Combi Valve Replacement

[Nickadams]

I had the secondary air pump "whine" sound for quite sometime and ignored it. The noise eventually stopped but I started getting CELs associated with the secondary air pump. I replaced the secondary air pump (full of water) and the 40 amp fuse in the ECU and all appears to be working fine.

The question is: does the water in the secondary air pump necessarily mean that the combi valve is stuck? I have read Old Guys explanation of how to test the combi valve however in my car access is not easy and I will likely damage some hoses and spend a lot of time. My thought is that if it is definitely the combi valve, I will dive in and replace it (~$165) part on Ebay). If replacing the secondary air pump and fuse might have solved the problem - I likely will do nothing and hope - worst case is I'll have to replace the secondary air pump (~$119) and fuse plus the combi valve. Testing the combi valve will likely require me to go in an test and then go in later to replace the combi valve later if necessary - lots of time, possible damage and trouble.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[old guy]

My guess would be that the combi valve is defective. Thus the water getting into the SAI pump from the exhaust condensation. Do you hear any exhaust noise at all from the back of the motor after the motor is warmed up? You could also pull the line anywhere between the SAI pump and combi valve and see if you feel any air movement/exhaust noise after the motor is warmed up.

[Nickadams]

Will check as you suggest - thanks for the reply.

[DDAMANTI]

Ok so this is a couple months old, but fudge it lol.....I hear a turbo/wine/hair dryer sound when I accelerate....Someone told me Turbo lol...but Im new to all this and Im seeing mixed answers lol... I just recently installed a used SAIP....and Im getting a Incorrect SAIP Air flow CEL.... Was thinking its the Combi valve since I just replaced the Pump lol...But as I read more...Im thinking I installed a bad pump! UGH

[lucaq]

I fixed the kombi valve on my B6 last year by using the pressure on my mighty vac as I was testing it. Basically, it didn't work as it is supposed under vacuum and I figured WFT, it is broken anyway I have a mighty vac that has a pressure setting as well, so I pressurized it, I heard a pop and then it started working like it is supposed to on vacuum. Not sure that this will work for others, but it has been working just fine for over a year and 10k miles.

Old Guy: My B5 makes an exhaust sound only at startup, probably while the secondary air injection pump is running its routine, does this mean something is wrong, it is not throwing a code? It stops once the pumps stops, sounds like an exhaust leak.

[old guy]

Ok so this is a couple months old, but fudge it lol.....I hear a turbo/wine/hair dryer sound when I accelerate....Someone told me Turbo lol...but Im new to all this and Im seeing mixed answers lol... I just recently installed a used SAIP....and Im getting a Incorrect SAIP Air flow CEL.... Was thinking its the Combi valve since I just replaced the Pump lol...But as I read more...Im thinking I installed a bad pump! UGH

The SAI pump only operates for about 90 seconds on a cold start. After that it becomes inactive with one exception. If the ECM doesn't "see" what it expects to "see" on a cold start, about 2 minutes into the drive cycle it will put the fuel regulation into an open loop condition and turn the SAI pump back on for a quick performance check. After that the SAI pump will not come on until the next cold cycle.

If you are hearing a turbo whine constantly while accelerating under boost you probably are due for a turbo replacement.

Sorry!

Old Guy: My B5 makes an exhaust sound only at startup, probably while the secondary air injection pump is running its routine, does this mean something is wrong, it is not throwing a code? It stops once the pumps stops, sounds like an exhaust leak.

It's possible that the combi valve is defective. When the combi valve opens it creates a direct path from the SAI pump into the exhaust stream. Then the SAI pump adds additional air into the exhaust. If the combi valve or any of the connections from the SAI pump to the combi valve are broken/split/disconnected you will hear the exhaust noise being amplified.

Check all your connections from the SAI pump to the combi valve and then the valve itself for and defects.

[DDAMANTI]

uuuuugh fawk my life!!

[EErie B6]

Just delete it. Problem solved.

[DDAMANTI]

I dont have the resources for that :/