Aux Air Valve Repair? | FerrariChat

Aux Air Valve Repair?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by JohnMH, Jan 24, 2024.

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  1. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,821
    Bologna
    I wonder if one of the two AAVs is stuck open on my car. The car idles perfectly when cold, but has a lumpy idle when warm. I have eliminated ignition components and any obvious air leaks.

    To my understanding, AAVs contain a bimetallic strip to which a current is applied when the engine is turned on. When the car is cold, voltage is applied to the strip; in a few minutes it closes and pinches off the extra air. It remains closed by engine heat when the car is up to temperature.

    As the issue arises when my car is up to full operating temperature, I expect the issue is the mechanical operation of the valve, not the 12v power applied to it. I will confirm that the valve remains open when hot, but as a new one is $3400, are they generally fixable?
     
  2. windsock

    windsock Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 29, 2006
    1,153
    Sounds like you need to properly diagnose it first. Sounds more like a fuel mixture issue which is far more common then issues with the Aux Air Valve.
     
  3. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,106
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    That is a very common misconception. The AAV requires a full time 12v to operate correctly. While radiated heat plays a part it is not consistent enough for proper operation. Besides most are mounted insulated from the engine.
     
  4. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,821
    Bologna
    Thanks - will check the voltage this evening. I suspect that having one bank having an open AAV while the other is closed would lead to the lumpy idle it has when hot. Car is a 92 Diablo, so mixtures are not really adjustable. Cap, rotor, wires and plugs are new. Injector cleaner and some driving has helped a bit, but it should be really smooth at idle.
     

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