About 2 weeks ago while driving, the CEL light came on. I ordered an OBDII reader and today it arrived. I checked the code and it was displaying the 1411 code.

I've been researching this for the past few hours and it seems like it can be an easy/cheap fix all the way to a top end rebuild. That's not helping me much at the moment.

I have two questions for you, the more seasoned, members:

1) What are the easy fixes I should attempt first?

2) Is there a general repair book I can buy (that also showcases this problem) or DIY picture guide that explains it? I'm a visual person when it comes to these things and I haven't had much luck finding anything yet.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

Have you had your SAI check valve replaced recently?
In my case, I had replaced the SAI check valve not too long ago so when I threw a CEL, I suspected that probably wasn't the issue. Mark at FD Motorsports ended up diagnosing that the SAI control valve prior to the check valve wasn't opening so as a consequence no air was feeding through the system. That was an $85.00 part.

What's your current mileage and oil consumption like?

 

I also read that the vacuum lines leading to and from the check valve comes
loose sometimes which throws the code. I'd check that too.

 

Fill up tank of gas with 93 or better octane gas, dump 1 bottle of techron in the tank, clear the code, drive it like you stole it, rev high, change gears late, WOT for 100 miles. report back.

 

I threw both codes last week (left and right cyl banks).

Engine had been out, SAI ports pre-emptively cleaned, new check valve, new manifold (thanks Andreas!).

I reset the CEL, so far so good. If they trip again, I'll have to troubleshoot the various elements of the system.

If someone really knows the system well, would be great to hear a list of things to check/test in logical order, easiest to hardest!

Best,

Matt

 

Current mileage is 174K. Just bought the car like 4 weeks ago, by the end of this weekend I should have put close to 400-500 miles on it. I'll check oil consumption then. I need to check the records again but I don't recall the last time the SAI check valve was replaced.

I read that too, thanks. Just like with the SAI check valve and control valve, I don't know where to find these things so I need to find a book asap. I'm kind of an idiot when it comes to this stuff so I need good visuals or a diagram, at least.

LOL is that supposed to be a bad thing? I'll gladly do this starting today.

Yeah that is exactly what I'm looking for. Don't forget the pic/diagram

 

Mike J has put together an invaluable resource for 993's - loads of pictures, diagrams, etc. consolidated on his site : www.pcarworkshop.com

There is some great info and pics for the SAI system amongst other things.

Homepage for the 993
http://www.pcarworkshop.com/index.ph...1994_-_1998%29

info on replacing the SAI valve
http://www.pcarworkshop.com/index.php/993_-_SAI_System

If you're curious about how the SAI passages actually work, there's a great pictorial here when Mike did a rebuild...
http://www.pcarworkshop.com/index.ph...e_SAI_passages

 

Thanks Ash, yeah I know of pcarworkshop, definitely a Porsche treasure, that site. Thought people might have some book recommendations. I guess I'll just have to print out the pages from there.

I reset the code today and will be following cabrio993s advice to clear out some of that build-up.

Eddie

 

Sounds like you might be a good candidate for the SAI circuit posted at the top of the forum.

 

I doubt the spirited driving will resolve the issue. You asked for steps in order of easiest to most difficult so here's what to do next-

Step 1: Visual inspection of SAI check valve - make sure it hasn't rusted away and that it's properly connected.

Step 2: Replace the SAI check valve and reset codes... if the light comes back, go to step 3.

Step 3: Follow the process referred to as the "Bass Guitar String" or "Motorcycle Cable" method here on RL to clear out the SAI passages.

Step 4: If Step 3 does not resolve you problem (and given the miles on your car, there's a chance it won't) start looking at prices for a top end rebuild from a reputable shop.

 

Thanks for your input. The spirited driving was half joke/half truth. I will be doing it but also because it's so much fun

I will be attempting step 1 and 2 soon but might I add that from what I've read it is also recommended to check the vacuum lines. Just in case anyone else needs these steps.

 

Here is a picture of the vaccum line/pig tail that you want to make sure is connected/seated fully. If it gets pulled off you will throw that code. I think I took this pic using a mirror, but it's the little guy to the left of the clamp in this pic.

 

You can try the Foam,SeaFoam that is!cheers.

 

Just to add to Mark's photo assistance....

Taken (naturally) from the front of the engine and the passenger side perspective, inside the red oval the lower gold piece is the actual SAI Check Valve and the upper piece is the valve with the vacuum line showing.

 

It takes awhile for the OBDII system to reset all the sensors.

If you use your reader, you will probably see a number of monitors showing "incl". It takes a "drive cycle" to reset all the monitors.

Until they reset, you will not get the CEL but you could also not pass an emission inspection.