Removing swirl runner valves from ecodiesel intake manifold

[@tadsworkshop]

Just to be clear, for anyone who doesn’t know, removing the swirl valves will cause a check engine light on a truck that isn’t deleted/programmed to forget about it. I have heard the truck still runs great, but will cause the check engine light to stay on. I have never tried that myself. The truck in the video was programmed/deleted. I’ve also used the Dorman intake manifold, and it works just fine. There was a time when the mopar manifold was affordable; not the case anymore. Also, I use black RTV to lock those small plastic pieces in place.

[@dannyaustin7008]

I've got a stage 2 delete and I removed the swerl valves when I changed the turbo coolant hose and cleaned my intake but now I'm getting p200a/b codes is further tuning required or is there a quick fix for this?

[@tadsworkshop]

@@dannyaustin7008 that’s in the tune itself. You should coordinate with whoever created that tune your using. I’m guessing they did not turn off monitoring of the swirl valve system.

[@xavytex]

Hi, I recently replace my intake manifold with a new one. I now have p200a and b codes due to a bad position or malfunction of the swirl valves. Is there a by-default position of the valves when transferring the payment electric motor from the old manifold to the one ? I didn’t realize at the time this could be important. I think the valves were closed when I installed the electric motor and when I see your video, yours are opened. But is it a problem ? Truck isn’t deleted. I wanted to replace the manifold while dealing with the turbo coolant hose. It made more sense to me to replace it instead of spending 2 days cleaning it. Thanks! Xavier

[@tadsworkshop]

@@xavytex did you disconnect the battery during the process? Might be wise to disconnect the battery, let the truck sit for 10 minutes, and than reconnect. If you left the battery connected during that time, it’s possible the computer was expecting to see the valves in a certain position, and maybe it was slightly different in the new manifold, thereby setting the code. Try clearing the codes. Also, if you have a better scan tool, see if there is an option to relearn those swirl/mixture valves.

[@xavytex]

@@tadsworkshop Hi, I disconnected the battery once I started messing with the harness. I tried AlphaOBD. It has a function to test the swirl valves. It won’t let me perform the test “ECU has detected some values are out of range”. I’ll leave the battery disconnected overnight and see that does anything. Otherwise I’ll just take it appart again. Should be quicker the second time since every bolts are loose now. Thanks for your help !

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Awsome video!! Would it be any point to put epoxi in the holes (where the shaft was) between the ports?

[@tadsworkshop]

@@J1I9M7M4Y really appreciate it. In hindsight, I’d recommend a dab of black RTV such as what you’d find at any parts store. And it’s just for the sake of holding them firmly in place. Is it needed? No, just exercise care so none of them fall out and into an intake runner while you’re reinstalling! I have installed manifolds without applying any sort of epoxy or RTV.

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

@@tadsworkshop Thank`s for the quick response and advice! You earned a new subscriber!!

[@msiege5212]

thats what i was thinking too, make it solid for best air flow, im actually thinking of porting it a little to clean up casting lines too

[@craigwebb2486]

Does removing the swirl valve shaft change the fuel distribution with a hole through the length of the intake where it used to be? Wouldn’t boost push the fuel mixture into other ports via the open area between each one? Or is the pressure constant and inside the intake ?

[@tadsworkshop]

I’m having a little trouble making sense of your question, but to be clear, there is no fuel moving within the intake manifold. Fuel is injected directly into the cylinder as with most diesels. Bottom line, the intake manifold on this engine is strictly for flowing air. The swirl valves cut off or reduce air to one of the two intake valves, for the sake of air velocity and how it affects emissions.

[@Peterswarahed]

@@tadsworkshop Does that mean fuel doesn't get burned when there closed or there should be no fuel in the cylinder?

[@tadsworkshop]

@@Peterswarahed no, not quite. There are two intake valves per cylinder. The computer uses those swirl valves to cut off, or reduce air flow to only one of the valves. Even if it were completely shut, the cylinder would still get air. And if you cut off fuel to one of the cylinders, this would create a dead misfire, like removing a single spark plug wire from gas engine. This is all an effort to manipulate air velocity going into the cylinder at certain times, which affects the emissions coming out of the exhaust.

