How to remove engine mount vacuum control solenoid
 

Anyone know how to take out this “engine mount vacuum control solenoid”?

It is mounted on a metal bracket with two other solenoids.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...38b928a549.jpgEngine mount vacuum control solenoid
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...997eda022f.jpgSolenoid close up


I need to replace this solenoid, or perhaps repair it. My engine vibrates on idle. I tested the voltages going to the solenoid and they are correct. PCM sends 12V below 1000rpm (that is order to send vacuum to engine mounts) and 0V above 1000rpm (that is order to remove vacuum to engine mounts). So PCM is sending correct electrical signals. I also tested (with vacuum gauge) that there is vacuum coming from engine on the lower hose going to the solenoid, but there’s no vacuum on the other (upper) hose from the solenoid, even at idle. I also hand pumped vacuum into the upper vacuum hose (with small vacuum hand pump) and the engine vibration quiets down (so engine mounts are working properly) and the vacuum also holds. This seems to be evidence enough that the solenoid is at fault.

I guess a couple of more tests I could do would be to :

(a) measure the resistance of the solenoid (anyone have any idea what it should be?) and

(b) apply 12V directly to the solenoid and see if the engine vibration quiets down.

These tests will confirm that the solenoid is at fault.

I’m trying to replace or repair this solenoid without taking out that whole bracket with all three solenoids because there are a lot of vacuum hoses going to it and they look difficult to take out and put back. Also, I said that I may have to repair the solenoid because I could not find an aftermarket part. The dealer only sells all three solenoids as a unit for $340 !

I’m tempted to get just any old aftermarket 12V vacuum solenoid (even from another car), attach it somewhere and reroute the wires and vacuum hoses to it.

Worst case, I won’t do anything. I guess the vibration dampening at idle is just for comfort, isn’t it?

Well , I performed he above tests last weekend. I measured the solenoid resistance and it's infinite. So engine mount solenoid is bad.The other two solenoids next to it have a resistance of 42.0 and 42.8 ohms respectively. I have not looked what those two other solenoids are for but they seem the same type as the engine control solenoid.I'll see if I can get to a junkyard one of these days and yank out one of these solenoids. I looked online, I was not able to find an after market replacement. E.g. Rockauto.com does not even list it.

Update: I eventually got a solenoid from the junkyard, left the old solenoid as is, mounted the "new" solenoid on the car chassis with a screw, as close as possible to the old solenoid, and then rerouted/extended the vacuum hoses and electrical connections to the "new" solenoid. Works like a charm. No more engine vibration at idle!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...cd44e0d4aa.jpg

...I did pull the shrink wrap over the soldered wire connections after taking the photo...

This is an awesome post. Having similar vibration at idle despite replacing motor/trans mounts and that engine is running fine. Will try troubleshooting valve