View Full Version : HELP! VFAD trouble


Colorcode
06-25-2009, 06:57 PM
So i just removed my VFAD after reading all the threads. but...im having trouble now. everytime i put the car in neutral as im driving, the rpms, just keep going down to 0 and then the car stalls!. any ideas of what i might have done wrong?

the only thing i can think of is that i did not plug up the hose, would that do anything?

Jon316G
06-25-2009, 07:03 PM
Did you plug the nipple behind the throttle body?
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136611&d=1239247531

Colorcode
06-25-2009, 07:05 PM
no i left part of the hose still on figuring i wouldnt need to plug it. should i jsut remove all of it?

Jon316G
06-25-2009, 07:06 PM
You can remove all the hoses, just make sure the intake is capped.

Colorcode
06-26-2009, 02:16 AM
okay. im going to try this tomrw hopefully it works..:fingersx:

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 02:27 AM
I just capped the hose where it rests in front of the intake box in case I ever revert back to stock... no problems so far. I have seen 5-6 degree hotter temperatures though... will be making a custom cai shortly to get colder air

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 02:31 AM
^^Yeah... as long as you cap the line going to the intake and not the line going to the VFAD actuator it'll work just fine too.

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 02:37 AM
hmmm... now you got me thinking. when I removed the hose off the "mesh tube" that goes through the bumper, a vaccuum was released, so I figured capping it would be good. Do I actually have to take out all the crap under the intake box up to the uim to remove vfad?

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 02:39 AM
and I capped it right after the actuator, yes...

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=136753&d=1239450871

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 03:19 AM
You do not need to cap the actuator side of the line.
The VFAD valve needs vacuum to close, so just keeping that line "uncapped" is all you need.

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 03:52 AM
Let me try to explain this better:
There are sections of hoses and hard lines in the VFAD assembly.
You also have a solenoid, vacuum chamber, and a one-way valve.
If you disconnect a hose anywhere in this assembly, you'll bleed off vacuum to the VFAD actuator and the valve will open.
The valve will remain open until vacuum is applied to the actuator.
This is why you do not need to cap the hose leading to the actuator, but the other side of the line needs to be capped so you don't introduce a vacuum leak to your intake.

There are many ways to do this instead of capping the nipple behind the throttle body (as I posted above).
Here are a couple examples:

You can remove the hose connecting to the solenoid (on the actuator side) and cap the nipple on the solenoid.
141140

Or you can remove the hose from the vacuum chamber (on the actuator & solenoid side) and just cap the nipple on the vacuum chamber.
141141

These are a couple examples just to visually show what side you need to worry about capping (which is the line leading to the intake).
The goal is to prevent vacuum from reaching the VFAD actuator (which closes the valve) and plugging the line leading to the intake (to prevent a vacuum leak).

But some like to just cap the nipple behind the throttle body and remove the rest of the line to make it look cleaner.

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 03:56 AM
Oohhhhh... gotcha. So I need to uncap my capped line then...

Thanks for the excellent illustrations Jon :D:

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 04:00 AM
Oohhhhh... gotcha. So I need to uncap my capped line then...
You don't NEED to because you already bled the vacuum out of the actuator.
But capping it (on the actuator side) isn't going to do anything useful since you won't generate vacuum with the hose uncapped.

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 04:03 AM
here we go... Im a bit vfad retarded

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/air-intake.jpg

Edit: nvm just read your above post. Everything makes sense now lol. Thanks again ;)

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 04:04 AM
I'm at work and can't view Photobucket pics, only attached pics.

Ross_Dawg
06-26-2009, 04:06 AM
Well you helped me figure it out anyway, thanks man :)

nycgps
06-26-2009, 08:17 AM
VFAD is a one way line, so just cap it anywhere, its same shit.

Colorcode
06-26-2009, 01:47 PM
haha its makes sense now. i ended up just capping the nipple behind the throtle body and it works :D

JGR4444
06-26-2009, 01:53 PM
i didnt cap mine at all... i left the line in the bumper and put a breather on the end of it... works perfect

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 02:36 PM
i ended up just capping the nipple behind the throtle body and it works :D

Glad it worked out for you!
I always suggest capping behind the throttle body since its easy to explain to others.
Capping elsewhere in the VFAD assembly would involve knowing to cap the intake side and not the actuator side (which involves me drawing little illustrations like above :)).

9krpmrx8
06-26-2009, 03:10 PM
So if you leave the nipple behind the throttle body, the VFAD will remain open?

Jon316G
06-26-2009, 04:02 PM
So if you leave the nipple behind the throttle body, the VFAD will remain open?

Yes. The VFAD valve needs vacuum to close.
So if you remove the source of vacuum (intake) the valve can't close.

9krpmrx8
06-26-2009, 08:32 PM
Oh i thought it was closed all the time and needed vacuum to open. I really don't wanna remove all that crap if I don't have to.