[@SeanPwnery]

Thanks for sharing this. I recently picked up a new manifold too - and I do run an SFT stage 1 tune - which turned off my EGR as I wanted. I was wondering if you knew if removing the valves, but replacing the position sensors and the actuator motor so all it does is turn the shafts with no valves attached would keep the check engine light happy. Eventually I will do the rest of the delete, but was just curious if the system remains happy turning shafts with no valves on them?

[@tadsworkshop]

Absolutely. It would have no way of knowing if the valves are actually in place. Go for it! I can’t imagine any possible way for the computer to receive feedback from removed valves.

[@msiege5212]

i have the SFT tune also, about to knock out the coolant line and new intake manifold. wondering the same if the SFT tune is looking for the swirl valves

[@tadsworkshop]

@@msiege5212 before you even remove the old manifold, simply unplug one of the swirl valve position sensors. If you are in front of the truck, looking at the throttle body, one sensor is down low and to the right. The other one is on the rear of the manifold, kind of by the passenger rear most injector. They have small fragile connectors, take care in removing them. Unplug, and see if your truck sets a code or reacts.

[@RGD1982]

I live in Michigan as well do you know who did the delete tune?

[@andrewh1053]

Excellent Video. Is this a 3rd gen ecodiesel? I am getting code P200B. Dealer said to replace the manifold however I am able to get a tune done to leave the swirl runners open. Im not getting any acceleration issues or rough idling so im assuming they might be stuck in the Open position rather than closed.

[@tadsworkshop]

This was a 2015/2016 model I believe. Sounds like you’re on the right track.

[@tamasnemeth8464]

Hello.Could you give the part number of the magnetic position sensor? or the numbers about it and the manufacturer? I'm trying to find it on the internet, but I can't find it using keywords...

[@tadsworkshop]

Hi. You can find them it the video description of this video I created. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ6zl62IpculY5Ysi=57JP6_bLg-cG0RqS But you should really verify the part numbers through the official mopar parts website, www.mopar.com/en-us/shop/parts.html

[@tamasnemeth8464]

​@@tadsworkshop I mean the sensor in this video at 1:17

[@DanielClark-xy2qb]

SAME!! I JUST THREW A P2016 ENGINE CODE AND ONLY THAT CODE. SAYS BANK 1 RUNNER POSITION SENSOR. YET I HAVE TO BY THE ENTIRE MANIFOLD SUPPOSEDLY. WHAT? IM WONDERING IF THIS DUDE HAS THAT PART NUMBER AS WELL.

[@robinsongguitars]

Great video. Is there a way to reduce the soot buildup inside the intake? Does long highway driving help prevent buildup? I had a 2014 Jeep GC and it needed a new intake manifold due to soot locking swirl valves. How often have you seen this happen? What percentage of Ecodiesels will this happen to? I now have a 2016 Ram Ecodiesel. thx

[@gaetanodicenso8337]

I have a 2016 with 170,000miles..had to replace the intake at 155,000..was completely filled with soot due mostly to the emissions recall that was performed a few years ago...Other than don't idle for an excessive amount of time, there is nothing you can do..any sites that you were able to purchase delete equip. are now gone..The EPA is slowly killing these diesel engines...I used to avg. 28mpg, now I'm struggling to get 23..

[@tadsworkshop]

I’m sorry I never responded to your comment. The soot build up in the intake manifold in inevitable for any stock, unaltered ecodiesel that isn’t deleted. As far as the soot jamming up your swirl valves…..I can’t imagine that happening anymore than once every 100-150k miles. But that’s only an educated guess.

[@robinsongguitars]

@@tadsworkshop Thanks for the reply. We had a 2014 Jeep GC Ecodiesel (Gen 1) (bought new) and the intake manifold had to be replaced at about 90k miles. We had just gone on an extended 5000 mile road trip and on the last day the "exhaust regen" alert came on twice, even at 75 mph. A few days after we got home the check engine came on and the code reader said "intake runners" or something like that. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the intake manifold under the extended factory emissions warranty. Otherwise it would have cost about $4K. The "exhaust regen" alert had always been coming on during the life of the vehicle. Very disappointing. Even the catalytic converter needed replacing at about 4K miles. Took it into the stealership and they needed to perform a forced regen twice to clean the DPF before the new cat. What a POS. I now have a 2016 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel and am wondering if I should sell it before anything happens??? The "exhaust regen" alert doesn't come on very frequently. Seems a lot of around town stop and go driving (without proper and extended heat cycles) plugs them up quicker as does long idle times. I was told by my dealer the Ecodiesel needs to run on the open roads a lot to heat the exhaust, apparently to help keep the DPF clean. Biodiesel is a no-no on these.Thanks again

[@tadsworkshop]

@@robinsongguitars thanks for sharing your story on that. Where are you located? I’m curious if deleting the truck is practical or possible in your area.

