combi valve replacement advise

[thaifoodninja]

I've been having driver side combi valve problem in my B8.5 S4, (p2440) Did my testing using vcds and after the output test and hand pumping the vacuum, I can hear the driver's side is squeaking open and closed. So I have a new one in the mail.

I searched but haven't found any info specific to the 3.0tfsi. Has anyone had success swapping it from up top? official instructions call to do it from below by removing the catalytic converter, but I'm a stupid optimist and think I can get my hands in there and doing it from up top. Am I dumb to even try or is the manual just being conservative so mechanics don't have to scrape their knuckles? Also anyone who's done this, any pictures would be a huge help.

AFAIK on the driver's side it should only be 2 bolts for the shield, 2 bolts for the air hose (be careful with the hose so I don't crack it), and 2 bolts for the combi valve to the head. I've also got a 90 degree 1/4" drive neck to try and get the bolts out easier, not sure if it'll help yet but maybe it'll make the job possible.

[Dewar]

Not sure if these images will help. You can see the bang up job the dealer did when reinstalling the valve gasket when they did my timing chain tensioners. Indy who did the clutch shortly after took the pictures. Don't know exactly how the dealer gets to the tensioners, but one of my supercharger lift rings was bent after. Untitled2.jpegUntitled1.jpegUntitled.jpegUntitled4.jpegUntitled3.jpegUntitled5.jpegUntitled6.jpeg

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[thaifoodninja]

Not sure if these images will help.

Thanks, these are a huge help. Seeing the gap between the cat and the bottom bolt of the shield is making me second guess things. At the least now I know what to feel for, I'll be taking that bolt off first, blind. I only have to do the drivers side (hopefully).

Also wow they totally put that gasket on wrong and blocked the passageway. Did you throw any codes? I'm guessing a secondary air bank 1 insufficient flow?

[Dewar]

Never threw any codes (at least no MILs and didn't have vcds at the time). Had no idea until I saw the picts.

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[thaifoodninja]

well I can 100% confirm that the driver side combi valve can't be replaced without taking the cat out. I managed to get the o2 sensor out, and started removing the bolts on the shield, but couldn't get to the bottom one no matter how I tried. Maybe my hands are too big. Put everything back together, and for now I'm going to unclip the SAI solenoid connector, so the valves stay closed. My noggin' is telling me its better to disable the SAI system that way than to drive around with a driver side valve that is sticking open when it gets used. By disabling the solenoid I should be able to keep the system closed until I have the time to take out the combi from below as Audi/God intended it.