Is there no way to repair the auxiliary air control valve on my '90 3VZE pickup? I would hate to have to replace the throttle body because the control valve is no longer functioning. Buying a new throttle body is out of the question, so that would leave me with sourcing a used unit... which is a crap shoot.

 

I took a few pictures of my throttle body. I think the last picture shows what I believe to be the auxiliary air control valve. I think I've read that the valve is integral to the throttle body, but it looks to me that at least the plunger (which I compare to a thermostat) can be unscrewed from the throttle body housing, using either some special tool that grabs both grooves, or more crudely using a medium-sized screwdriver and a hammer to tap and rotate the "valve" out.






Some background... in 2005 I was told by a mechanic that the air control valve had become "stuck", it was not serviceable itself, and would require me to get a replacement throttle body. I didn't want to spend that kind of money on the truck at the time, so he just adjusted the idle speed screw, and I dealt with the higher idle once the engine warmed up. I only use the truck when needed... like when I need to haul something, or when the winter weather becomes bad.

The head gasket failed 2 years ago, and it has sat since then. I decided to pull the engine and do a complete rebuild... the primary components are at the machine shop right now. So once I have the block on the engine stand, I figure now is a good time to address any of the other issues.

From what I've read so far, it would appear that when cold the control valve is normally in the open position (the plunger off it's seat), which is just the opposite of how a thermostat works. Once the coolant temps warm up, the valve closes. As you can see in my last picture, the plunger is seated, which is what I would expect it to be when it is heated up, not sitting on a shelf in my garage. I can press against the spring tension with a screwdriver and it moves fine, so if I'm correct on how the valve operates, it's gone bad. But before I get in over my head and try to "unscrew" the valve from the housing, I'd like to get some feedback from any of you that have a greater understanding of this whole thing.

Obviously I can go find a used throttle body, but who's to say that the air valve in that one isn't bad too. I'm sure I'm overlooking something with all of this.

 

Anyone? Bueller?

 

So maybe this question isn't in the best forum section to get a response? And I can't post a Want-To-Buy post until I've made at least 15 posts into the forum. So I guess I can post "ttt" a dozen more times to gain access?


Maybe I'll get some advice from the moderator for this section of the site?

 

Googling I found what looks like your old 2009 thread at TotoyaNation:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/80...ttle-body.html

From what I can tell in the FSM, the AAV is not serviceable on that TB. A YT member appears to have freed it up:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...le-fix-188519/

Also, the online Toyota parts catalogues indicate the Throttle Body Assembly has been discontinued for the 1990 3vze...I have no idea if other years will interchange.

You may want to check with member mightymouse and see what he can do for you:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f37/...i-have-261363/

 

Unlike some forums, we do not have moderators assigned to each section.

 

Thanks! I posted a request for the TB with MightyMouse. It's not a show stopper if I can't find one right away. I drove it for a couple years with the air valve not functioning. I just had to adjust the idle for cold operation (which makes it run high once its warmed up), and the MPG is down a few points.


It'll just be nice to be able to take care of it while I'm putting it all back together.