[@robinsongguitars]

@@tadsworkshop I live in California where you can't even fart without getting a smog check. Wish I could delete the EGR, swirl valves, DPF and DEF nozzle... Thanks for all the good info you provide.

[@littlevman2997]

Thankyou and god bless

[@-RON-DOMINATION-]

Hey tad great video... any tips? replacing the intake on a 2014 jeep grand cherokee ecodiesel.. when i got to it the intake runner control motor is broken... im not deleted... do you happen to have the moter you took off? Or know of a solution

[@tadsworkshop]

No, unfortunately I sold that motor on eBay some time ago. You’d have to check with the official mopar parts website to see if there is a part number for that motor…..or search eBay for used intake manifolds or if by chance someone is selling the motor by itself. If it’s in your budget, you might consider a brand new mopar intake manifold. I know it comes with the motor. If your budget is tight, you could see if the aftermarket Chinese clones of that manifold come with the motor.

[@-RON-DOMINATION-]

@tadsworkshop I really appreciate the fast reply... I already got one of the cheaper intakes ($130) only thing it doesn't have is that motor 😭 didn't know it was broke untill I got in there... new Mopar is $800

[@tadsworkshop]

@@-RON-DOMINATION- damn, your not kidding on the price. Believe it or not I could buy mopar ecodiesel intake manifolds on the official website for $320 a few years ago. At that time, new motors were 10k and I see now they are closer to 17k. Crazy. You might have to check with Facebook ecodiesel groups or ecodiesel forums to try and score that motor. I don’t suppose you can delete that truck in your location, can you? I just double checked the website, and I see a new manifold kit is actually $662.22 plus tax and $20 for shipping. If that helps at all.

[@-RON-DOMINATION-]

@tadsworkshop I'm in minnesota so I could no smog tests... it seems finding anywhere that does the programing is hard to find now... epa scared everyone underground

[@-RON-DOMINATION-]

@tadsworkshop I have you saved so go ahead and delete I will definitely keep you in mind I was hopeing to do it with eztune or something simular as to not have to send the computer off

[@huntkirby]

Hey Tad - I'm also in MI and digging into my own '16 Ecodiesel that I've owned since new. I'm learning about the EGR system and all the problems and have gotten to the point where I'm deciding what to do about the old intake and cleaning or replacing it. I'd love to talk more about it and what services you offer. Is there a way to get in touch with you?

[@adrianugalde5633]

Hey i did this to my deleted ecodiesel and now i have an engine light on. p2022 & p2017. Any questions

[@tadsworkshop]

Keep the two shaft position sensors plugged in on the intake manifold. And maybe keep your the swirl valve electrical motor plugged in as well, although you shouldn’t have to. If all else fails, the problem is the tune itself. Inquire to see if the intake runner/swirl valves being turned off are part of the tune.

[@adrianugalde5633]

Do you know anyone that can adjust my tune I’m having codes because I removed my swirl valves and my intake butterfly plate

[@tadsworkshop]

@@adrianugalde5633 give me your phone number and I’ll call/text you with a solution.

[@adrianugalde5633]

@@tadsworkshop973-722-2070 I had my tuner adjust my tune and was able to get rid of most code but still have p04da Never had this code after deleting until I took my intake manifold apart to fix coolant leak in valley

[@biancajimenez8547]

@@tadsworkshopI removed my valves but have no tune. I now have swirl valve position sensor circuit low codes. Any suggestions?

[@craigwebb2486]

Where would you connect the vacuum line to install a boost gauge? I was told you need to drill and tap the intake manifold. I’m sure the closer to the turbo itself would be the most accurate.