Jon316G
06-27-2009, 07:06 AM
Oh i thought it was closed all the time and needed vacuum to open

I made a DIY video explaining how to test the intake valves (VFAD, VDI, SSV, and APV).
You'll see that I used a vacuum pump to close the VFAD valve (the SSV and VDI are opposite and requires vacuum to open their valve).
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=174009

Brettus
06-27-2009, 04:51 PM
10psi of vacuum
.

:spank:

Jon316G
06-27-2009, 05:10 PM
:spank:

Oh damn.... :banghead:
Back to the video editing....
You were the first one to catch that!

Jon316G
06-27-2009, 06:05 PM
Brettus- Thanks for catching my dumb-ass mistake.
I'm uploading the corrected video now.

@!!narotordo
08-31-2009, 01:20 AM
thanks for the info

ASH8
08-31-2009, 02:36 AM
Jon316G,

Thanks for the info Mate!!!...
I don't want to unhook my VFAD.....just yet, .....BUT ......you have given me an idea....

I want your opinion on this...

You may not know this but Mazda in their wisdom????, No longer supply Vacuum nipples for each separate Rotor on the intake side ports, you know this is where dealers and Series I owners can Seafoam from...well what do 09 (Series II ) Owners Do???..

Is there any reason IYO why I could not use this Vacuum Nipple behind the Throttle Body?, the same one used for the VFAD..

I am thinking I could disconnect it and link in a temporary vacuum hose if I want to de-carb my Rotary???

What do you think Jon...will it work...where is RG when you want him...;)

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 02:43 AM
Good thinking ASH... but there is one problem with that.
When you crank start the engine to decarb (ESS disconnected) the SSV and APV valves are closed.
As you know, the primary runners (which are always open) is at the "top" of the lower intake manifold.
So even if you pulled Seafoam into the intake from the VFAD nipple, wouldn't most of the fluid just run into the secondary and axillary runners?
And with the SSV and APV valves closed, nothing gets into the engine.

But you do raise a good question, what do the '09s do to decarb.
I'll have to think about this for a minute...

ASH8
08-31-2009, 02:49 AM
I am thinking of cleaning without the ESS disconnected, even thinking of doing the "water" steam Cleaning method???...Thoughts..

I really like the idea and principal of steam cleaning carbon off, as the method should remove built up carbon in very fine particles...almost in reverse to the original build up??

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 02:54 AM
What about using the jet-air nozzle to spray the decarb into the engine?
144716

ASH8
08-31-2009, 02:59 AM
Did not think of that Jon, what is it that attachés there "Jet Air" ??, I just want to check my parts info and see if 09's have it,...I guess they do?

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 03:01 AM
Its one of the three hoses on the intake's flexible tube:
144717

ASH8
08-31-2009, 03:06 AM
Is that the Air Valve Actuator pipe for Emissions?

ASH8
08-31-2009, 03:08 AM
If it is the 09's use some of those Vacuum pipes but the AVA has changed and is 09 specific?
But it looks like it still connects in that area, parts info does not show that angle of diagram

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 03:12 AM
Is that the Air Valve Actuator pipe for Emissions?
No... you're thinking of the ACV.

Through the opening in the pic above (which usually has a hose attached), it comes out of the two nozzles on the other side of the manifold:
144718

ASH8
08-31-2009, 03:19 AM
Looks like that would do the job Ok Jon..?

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 03:21 AM
I think so.
And what is nice is that you get both rotors at the same time unlike doing it through the maintenance ports where you have to do it one side at a time.

ASH8
08-31-2009, 03:31 AM
If I use the water or Seafoam method would the car still run OK with that Vac line temp disconnected??, at about 2000 RPM

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 03:34 AM
Well... when you decarb, you don't want the car to start.
Remember, you spray the decarb fluid while cranking for 10 seconds.
Then you let it sit for an hour before starting the car.
This is why you disconnect the ESS.

Refresher... starting on page 7 of this TSP:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/rx8/bulletin/01-015-08-1883f.pdf

Huey52
08-31-2009, 07:25 AM
I capped mine near the removed VFAD actuator Jon just to keep out dirt in the unlikely case it's ever returned to stock. I didn't bother capping anywhere else and all is well.

You don't NEED to because you already bled the vacuum out of the actuator.
But capping it (on the actuator side) isn't going to do anything useful since you won't generate vacuum with the hose uncapped.

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 07:32 AM
I capped mine near the removed VFAD actuator Jon just to keep out dirt in the unlikely case it's ever returned to stock.

Makes sense if you wanted to play it safe.

