Does everyone check their Actuator from time to time ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-01-2004, 03:21 PM
  #1  
Beware of leakage
Thread Starter
 
Chopsie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana, just east of nowhere
Age: 42
Posts: 19,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Does everyone check their Actuator from time to time ?

Just curious, I check mine every couple of months or so. Checked it last night and was working properly.
Can do by pushing the throttle cable or by sitting in the car and revving little past 4100 RPM and having someone else watch to see if it clicks up and back down.
Old 05-01-2004, 03:24 PM
  #2  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
After getting mine replaced the actuator is different and is in a case like the 2003s. I can't just look at it to see if it is working.

So instead I take it to the track every 2 months to make sure I'm still getting all the HP I should be.
Old 05-01-2004, 03:30 PM
  #3  
Burning Brakes
 
Justin.CL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Knoxville TN
Age: 42
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have never checked mine. I should probably do that. Thanks for the advice Chopper.
Old 05-01-2004, 03:39 PM
  #4  
Beware of leakage
Thread Starter
 
Chopsie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana, just east of nowhere
Age: 42
Posts: 19,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Justin.CL
I have never checked mine. I should probably do that. Thanks for the advice Chopper.
Welcome , reason I asked, is there have been quite a few people on here that have had theirs stop working, which leads to loss of power.
Old 05-01-2004, 03:55 PM
  #5  
Instructor
 
philgates's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Middlesex Co, NJ
Age: 44
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
hmmmm that sound very troublesome, what does that thing do anyway? and how do you check it on 03s?
Old 05-01-2004, 04:05 PM
  #6  
Pro
iTrader: (2)
 
flint's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 625
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I check mine once a month or so...
Old 05-01-2004, 05:05 PM
  #7  
Still trolling
 
suXor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Wylie, Texas
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I assume this is the VTEC actuator?
Old 05-01-2004, 05:22 PM
  #8  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Originally posted by suXor
I assume this is the VTEC actuator?
Old 05-01-2004, 05:24 PM
  #9  
Race Director
 
Chaptorial's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 18,552
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I have never checked mine either. :o
Old 05-01-2004, 05:35 PM
  #10  
Cost Drivers!!!!
 
Zapata's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: burbs of philly
Age: 46
Posts: 19,392
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by Chaptorial
I have never checked mine either. :o

figures that's why you drive an automatic :P


























j/k
Old 05-01-2004, 05:43 PM
  #11  
///M POWER
 
darrinb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: West Bloomfield, MI
Age: 39
Posts: 15,299
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
i would be able to tell if it wasnt working, so i dont check it
Old 05-01-2004, 05:45 PM
  #12  
Race Director
 
Chaptorial's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 18,552
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
^

And the way my car feels now, if it wasn't actually working....
Old 05-01-2004, 05:50 PM
  #13  
aka gimmesomesugar
 
Satin Slayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I never bother checking it anymore...ever since I had the supercharger installed.
Old 05-01-2004, 06:05 PM
  #14  
Senior Moderator
 
synth19's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 16,424
Received 719 Likes on 201 Posts
holy shit... I havent heard actuator is awhile.... check it people if you never have!!!!!!!!!!
Old 05-01-2004, 06:12 PM
  #15  
Dan
Safety Car
 
Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: West Covina, CA
Age: 73
Posts: 3,974
Received 220 Likes on 127 Posts
Originally posted by suXor
I assume this is the VTEC actuator?
NO!
Old 05-01-2004, 06:13 PM
  #16  
Burning Brakes
 
Justin.CL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Knoxville TN
Age: 42
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is this something that is notorious for tearing up or something? How much power will I loose?
Old 05-01-2004, 06:14 PM
  #17  
Dan
Safety Car
 
Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: West Covina, CA
Age: 73
Posts: 3,974
Received 220 Likes on 127 Posts
Originally posted by mrsteve
. . . and NO to you too sir!
Come on someone tell the noobs what it does
Old 05-01-2004, 06:19 PM
  #18  
Dan
Safety Car
 
Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: West Covina, CA
Age: 73
Posts: 3,974
Received 220 Likes on 127 Posts
times up, here is what it is . .

DUAL-STAGE INDUCTION SYSTEM

Fitted exclusively on the Type S model, this revolutionary induction
system is the heart of the class-leading 260 horsepower engine. This
system uses a large, two-chamber intake plenum. The chambers are
separated by a valve which opens at 3800 rpm and is actuated by an
electric motor.

During this valve’s closed-stage at low to mid engine speed operation,
a Resonance Charge condition exists in which pressure pulsations
between cylinder banks are separated. In doing so, air filling the
cylinders increases aided by resonance energy (Helmholz principle).

