John
I dont know if it’s the same or similar part on the AXK (2001-2003) but ours is on the top side of the horseshoe portion of the intake “hose” and has what looks like a tricuspid valve flap. It normally seems to be permanently bonded to the non-flexible ”horseshoe hose” of the intake. (Air mass sensor hose- NLA and was ridiculous in price when it was.). This is between the MAF and the air intake control.
The diaphragm portion, just like a heart valve seems to cake up with deposits and stop it’s functioning due to lake of flexibility, thus not sealing well. ?As to the oil leakage into that has always been an issue but without adding an “oil can catcher” I have heard is not resolvable. ?Don’t know if anyone has ever done it on EVs
what I’ve done to help my tricuspid is use “Gunk” to dissolve the deposit. ?The problem is cleaning the back side. A tricky procedure as access is less than limited. You must spray a lot of Gunk in the “hose and gravity drop it into that area. ?This has given me limited success in cleaning it. ?I’ve thought about cutting or forcing it off the hose, then making a new sealer flap out of some material (inert but flexible and one that tolerates heat, gas, oil etc) but haven’t had enough issue to pursue it. It would then have to be resealed back on with JB Weld or preferably in some way to make it seal well but be removable.
In the meantime I’m using Gunk til it doesn’t work. Be curious if others have found a cure. ?Happy Trails.
Phil B 2003 EV WE 288kmi
