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IMRC actuator & rod - disengaged - Causes? Prevention?
There have been other posts about the little plastic IMRC actuator arm, and the ball and socket joint that connects it to the rod with the flaps. Like other folks found mine had come apart.
What I'd like to know is WHY? What makes them come apart? Are they designed to do that in abnormal conditions to keep other parts of that swirl flap system from being damaged? Is there a recommended mod that can be done to keep them together? Thanks for suggestions
Followup.... well I guess I don't care that much anymore. I decided to take it all apart and inspect the flaps and rod and bearings for wear. I found enough wear that maybe between road bumps and play and some occassional missing that might have been enough to disengage the arm. I'll add pics later. I decided to just remove the flaps and rods and seal up the holes. But crap, I broke one of the flap-holders, which have to be reinstalled to hold the gasket. So I'm just jumping on to say the typed text ">PA6.6 M40<" on the piece seems to be an ID for the type of nylon plastic that was used. That's an inference from seeing unrelated stuff with this ID. I'm guessing the part number for fitment is "SP3714 2", does anyone know? Or know where I can get buy just one via mail?
Well, the flap holders are needed to hold the gaskets in place. I broke the first two following the process I saw on youtube vids. The smart way is to pull the metal rod, and just snip the flaps clean in half, leaving the holders right where they are.
The youtubers did try to recover with epoxy and maybe it worked for them. I'm in the north, so there will be freezing temps and engine temps, so all that micro expansion and contraction of the different materials may work on the bonds. Add oil from blow by, and I just don't trust the epoxy will hold up or that I'll pull this off without creating vac leak nightmares. So I'm holding out for replacement flap holders from a used intake, or biting the bullet and shelling out for a new intake. The frame and body are rusting but the engine is still sound.
