10 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Morning all

 

I've got the standard air filter box which looks like this:

http://i.ebayimg.com...FWgg~~60_35.JPG

 

The metal flap in the end has started rattling, loudly. Is it supposed to be held still with a spring or bush or something? I don't want to move away from this filter as I like to keep the car stock. Any ideas how to stop the rattle?

[matt050990]

Not a clue mate but mine does the same as it rather annoying so im going to keep an eye on this thread to see if I can solve mine too. :)

[cal844]

I think the flap can be removed??

[lewBlew]

Isn't it useful though, for controlling the temperature? I can remove the whole metal end bit and the ribbed air duct from the inlet manifold but would rather it worked as designed.

 

It didn't used to rattle so something must have changed..

[phil hill]

The flap would originally have a soft foam coating on the top to stop it from rattling.  I guess that has worn off over time.

 

The flap is a bi-metal device which opens as the air / engine bay temperature rises.

 

Phil.

[lewBlew]

There is evidence of some black foam on the top. Not sure if there's anything on the underside. Presumably I could replace this using some heat-proof glue or something?

[CityEPete]

It's a clever device, springs up to allow hot air from the exhaust when the air is cold, moves down to allow cool air from above when the air is warm, simple but effective. It should indeed have some foam on the top.

[CityEPete]

Some of that self adhesive felt for putting under furniture might work.

[Dan]

The bimetal air control valve for the hot air oven is a service item that should be replaced at certain intervals. Nobody ever changes them so on older cars they never work and then people think they do nothing and get rid, at the same time whinging about the car's cold weather performance. This is why such things have been replaced with vacuum systems or electronics over the years, although when working they are just fine. Bimetal springs wear out through use, you can try sticking new foam on but if it's not pressing up tightly when cold or down tightly when hot it still won't work.

[lewBlew]

My car runs fine in all weathers, so I assume it's working. It's 1991 so not as old as some.

 

Anyway, I have glued new foam on, and while the air box is no longer rattling the original rattle is still there. It's something else. GRRRRR!!!!

 

Tinny rattle every time I go over a manhole / patchy bit of road at 25+ mph...??

[CityEPete]

Ha minis, fix one rattle and makes another! I had mine on the car tilter, makes a new dashboard rattle since, lol