has anyone actually been able to replace the air check valve from behind the intake without removing the intake????? i have that code p1416.... i have both sides loose but it must be bolted in back somewhere???? seems impossible to get to... i've read a few post about how to do it but has it actually been done????

 

This drawing is looking at the back of the motor and driver's head towards the front of the car as indicated by the arrow. You can see the bolt that attaches the AIR tube to the back of the head.

 

thanks it seems like that bolt is almost impossible to get at.... i've read that these valves clog up.... while i had both sides of the tube unhooked i tried to blow thru it.. it was clogged but i gave it a quick shot with my air compressor now its free flowing,,, i'm hoping that'll cure it...

 

no such luck.....

 

I have the same issue. I disconnected both ends of the line but was unable to move it because of that clamp. There is no way I can get in there with a ratchet. I'll have to try the air compressor trick.

 

I use a ratcheting gear wrench to get at those bolts in the back of the head. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to get the intake off which will allow you access to the back of the head and the AIR tube.

 

Does this valve clog on all 97-2004 corvettes? I have a 97 and wonder if that this check valve may be clogged causing my engine to run kind of funny at idle.

 

Remember that the AIR pump only runs the first few minutes when the car is cold so it won't affect the drivability of the car. Some guys here have completely removed the system and programmed it out of the PCM. Not that that's recommended as it's an emissions-related system . . .

 

it's that damn check engine light that makes ya have to fix this problem... i wonder if the dealer would/could reprogram that for me....i made an appointment to have it fix next week i'll ask about the reprogramming

 

Dealer won't/can't eliminate an emissions device. Hopefully, they will fix you right up and you'll be on your way.

 

There are a few things that you need to check other than the check valves.

1. The PCM turns the pump on when the car is started. The PCM samples the O2 sensors and looks for a change in O2 reading when the pump is running. When the pump is turned off the PCM looks for the O2 readings to returm to normal.

2. Is the pump really running? If it is, is it pumping air?? There is a vacuum operated diverter valve on the pump. The vacuum is supplied to a control valve which is located in the passengers fender well just aft of the PCM/TAC module. The vacuum supply comes from the rear of the intake manifold: Red circle:



From there it goes to a vacuum resoviour in the passengers fender well area. The resovior supplies the HVAC System and the AIR Diverter Valve vacuum. Is the dirverter valve on the AIR Pump working and have the correct vacuum??

I would remove the supply hose on the air check valve and see if there is good air flow when the pump is running!.

Here is the rubber hose and the flange on the other side:





The AIR pump is in the drivers front fender, just forward of the front tire. You will need to jack up the front of the car, remove the closeout cover onder the fender and the pump is right there. Also make sure all of your hoses are in good shape. The area where they pass by the alternator is VERY tight and can rub through the hose.

Bill C

 

No. They are no more of a problem than any other year. I replaced both of mine when I installed my headers and the old ones were still working. Since they had over 90K miles, I changed them as a preventative measure only. HTH
Robert

 

ok.... i disconnected the drivers side check valve..... the tube blowing into the check valve is blowing air......the check valve itself seems to be sucking air....i'm assuming this is normal.....

 

Thats a new one on me! I would have to think that the check valve should not let any air past it unless the pump is pressurizing the system. If air is sucking by (yes there is a negative pressure in a properly tuned exhaust system) it can interfear with the O2 sensor readings the engine needs to compute Air Fuel ratio at closed loop operation. I would say that that is not good! I will do a test on mine to see is it happening on my engine, Curious minds need to know! It wont be today but may be later tonight. The wife is sleeping and the Stainless Works mufflers WILL wake her up!

I will do the test and get back to you>

Bill C

 

any insite would be appreciated