Huey52
08-31-2009, 07:40 AM
Should I still cap the intake side for any reason? Again, I've not had a problem.

btw: although your video now more properly cites inches of mercury vacuum, air pressure is still the motive force. We're not talking Stargate Zero Point Modules here. ;)

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 07:44 AM
Should I still cap the intake side for any reason? Again, I've not had a problem.

So the nipple behind your TB is "exposed"?
Many users who installed aftermarkets intakes and forgot this step reported having issues since you introduced a vacuum leak into the intake.

Jon316G
08-31-2009, 07:46 AM
btw: although your video now more properly cites inches of mercury vacuum, air pressure is still the motive force.

LOL.. I should have known better.
Just proves nobody is perfect ;)

Huey52
08-31-2009, 02:51 PM
Oh, I would never leave nipples 'exposed.' ;)

When I removed my VFAD I left all the vacuum piping in place and capped the end at the [former] VFAD actuator just to keep the line clean. This way I could simply remove the RB Duct, reinstall the VFAD and hook up the actuator line to get back to stock.

Note that I have my RB duct mated to my stock airbox.

So the nipple behind your TB is "exposed"?
Many users who installed aftermarkets intakes and forgot this step reported having issues since you introduced a vacuum leak into the intake.

HWK11
09-08-2009, 10:39 PM
so is that all? because i donno if the vfad is really open.

nycgps
09-08-2009, 11:01 PM
Just cap that nipple under the intake mainfold and you're done, Finish, DEAL !

no more questions.

@!!narotordo
09-09-2009, 12:26 AM
Ok guys I got a cool video. Should I upload it to youtube then post it here? keep in mind I cant do this till I get home douh! lol

Jon316G
09-09-2009, 12:32 AM
Just cap that nipple under the intake mainfold and you're done, Finish, DEAL !

no more questions.

Agree.

Ok guys I got a cool video. Should I upload it to youtube then post it here? keep in mind I cant do this till I get home douh! lol
Want to tell us what this video is about?

HWK11
09-09-2009, 01:08 AM
i was just wondering because after i drove on the highway my intake box itself was very hot

Optical TDI
09-09-2009, 09:20 PM
One last question: by capping the nipple under the intake manifold, do I need to remove the VFAD actuator or can it be left in place? If so, then there's no reason to remove the bumper.

Jon316G
09-09-2009, 10:15 PM
Once the nipple is capped behind the throttle body, you do not need to mess with the actuator.

HWK11
09-09-2009, 11:06 PM
i couldnt get the hose off the nipple behind the throttle body so i unpluged where i circled and put a cap there.

Jon316G
09-09-2009, 11:10 PM
That'll work too, you'll just have to zip-tie that hose to the side somewhere so its not dangling near the pulleys.
And as long as you capped 90 degree fitting so that the hose to the intake isn't "open".

@!!narotordo
09-09-2009, 11:58 PM
Agree.


Want to tell us what this video is about?
:naughty:

Youwonder
11-25-2009, 10:09 PM
this is gonna need pics and a diy... but jon thanks for the help cause i just installed my intake and i have all these wire dangglling.......

@!!narotordo
11-25-2009, 10:32 PM
Wire dangglling?

Whats that mean? take a pic and show us

Youwonder
12-03-2009, 10:46 PM
once i cap behind the throttle body can take out the VFAD solenoid and Vacuum chamber?? thats the thing thats danggling around the VFAD solenoid valve and Vacuum chamber...im scared it might hit my belt... also another question the 3 hoses that go on the intake does it matter which one it goes too???

Jon316G
12-03-2009, 10:55 PM
once i cap behind the throttle body can take out the VFAD solenoid and Vacuum chamber
Once the nipple is capped behind the throttle body, you are free to take as much off as you want ;)
Usually I would just take off everything to the solenoid (and even remove the solenoid) because from there the hose routes between the air box and the under-tray, so there is no need to do more work than necessary.

also another question the 3 hoses that go on the intake does it matter which one it goes too???
Doesn't really matter, though the way the hoses are routed/shaped kinda matters which fitting they go to.

Youwonder
02-24-2010, 03:39 PM
Once the nipple is capped behind the throttle body, you are free to take as much off as you want ;)
Usually I would just take off everything to the solenoid (and even remove the solenoid) because from there the hose routes between the air box and the under-tray, so there is no need to do more work than necessary.


Doesn't really matter, though the way the hoses are routed/shaped kinda matters which fitting they go to.

Thanks Jon I'll take a pic to show you were I cap it... Also were the solenoid is it's connected to the sensor on the intake with electrical tape rap around it how did you take that off?? Cause the line Is danggling right in front of the intake

Jon316G
02-24-2010, 06:24 PM
Also were the solenoid is it's connected to the sensor on the intake with electrical tape rap around it how did you take that off

The wire harness for the VFAD solenoid can be zip-tied off to the side so its not dangling.
Nice to keep in the car just in case you go back to stock for some reason.