[@tadsworkshop]

No, you want an actual readout at the intake manifold. If you take a pressure reading as the compressor outlet, your not taking into account the pressure drop across the intercooler and tubing. Is your truck deleted? Than tap into the block off plate on the intake manifold where the EGR tube used to go.

[@morenoja22]

what if i broke a couple of those plastic little inserts holding the gaskets in place, you think it'll be alright without some of them ?

[@tadsworkshop]

Your call. Think about how much pressure the inside of that manifold sees from the turbocharger, and bear that in mind. If in doubt, replace that manifold. You do not want to take it apart twice.

[@morenoja22]

@@tadsworkshop yeah, idk. i kinda think it'll be alright. the first rod came out smooth. the second one hung up a lil, and before you knew it i saw plastic flying lol.

[@mrconductor144]

Did a stage 2 delete, also had the swirl valves turn off, at 88,000km and still going strong after 130k, probably a good idea for anyone pulling the intake off is to change that coolant line going to the turbo.

[@tadsworkshop]

Absolute must-do.

[@NOS-ZL1]

I’m currently getting ready to repair the leaking turbo coolant line on mine and I’m planning to do this as well, but I have been told two different things about the electric motor that rotate the swirl valves. Does the electric motor have to go back in place or can it be left off of the intake entirely? My truck is already deleted with stage 2 tune

[@tadsworkshop]

Depends on the programming done by the tuner. They can choose whether or not to disable and stop monitoring of the swirl valve system. Before you commit to removing the motor, you could disconnect the plug for it and see how the computer system reacts. It is a large connector kind of by the driver side of the throttle body I believe. You may have to remove the throttle body as shown in another of my videos, to get access to that electrical connector,

[@NOS-ZL1]

@@tadsworkshop thanks I’ll reach out to my tuner. Mine isn’t completely apart yet, so I haven’t actually laid eyes on it and was concerned that removing the electric motor may leave an opening to somehow lose intake pressure. But if it’s just a tune adjustment I’ll be fine leaving it off if for nothing more than just having the extra clearance under the intake. Thanks again. Great video 👍

[@tadsworkshop]

@@NOS-ZL1 nope, no boost leaks whatsoever with the motor and swirl valves removed as shown in this video. And it is definitely nice to free up room under the intake without the motor in place. The motor makes it that much more difficult to reinstall the manifold.

[@NOS-ZL1]

@@tadsworkshop just got done with my turbo coolant line repair and did remove the swirl valves and did In fact remove the motor to them with no issues with the tune. No check engine lights. And wow without that motor the intake just sits right down with no struggles. I appreciate the video I didn’t know it was an option to do this mod. New intake, all this swirl valves and motor deleted the truck seems to run smoother also a bit more pep to it and have gained a couple more mpg. Thanks again

[@tadsworkshop]

@@NOS-ZL1 I appreciate it. Feels good to take care of all that, doesn’t it? Should help with longevity, mileage and power. And yes, installing that intake is a pain with that electrical motor in the way. Keep that truck going!

[@Garrison_Auto_Solutions]

Are you using a tune or resistor after you delete the swirl valve? If so which one?

[@tadsworkshop]

An delete tune has to be used. Was already done before I got the truck. The computer monitors and receive feedback of motor and valve position, so there is no way to bypass this with resistors to the best of my knowledge. It’s not that simple of a system.

[@dojevaz314]

Hi Tad 's i have a 2015 Ram Ecodiesel 2 years back i did the stage 2 deleted with Sofa King Tune all work perfect on to May ,i replaced the turbo, and the coolant house. i install all back but now i have the warning of services throttler control, my throttler control it is disconnected and i still have the warning any help in this problem.

[@tadsworkshop]

@@dojevaz314 first, check with sofa king and make sure they eliminated the intake manifold swirl valves, even if it is a “stage 2”. The “service throttle” red message is generic, but it is saying that something that the computer uses, to translate user demand, into power, is not right. I’ve seen a few things cause this - weak fuel pressure (failing lift pump, clogged fuel filter), and a boost leak (check intercooler boots for tears, especially by the turbo outlet, and clamps). There are several “monitors” the computer checks, and unfortunately when it comes to tuning, sometimes some of those monitors have to be shut off, like “boost performance” etc. that’s why sometimes you’ll see that throttle light, but no trouble codes to match, on a deleted truck,

[@dojevaz314]

That it is the other problem when the warning come up steel have turbo power but not code As soon you reset the ECM all come back normal again for 4 miles

[@jamescarter1791]

@@tadsworkshop Curious if anyone got any answers from Sofa King and the swirl valves....last I saw they went out of business and closed up.

