Hey gang- first post so quick intro.Dad's got an RX-8, initial release first model year, unsure of trim package. He owned a 13b '86 back in the day and I owned a 13b '87 as well. I have some familiarity with the 13b motors and systems.

Dad's RX-8 threw CEL and dealer got code for stuck open SSV. I've done a search of these forums and found that it's happened to others. Seems to be either carbon build up or corrosion that causes plate to hang up. I thought I read of at least one case where WD-40 and a little time disolved the build-up and freed the plate, fixing the problem. I'm looking to see if I can help him out. Dealer wants $2400 in parts and god knows what for labor for pulling motor and swapping out intake. Any first hand experience want to chip in with their input? Details on how to access this part of the intake would help.

Thanks in advance- Toenail

 

it will usually unstick if you start the car and let it run and warm up and then unplug the connector going to the intake ( not the maf, the metal thing ) and plug it back in while the car is still running. now shut off the car, yank the battery for a few mins to clear the cel and restart it. hopefully it should have not reset the cel ( make sure battery is off for a min or so ) and all should be ok.

ssv stuck open is a lot better than it stuck closed, which is what i've had happen after lettign the car sit for 2 weeks on vacation.

 

ask swoop, he got some experience with it (They have to replace their engine, but his engine was dying anyway so it dont matter)

I have some SSV on high CEL before, got it to dealer but the CEL disappeared so they cant do anything to it (Cuz it resets itself if it doesnt happen again in about 6 drive cycle)

but I found that after a 10 days of continuously constant reving the engine/hard driving constant over 8K rpm, wasted alot of gas but, it the CEL not back yet.

 

Indeed stuck open is better than stuck closed. He said he has not noticed a low end performance issue. My old 13b had an issue with the accuator and I ziptied the linkage to hold the secondary port open at all times. Didn't really notice a difference in performance.

By "connector" do you mean electrical, mechanical linkage or vacuum hose?

Thanks

 

Also curious if you can work the linkage by hand to detect binding or grinding in the clearance between the plate and the wall. I won't have access to the car until this weekend, so trying to prepare in advance menatally for potential scenarios. If it's a build-up issue, can access to the opening be had easily and is it ok to hit it with some carb cleaner, WD-40 or similar to free it up?

 

the actual ssv is down under the intake. you can move it manually if you take it all apart ( see the pdf i sent you )

what i was saying is to unhook the throttle electrical connector going to the metal part of the intake. leave it off a bit then snap in back in place while the car is running. that makes the cpu reset everything and reset the ssv and try to move it. if the car is warmed up it should snap it into place. you might try running the engine @high rpm a bit to get it even warmer and then do it.

 

Thanks for the clarification. If I try this remedy and it works, am I running the risk of getting stuck in the closed position down the road? Curious if this issue is build-up related, seems like that would make it destined to return without some form of treatment to get rid of the build-up.

 

As a follow up to the original post, my Dad's mechanic was able to get the SSV un-stuck. An hour and a half of lube and working the actuator with a vacuum pump freed it up and it now works as designed. Now that the CEL is gone he's selling the car. A few too many headaches for his liking at this stage of the game.

 

How long, time or miles would this be covered on Mazdas warranty? Is this covered under the Emission warranty that is longer?

 

The stuck SSV was not covered by warranty. Car is an '04 with 85K miles. Dealer wanted $3600 to pull the engine and replace the entire intake. Dad found a local mechanic who had previously worked for a Mazda dealer and knew the problem well. Charge for the independant mechanic was $110 for an hour and a half of labor,$0 for parts.

 

mine went, but thankfully under warranty... the prospect of it returning definately worries me

 

what is the ssv and what does it do?

 

Swoope mentioned at one point a fogger method for getting the SSV un-stuck if carbon locked...which would mean you wouldn't need to pull the engine.

 

Redline a day...

 

This means absolutely nothing in terms of prevention. But if it makes you feel better.......

 

Can you just remove the top part of the intake (plastic part) then just spray some carp cleaner down the pipe and maybe use a gun barrel cleaning kit to get the carbon out? (wire brush on a stick)

If this ever happens to me thats what I will try to do, if possable.

 

Where does a person get carp cleaner?

Actually redlining once a day could prevent the secondary shutter valve from sticking since it is getting used at high RPMs and load, less likely to stick.

 

The SSV (secondary shutter valve) opens the secondary air intake port at about 7250 rpms. When up there you should be able to feel it open up as the car should feel stronger.

 

I would agree with you, in theory, that keeping the plate moving through it's full range of motion several times a day would do better than not ever openning it at all. In practice, Dad wound it up pretty frequently to tap into the power that lives at the top of the rev range and still ended up with this issue.

 

even if you don't redline, the car cycles these at shutown correct? I figured that was to keep the carbon buildup down to a minimum..but unfortunately, there is always the **** happens factor with some cars.

 

you sure its carbon issue and not from the "oil in the intake" issue.
On the 06 that oil vent is below the SSV so I wonder if I'll ever get the issue.

 

Hi all I just recently went to the dealership for the CEL and they said that the ssv and the main shutter valve are carboned up and they also told me that I have 2 option: 1. Pay 1600 to clean it or 2. Pay 2610 to replace the intake.
Is there another way to fix it without taking the car to the dealership
Rx8 04 gt mt
65798 miles on it
Also on my way home I tried to redline it in first gear and the CEL start blinking and also when I keep the rpm up at redline the rpm start decreasing anyone know what seems to be causing this.

 

Nice thread bump! Can't say you didn't search. John316 has done a good DIY on this. It takes 4hrs if you're mechanically inclined, 6 if not. I'll link you to it...lemme find it.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-remove-ssv-beta-teaser-video-184663/

also flashing CEL, I think usually means misfire. Have you ever changed your coil packs? When?

 

No I haven't change the coil yet I got the car around 63000 something miles on it and they said they replaced the engine because previous owner blew it up so so far I put down 2k something miles on it and redline the crap out of the car everyday... Where can I get the coils at and how much are they?

 

Just have to say thanks guys. Dealer just said $898 to clean and repair....jeessh! Checking the post above....

Just got it back from the dealer and the CEL is off, which can happen. If mine is sticking intermittently is there anything I can add somewhere to help with out. Taking it out? I plan on running it hard this weekend if you guys think it will help?????

Would the premixes like seafoam etc help?