When this valve opens during mid to high engine speed operation, an
Inertial Charge condition is achieved and increased cylinder filling
occurs when the manifold volume (plenum) is increased and the
resonance condition is eliminated. This phenomena utilizes the high
flow mass to pressurize the manifold, producing a natural
"supercharger" effect.

This increased airflow and increased cylinder filling is the fundamental
reason for the efficient combustion and subsequent power. Additional
improvements were made to reduce air intake restriction and increase
total air flow volume through a larger 64mm bore throttle body, along
with an overall low restriction, air induction system, including a free
flow air filter.
Old 05-01-2004, 06:23 PM
  #19  
Burning Brakes
 
Justin.CL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Knoxville TN
Age: 42
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How much to replace it if it is not working? Any idea?
Old 05-01-2004, 06:56 PM
  #20  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Originally posted by Dan
. . . and NO to you too sir!
Come on someone tell the noobs what it does
Yes, but the switch from closed to open occurs during Vtec. With the actuator closed vtec really doesn't help without the added airflow and cyclinder pressure from the opening of the actuator.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:00 PM
  #21  
Pro
 
6spdmanual's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: So Cal, CA
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Justin.CL
How much to replace it if it is not working? Any idea?
Should be under warranty if your car is under 4 yrs or 50k miles.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:00 PM
  #22  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Originally posted by Justin.CL
How much to replace it if it is not working? Any idea?
Mine was replaced under warranty, but the part will cost your $85-$100 plus 30-60 mins in labor.

EDIT: Prices are there IF your car is no longer under warranty. Obviously it will be of no charge if you still are covered.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:27 PM
  #23  
Dan
Safety Car
 
Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: West Covina, CA
Age: 73
Posts: 3,974
Received 220 Likes on 127 Posts
Originally posted by mrsteve
Yes, but the switch from closed to open occurs during Vtec. With the actuator closed vtec really doesn't help without the added airflow and cyclinder pressure from the opening of the actuator.
No again sir. Acutator=3800rpm & Vtec=4800rpm. I agree that VTEC is worth squat without the actuator, but they are two different systems.

VARIABLE VALVE TIMING AND LIFT ELECTRONIC
CONTROL (VTEC)

The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) valve
train is a major contributing factor to the CL’s remarkable
combination of high power delivery and fuel economy. With the lift
and opening duration of the larger intake valves altered automatically
based on engine rpm, the engine develops strong low-speed torque
without sacrificing high rpm power.

The VTEC-equipped engine delivers a substantial amount of
horsepower, coupled with greatly increased torque at low-to-mid
speed range. At low rpm, the intake valves follow low-lift,
short-duration cam lobes with timing that optimizes cylinder filling.
Additionally, the timing of the intake valves is staggered and their lift is
asymmetric, creating a swirl effect within the combustion chambers.
This increases burn speed and improves combustion stability and
allowable EGR rate. As the engine accelerates through 4400 rpm
(4800 rpm on Type S), the intake rocker arms transition to actuation
by high-lift, long-duration cam lobes designed to optimize high rpm
output.

The exclusive camshafts found in the Type S engine further increase
power output by providing longer intake valve duration, more valve
overlap and additional lift for the exhaust valves.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:28 PM
  #24  
Senior Moderator
 
mattg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: OR
Age: 48
Posts: 22,909
Received 388 Likes on 196 Posts
i check mine every once in a while.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:34 PM
  #25  
Beware of leakage
Thread Starter
 
Chopsie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana, just east of nowhere
Age: 42
Posts: 19,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by mrsteve
Yes, but the switch from closed to open occurs during Vtec. With the actuator closed vtec really doesn't help without the added airflow and cyclinder pressure from the opening of the actuator.
Sorry Steve, but Dan is quoting correctly

BUT, I thought I read that the Acutator opens at 4100 RPMS and not 3800.
Old 05-01-2004, 07:53 PM
  #26  
Instructor
 
philgates's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Middlesex Co, NJ
Age: 44
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
OK OK so how would i go about checking this out?
Old 05-01-2004, 08:13 PM
  #27  
I miss my 03 CL-S :(
 
einsatz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 7,140
Received 445 Likes on 214 Posts
Originally posted by mrsteve
After getting mine replaced the actuator is different and is in a case like the 2003s. I can't just look at it to see if it is working.
What are you talking about? I've got a 2003 and I can see it just fine. I've had ppl apply throttle while I see it flip open/closed.

