Secondary Air pump Valve ?????

[SLX5]

I have the P491 & P0492. Pump is good, so is the vacuum line.

I was wandering if it is possible to "clean" and reinstall the secondary air pump valve? I am not sure how it works, but I think there should be a little diaphragm in there that opens and closes according to the vacuum?

Just wandering if some know for sure whats inside and if it is possible to clean with brake cleaner or something?

[rayxi]

I guess you can try cleaning it but that valve is a common problem and you'll probably need to replace it in near future anyway. I'd try fuel injector cleaner rather than brake cleaner.Let us know if the cleaning works for you.

[SLX5]

I cleaned it with carburetor cleaner. I can feel valve open and close with the suction. I have to reset the SES code. Might do it this evening. I figured it would be worth the try instead of disching out $110 for the valve. Will keep you posted.

[rayxi]

Sounds promising. I have an old one sitting in the garage I should have a look at.

[Bimmer Ese]

Originally Posted by SLX5

I have the P491 & P0492. Pump is good, so is the vacuum line.

I was wandering if it is possible to "clean" and reinstall the secondary air pump valve? I am not sure how it works, but I think there should be a little diaphragm in there that opens and closes according to the vacuum?

Just wandering if some know for sure whats inside and if it is possible to clean with brake cleaner or something?

Was in the same situation last year. I thought the pump was good, so I replaced the valve. The light still came on. Replaced the pump and problem solved. Old pump was somewhat loud. After replacement, new pump was fairly quiet.

Good luck,
Daniel

[SLX5]

Just an update on the matter. I check the pump, it worked fine (quiet and plenty of airflow). Vacuum line had suction. Since the light was on, I took the air control valve. Doused it with carburetor cleaner and cleaned all the internals as much as possible. I let the fluid site inside the valve for about 5 mins and throughly sprayed it. I lot of hydrocarbons came out of it. In the end it looked almost barnd new.

Installed it back, took it to Advance Auto, reset the light and I have been driving for two days. Everything seems find. Just before I had the lights reset, I asked them to scan the codes. It was P0491 Bank 1 and P0492 Bank 2. Cleared them, it seems all good for now. Will keep posted if light comes back. It only cost $4.5 for cleaner, new valve would have been $110 shipped, job satisfaction......priceless

[Bimmer Ese]

Originally Posted by SLX5

Just an update on the matter. I check the pump, it worked fine (quiet and plenty of airflow). Vacuum line had suction. Since the light was on, I took the air control valve. Doused it with carburetor cleaner and cleaned all the internals as much as possible. I let the fluid site inside the valve for about 5 mins and throughly sprayed it. I lot of hydrocarbons came out of it. In the end it looked almost barnd new.

Installed it back, took it to Advance Auto, reset the light and I have been driving for two days. Everything seems find. Just before I had the lights reset, I asked them to scan the codes. It was P0491 Bank 1 and P0492 Bank 2. Cleared them, it seems all good for now. Will keep posted if light comes back. It only cost $4.5 for cleaner, new valve would have been $110 shipped, job satisfaction......priceless

Yeah, keep us informed.

Dan

[rayxi]

Thanks for the update. I'm sure that will be helpful to a lot of people.

[SLX5]

Ok, it has been over two weeks. Everything is working well, NO codes. This might be something people should try out if you get the code and see if it works. Worth the $5 carb cleaner and 10mins of time before U dish out the big buck.

[SLX5]

Its been a month and NO codes, worth trying