Failed Smog

[slicclex]

Today I went to get my 91 LS400 smogged so I could re-register the registration. Was informed at the shop that it failed the 15 mph test because of the PCV valve. I told him that was bull*BLEEP* because I replaced the PCV valve a year ago and he told me there was a zip tie around it. I knew what he was talking about but pretty sure this is not a PCV valve.

Here is what we were talking about:

Are there 2 PCV valves on the LS400?

[python]

take it to another smog shop, that guy just went full !Removed! on you

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

thats what ur pcv looks like,you pcv valve is in plain view in ur pic,located on the drivers side valve cover

[93ls400walt]

I believe that is one of the two hoses from the power steering pump idle up valve. Which is suppose to increase the rpm while turning the wheels at idle.

[slicclex]

Yes I know the PCV valve is on the drivers side where it says "four cam 32V", I've replaced it a couple times myself.

It's too bad they were acting like fools because I have been doing business with them for five years now. Guess they under new management because they all looked like dip**** these days.

[slicclex]

So what exactly is the name of that part where the hose is connected? Looking to purchase that at a local junkyard but need to know what it's called.

[AzHotLS]

If you haven't found toyodiy.com yet, it's a great site. It looks like that part is called the Intake Air Connector Pipe, PN 17875. At least the whole assembly is. You probably can't get just the part sticking out of the pipe where the two hoses connect to, you'll most likely have to buy the whole assembly.

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_1991_LEXU...EPGKA_1703.html

[oldskewel]

take it to another smog shop, that guy just went full !Removed! on you

Yes, Jack at the smog shop was giving you some bad info there.

But all the info you're getting so far on the list here is correct.

The PCV valve can be seen to the left of the "32" on the valve cover.

That big Intake Air Connector Pipe (IACP) is indeed one big plastic piece.

The thin (~1/2" OD) black hose that comes forwards and then returns next to it goes down to the infamous idle-up valve on the PS pump.

The thicker black hose running from left to right goes from the IACP to the Idle Speed Control Valve or Idle Air Control Valve.

On my '91, those thin hoses to the PS idle-up valve had become so brittle that one of them cracked and I figured I should replace them both. When I removed the one from that plastic barb sticking out from the IACP, the barb broke off with it. It looks to me that this is what happened to your car as well, and the zip tie sort of holds it in place. It's not a big deal to have a slight crack there - it's just that a slight amount of air will come in that is not filtered or measured. Should have no effect on engine performance.

But I fixed mine anyway - here's how: I bought a segment of straight 1/4" OD (I think) hard brake line at Pep Boys for like $5. Cut a ~1.5" length off one end (it has a slight flare on the end to keep the fitting on). Remove the fitting, keeping the 1.5" end length. Drilled a hole in the IACP where the barb used to be (slightly enlarging the hole that is already there), sizing it so this brake line end is a snug, almost press-fit (the flared end is sticking out). Put the vacuum hose over the new barb, hose clamp it on there, and it's good as new.

If you decide to fix it like this, just so the smog guys can't ding you for it, and you haven't already done it, replacing those vacuum lines with new ones is probably a good idea. I think I used 7/32" ID hose (generic, like $5 for 6 feet of it).

[Lucky13]

You must have had on your "blonde woman that knows nothing-please charge me a hundred dollars to air up the tires" mask.

[killerFatty]

I had to replace my intake air connecter pipe because the little nipple where the small hose attaches to broke. I was like $250 if I rememer correctly.

[slicclex]

If you haven't found toyodiy.com yet, it's a great site. It looks like that part is called the Intake Air Connector Pipe, PN 17875. At least the whole assembly is. You probably can't get just the part sticking out of the pipe where the two hoses connect to, you'll most likely have to buy the whole assembly.

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_1991_LEXU...EPGKA_1703.html

Oh man, I have been looking for a site that sells OEM parts with diagrams & part names for months! Thank you for this information B)

[slicclex]

take it to another smog shop, that guy just went full !Removed! on you

Yes, Jack at the smog shop was giving you some bad info there.

But all the info you're getting so far on the list here is correct.

The PCV valve can be seen to the left of the "32" on the valve cover.

That big Intake Air Connector Pipe (IACP) is indeed one big plastic piece.

The thin (~1/2" OD) black hose that comes forwards and then returns next to it goes down to the infamous idle-up valve on the PS pump.

The thicker black hose running from left to right goes from the IACP to the Idle Speed Control Valve or Idle Air Control Valve.

On my '91, those thin hoses to the PS idle-up valve had become so brittle that one of them cracked and I figured I should replace them both. When I removed the one from that plastic barb sticking out from the IACP, the barb broke off with it. It looks to me that this is what happened to your car as well, and the zip tie sort of holds it in place. It's not a big deal to have a slight crack there - it's just that a slight amount of air will come in that is not filtered or measured. Should have no effect on engine performance.

But I fixed mine anyway - here's how: I bought a segment of straight 1/4" OD (I think) hard brake line at Pep Boys for like $5. Cut a ~1.5" length off one end (it has a slight flare on the end to keep the fitting on). Remove the fitting, keeping the 1.5" end length. Drilled a hole in the IACP where the barb used to be (slightly enlarging the hole that is already there), sizing it so this brake line end is a snug, almost press-fit (the flared end is sticking out). Put the vacuum hose over the new barb, hose clamp it on there, and it's good as new.

If you decide to fix it like this, just so the smog guys can't ding you for it, and you haven't already done it, replacing those vacuum lines with new ones is probably a good idea. I think I used 7/32" ID hose (generic, like $5 for 6 feet of it).

You nailed it. That's exactly what happened to mine when I was replacing the spark plugs a couple years ago and I've been having to place a zip ties or paper clips to prevent it from leaking.

I like that idea you presented. Don't feel too justified to buy a $250 part where a simple fix for the IACP can be done for less than $20.

[someguy]

I came up with a better solution for my broken pipe, I put a bolt in the hole, and a bolt in the hose---problem solved

[jpourcy]

Mine came loose. I just glued it back in.

Jerry