So it's been ages since I last posted on this site. I'm still fixing/modding myself because I've been able to find all of my answers by (believe it or not) using the search feature! and Google.

Anyway, for awhile now I've noticed an inconsistent vacuum noise (as if its struggling to bring in air) on cold starts. It goes away after about 30 seconds. I finally thought about pinpointing it and I think I found it. When I touch this thing on the left side (seems like there is a hole or 2 for air), the noise is altered, so I assume it's coming from it

Edit: I mislabeled the strut bar as a sway bar




So some searches on the part number tells me it's a Vacuum Switching Valve Solenoid of some sorts. Further, I was able to find it in an exploded view in the intake manifold parts page (B-47) on http://www.oemacuraparts.com/ but with no part number, and I can't find it anywhere else. What does the B-47 indicate?




I'm not even sure if it's causing a problem, I just don't like the noise. A few questions:

1. Does everybody else have this noise or is this abnormal?
2. Is this actually a "Vacuum Switching Valve Solenoid"?
3. What does it do?
4. Is this Denso part OEM or has it been replaced before?
5. What is the part number to replace it?

Thanks!

 

Also found this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-05-06-ACU...-/271378960260

 

It's #19 here....

http://www.oemacuraparts.com/auto-pa...peed-automatic

If you follow the small hoses that come out of it, you'll notice that they end up at the bottom of the front and rear engine mounts. This controls the firmness of the mounts. For example, it softens the mounts when your car is stopped to minimize vibrations and it stiffens the mounts when you're driving to keep the engine firm in place. Since it is connected to the intake manifold, it can cause a vacuum leak.

 

Ah nice find! Didn't know there was such a thing that adjusted engine mount firmness. Guess I'll check the hoses to make sure they're not leaking. If not, think I should replace the solenoid?

 

bump

Anybody think this is something to worry about?

 

You need to check for a vacuum leak before you start replacing parts. I'm sure that solenoid would throw a code if there was something wrong with the electrical part of it. Vacuum leaks, especially small ones, don't always get picked up by the system and can sometimes confuse the ECU as to what is wrong the with the car.