+1 point to me for asking stupid questions but where's the tube and how do I remove it?

 

Just push/pull on the rod..if it moves ..the valve is opening/closing

 

Ok I'll look closer on the actuator tomorrow when there's some daylight.

 

The other thing that could be not be working properly is the solenoid...it could be cycling on/off

 

What is the solenoid, what does it do and what would the causes of a disfunctional solenoid be? (Sorry, just want to learn)

 

Solenoid is an electrically operated valve...it open/closes the vac supply that moves the actuator diaphragm....and open/closes the SSV

Solenoid is an electromagnet basically..so interruptions in the power supply or windings will make it not work properly

 

If the Solenoid needed replacement, wouldn't it be more noticable? (power loss, CEL etc) Seeing it affects all the valves?

 

There are separate solenoids for each valve...

Check the actuator first..

 

Ok checked it out now. It's the left vavle of the two upper vavles that's making the rattling noise, the closest to you if you're standing in front of the car. The vavle is opening and closing as it should but it's during idle, probably when it's closed, that it's rattling. If I just push the vavle a little towards one of the sides the noise stops. It's something on the inside that must be worn or just a bit loose. I don't know if I should try tighten the screws a bit or if I can change that seperate vavle and whatever is inside.

 

Interesting....Here's some pictures of the valve assembly

There is a bushing on one end..and 2 bolts holding in the assembly..

Not sure what would be rattling...check the bolts...maybe the actuator

Get a used one and swap it in and see if it stops

 

Any idea where I could get a used vavle assembly like that? I'm sure if I replaced that, the noise would stop.

 

I'm pretty sure the valves are the same on AT and MT....manifolds are different though

 

As it was said, try to ask Paul at Mazmart, he may be able to help you out. Send a PM to "Mazmart".