doesn't take much to clog em up. The SAI flush is a band-aid, the ports will eventually clog again. It may take, 20, 30, or 50k miles but they will clog again.

I have noticed many people saying that if a shop tells you that you need a valve job then they are trying to rip you off. Not really. Engine/top end rebuilds are not very profitable. They take a lot of work and you usually can't charge absolutely all the time you have in a job like that. If a quick SAI system flush truly were the cure that would be great! My shop would have to precedure down to a science, we'd charge $1k a pop and make a killing.

---

Chris Andropoulos
Schneider Autohaus
Santa Barbara, CA

indian porker

Is it true that this SAI problem does not apply to '95 MY cars?

Bull

Same SAI clogging can happen. The "problem" caused by SAI clogging, which is a failure during Inspection time, does not happen with a model year '95 or earlier. They are OBD1 cars, not OBD2.

jimbo3

The 95's have the same SAI passageways, but the OBD1 doesn't have the sensors for SAI as the 96 and later models. So, yes, the 95's do get clogged at a similar rate as the later models, but no CEL if it happens.

Jim

indian porker

Thanks Bob

indian porker

Thanks Jim - is there any driving habit or any routine maintenance that can be carried out to ensure they don't get clogged?

My '95 is a tip so I ensure she is driven throughout the rev range as opposed to pottering around in 'D' but anything else?

Allen

I've asked this before, but the $$ involved here seem to be pretty high, so I want to be sure. Is the ONLY problem caused by a clogged SAI port, the CE light...which causes a failure of emissions testing...which for some people is a very serious problem. The issue of why/how the ports got clogged is in fact a seperate issue. I'm just talking about what happens as a result of them BEING clogged. So again, is the only problem a clogged SAI port causes, a CE light???

jimbo3

Allen- Yes, the only problem is the CEL. There is no adverse effect on anything. All this for what amounts to a minute amount of emmisions within a minute of start-up.

The only preventative maintainance is keeping the SAI valves functioning properly (See P-Car.com) and, possibly, doing a preventative flush. Driving the car fairly aggressively doesn't really affect the SAI circuit one way or the other.

Jim

Bull

The real problem on an OBD2 car is the failure code that appears when SAI ports are clogged and OBD2 is checked. The CEL light can be done away with, but the code will remain. Clogged ports, in and of themselves, will not effect the performance of the car.

Allen

I assume you mean to disconnect to CE light...like unplug it. While doing that seems to be an OK solution...better than spending $X,XXX...losing the ability to receive a valid/meaningful CE light is not a good thing either. I'm just trying to sorta analyze this thing out loud, because I did get the SAI port clogged CE light about 1000 miles ago (reset and didn't return), and I expect I will get it again. Thanks for the input.

98993c2s

What code did you get specifically?

tbil

Really seems like a modified electrical circuit is the answer here? Technically not legal.......

98993c2s

I'm in favor of a solution that turns 1996 thru 1998 993s into 1995 models (i.e., no CEL in the case of plugged ports.) This way the ports can be cleared at a time convenient to the owner, instead of forcing expenditures of cash just to appease a computer that is plugged into the OBDII port once per year.

How much extra emissions can possibly be released due to clogged ports, during the very short time the SAI is supposed to be active?

Besides, cleaning the ports only buys more time before they get plugged again. 993 owners deserve a long term solution, so the ports can be cleaned at the time a top end is required, not before.

jimbo3

I'm simply going to do some electrical trickery if/when the time comes.

The PO had an SAI CEL and he had it flushed 6000 miles ago. From what I hear, the CEL likely to come back. Not going to worry about it.

Jim

Bull

We lived without Ce lights for a lot of successful years......bulb pops out in minutes.