Maybe you mean manual trannys? I've got an auto tranny.
Old 05-01-2004, 10:26 PM
  #28  
My Member is Registered
 
Cruz_msl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: 2678.51 miles east of California
Posts: 3,545
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
What planet are you guys on? I just grab the throttle body cam thingie and rev it up till the actuator opens. You can easily see it from the side. No problimo
Old 05-02-2004, 12:12 AM
  #29  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Originally posted by einsatz
What are you talking about? I've got a 2003 and I can see it just fine. I've had ppl apply throttle while I see it flip open/closed.

Maybe you mean manual trannys? I've got an auto tranny.
When they replaced mine the unit looks completely different than the original one. I can't see it flip open like before. The new one is incased in black plastic. Maybe they designed a new one because of the problems with the one from the factory.
Old 05-02-2004, 12:13 AM
  #30  
Liquid Ice
 
LiQiCE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Northern Virginia, USA
Posts: 2,909
Received 89 Likes on 48 Posts
Incase anyone is wondering what everyone is talking about, check this link here:

Link

It has pictures and a movie which shows where the actuator is and what it should look like when it opens/closes.

I have a 2003 TL-S and I can see mine move when it opens/closes. Although it didn't do much when it was sitting disconnected in my f'in engine bay.

Now that its connected back up again I'll probably be checking it every once in awhile. BTW- Where is the throttle body cable that I can use to get the engine to rev up w/o having to have someone sit in the car and step on the gas??
Old 05-02-2004, 12:14 AM
  #31  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Originally posted by Dan
No again sir. Acutator=3800rpm & Vtec=4800rpm. I agree that VTEC is worth squat without the actuator, but they are two different systems.
That's what I was getting at. I know they are two different systems. But basically the IMRC and VTEC work hand in hand. With out the bypass actuator valve, VTEC is useless.

Also, the IMRC doesn't open till 4100 rpm, not 3800.
Old 05-02-2004, 12:16 AM
  #32  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
I'll have to take a pic of my new actuator tomorrow, it doesn't look like the ones in the pics that LiQiCE linked to.
Old 05-02-2004, 12:26 AM
  #33  
Liquid Ice
 
LiQiCE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Northern Virginia, USA
Posts: 2,909
Received 89 Likes on 48 Posts
Yeah a broken (or missing in my case) actuator definitely makes the car slower. With Headers+Intake my car was slower at the track then it was stock! I was running 15.0s flat completely stock, and I was running 15.2s with my mods but a broken actuator ... it definitely makes a big difference!
Old 05-02-2004, 12:27 AM
  #34  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
mrsteve's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Age: 41
Posts: 36,474
Received 249 Likes on 175 Posts
Yeah HUGE difference. With Icebox and a broken actuator I ran 15.1. After I got it fixed I ran 14.5 under the same temperatures and at the same track!!! HUGE difference! You lose close to 20 WHP in the VTEC range.
Old 05-02-2004, 01:57 AM
  #35  
Be Strong AND Courageous!
iTrader: (1)
 
DarkSithCL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Joshua 1:1-9
Age: 58
Posts: 9,305
Received 43 Likes on 34 Posts
Wow, a staggering amount of info!!! Thanks!
Old 05-02-2004, 03:29 AM
  #36  
Beware of leakage
Thread Starter
 
Chopsie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana, just east of nowhere
Age: 42
Posts: 19,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Figured I bring this to light, glad to see everyone is cheking theirs out. We wouldn't want to LOSE power.
Old 05-02-2004, 03:40 AM
  #37  
I'm Cool
 
Bobbydoedoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Age: 39
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i'm still confuse how a acutator looks like and what to look for, can anyone video their actuator in action? thx in advance
Old 05-02-2004, 04:37 AM
  #38  
Safety Car
 
allmotor_2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: So Cal
Age: 49
Posts: 4,910
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I can hear mine everday... so that's how I check
Old 05-02-2004, 06:54 AM
  #39  
Liquid Ice
 
LiQiCE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Northern Virginia, USA
Posts: 2,909
Received 89 Likes on 48 Posts
Originally posted by Bobbydoedoe
i'm still confuse how a acutator looks like and what to look for, can anyone video their actuator in action? thx in advance
If you go up a couple of posts I had a link which has pictures AND a video of the actuator in action. It should be all you need.
Old 05-02-2004, 07:35 AM
  #40  
I miss my 03 CL-S :(
 
einsatz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 7,140
Received 445 Likes on 214 Posts
Originally posted by mrsteve
When they replaced mine the unit looks completely different than the original one. I can't see it flip open like before. The new one is incased in black plastic. Maybe they designed a new one because of the problems with the one from the factory.
Hmmmm. Do you think it could be that grit got accumulated around it and it wouldn't open?
Wouldn't that be a TSB or recall to have everyone get this cover to prevent a failure?


Quick Reply: Does everyone check their Actuator from time to time ?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:23 PM.