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Check your intake pipe for fatigue

Stevearcade

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2003 Accord CM2
Hey guys,

Just checked my oil and noticed my air intake hose (the one that runs from air box to inlet manifold) was split in a big way! Now, clearly mine is related to my DIY cold air intake putting some strain on the pipe, however it's worth noting that the whole pipe, even down by the throttle body where there's no strain from the CAI is showing signs of cracking and turning the way rubber does when it gets old and loses its flexibility.

If you're in an early 7th gen, just for peace of mind, pop the bonnet and inspect around the rubber hose on the inlet. Make sure it's not fatiguing, splitting or anything else. Don't wanna be sucking in unfiltered air. I feel a bit sick thinking that I've been sucking in unfiltered air to my engine!
 
I had same problem on my Mazda Premacy. I solved it temporally with plastic film and duck tape (one week, time to receive the new part)

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Wow! Yeah, just like that. I wasn't surprised that the slight weight of the cold air intake pipe pulling on it has created a split. But I am shocked that the rubber throughout the whole piece seems to have aged so badly. It's worse than some of the rubber components on some much older things I have, like vintage music gear and stuff.

Anyway, I wrapped a load of gaffa tape around it for now and have ordered a new part from Holdcroft. It will arrive Tuesday. I'm only going to do essential driving until then. Glad I spotted it when I did. Strangely, I dreamed last night that my oil light came on (which it's never done) and I woke up and thought, I must check my oil!
 
Great spot I had a large split on mine I had engine management light randomly appear for lean mixture once i repaired no longer seen eml

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I had exactly the same issue with my 03 2.0 tourer when I first got it. I ordered a 2nd hand replacement off eBay but that split in two places after a few thousand miles! I ended up using self fusing silicone tape to wrap the tear as a temporary fix, it seems to be doing the trick now!

As these cars age, the engine mounts get sloppy so that can also cause a strain on aging parts.

I noticed really bad fuel economy and poor performance when it was split.

How much did the intake pipe set you back?
 
This is more common than I realised. I've been thinking the last couple of weeks that the car was feeling odd, slightly different under heavier throttle but I couldn't put my finger on it. Just not quite so responsive... I'd thought to myself once the weather was better I'd take the K&N out, clean it and refit it in the hope that would help. But now I'm thinking maybe the air fuel mix was a bit off due to this split pipe. Hopefully it feel more normal once the new one's on. I'm not going to risk heavy throttle while it's duck taped up!
 
It's not a bad idea to periodically check your engine for vacuum leaks. Here is an easy guide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CPqbaSgcok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CPqbaSgco

edit: the method in the video only works for parts of the engine that are subject to vacuum. Once a turbo spools up it gets a bit more tricky. Fast moving air will still have vacuum properties, but I haven't used the carb cleaner spray method on a TD (yet)
 
I would have said leakdown test for diesel

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New one arrived and fitted. 5 minute job. Super easy. I didn't take a photo as I was doing after work by torch light. Thankfully my gaffa tape fix held up. I did only essential driving and didn't take it above 3K. Here's the offending article.

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Oh, and a big thanks to Holdcroft who sorted me out with a discount and sent it as soon as they could. It wasn't a part they had in stock so it had to come from another warehouse, hence it took until today to arrive. Great service as always.
 
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