[@tadsworkshop]

@@jamescarter1791 I don’t have an answer on sofa king…hopefully someone chimes in. But for anyone who has their tune and having trouble with…what can you do except find a different tune from someone else.

[@jamescarter1791]

@@tadsworkshop Thanks again. I have ours torn all apart right now in an attempt to fix what I thought was a coolant leak under the intake mainfold (that turbo coolant line thats known to leak under the intake). But turns out, we removed the intake manifold to find that rubber hose in perfect shape and not leaking at all from there. Turns out it was the water pump, so I have that on order. Really wishing we would have pressure tested before tearing into it all. But I did go ahead and remove the swirl valves like you showed in this video. I'll just leave the motor attached and plugged in incase SofaKing's tune doesn't disable that.

[@Cooldude488180236]

I'm in Michigan also, where are you located?

[@RicardoCorona-k8m]

If I remove those valves am I going to get codes and I have a non tuned truck

[@tadsworkshop]

All you can do is try. My opinion is, as long as the electrical actuator motor and position sensors stay in place, there is no way for the computer to know if the plastic valves themselves are in place. But, could this result in increased emissions which could set off a check engine light? Also another possibility. Experiment at your risk and expense of time.

[@RicardoCorona-k8m]

Thanks for the fast reply man! At the moment I’m at a crossroads, my truck is out of warranty and I live the truck but right now I’m at the point where my intake is probably shot and it’s probably leaking like your client. I smell coolant in the engine bay at times

[@tadsworkshop]

@@RicardoCorona-k8m are you anywhere close to me, here in Michigan?

[@RicardoCorona-k8m]

@@tadsworkshop I’m in Iowa haha kind of far from Michigan

[@tadsworkshop]

@@RicardoCorona-k8m yep that’s a bit of a hike. Do you have emissions testing there? I’m curious if a delete tune is an option for you.

[@tadsworkshop]

This is only for trucks that have been deleted, or programmed to forget about the existence of the swirl valve system. While you may be able to get away with removing just the swirl valves on a stock truck, the computer is still counting on seeing those position sensors and motor.

[@carloseduardokae6677]

Como testar se está funcionando o motor ?

[@Bekim8310]

Hi. Do you work on these ecodiesel engines a lot? I’m looking for a mechanic that can work on my motor. Thank you!

[@tadsworkshop]

I do, I’m located an hour north of Detroit, MI.

[@Bekim8310]

@@tadsworkshop I will be hitting you up for some work. Thank you so much!

[@tadsworkshop]

@@Bekim8310 no, problem, just let me know. Whereabouts are you located at?

[@Bekim8310]

@@tadsworkshop Im in NY. Just outside NYC and there are no diesel mechanics out here. If I need service I take it to the dealer and I don't think they know much either. How can I get in touch with you? Thank you!

[@Peterswarahed]

what was the purpose of those?

[@tadsworkshop]

It’s a way of managing air velocity into the combustion chamber, so as to reduce emissions, particularly at low speeds. Manufacturers need every advantage they can get to comply with emissions standards. These flaps have been in use since the 90s on a wide variety of electronically controlled engines.

[@robschmidt-yw9ht]

My ecodiesel is deleted, do I even need the motor or swirl valves?

[@gemer069]

My eco is deleted and my check engine light came on this morning and it’s throwing code for IMRC. My question is if i do this then the IMRC is no longer needed correct?

[@tadsworkshop]

@@robschmidt-yw9ht you do not need them. Consider replacing the manifold if yours is caked with soot from before the delete, and than remove them from the new manifold.

[@tadsworkshop]

@@gemer069 you should talk with the source of that delete tune. It should have turned off the swirl valve system completely and eliminated any codes for it. But yes, you can remove them now that the truck is deleted.