CAI pod filter fell off

[Mikecivic78]

Hi everyone,

I'm after some advice regarding my injen cai on my b16a EM1.

I've had the CAI since 9 months ago. I bought it second hand off a member and I had to replace the Injen pod filter as it was well worn and had large holes in it. Problem was, i had trouble sourcing a reasonably priced pod the correct neck diameter (2.75 inch I believe).

I ended up with a 3 inch 3A Racing filter and I had to use a plastic adapter and some electrical tape wrapped around the piping to make it fit.

The problem is, it works its way loose after a few weeks of driving (it doesn't help that the CAI pipe doesn't have a bulge at the end, like the end of radiator hose attachments etc... an obvious design flaw.)and has to be regularly checked. It has fallen off before.

I tightened it real well last time and neglected to check it for about 6 weeks It fell off God knows how long ago. I have noticed better fuel economy and (maybe) more power as a result of driving (unknowingly) without a filter.

MY QUESTIONS ARE THIS:

1. What can I do in order to make it stay put, apart from taking the bar off every other week and tightening/checking it?

2. I really don't know how long it has been off for. I havent been driving in overly dusty conditions, just around town, but what can I do to minimise any damage done to the internals? Should I change the oil asap/do a TB clean, or is it too late so I shouldn't bother?

I haven't noticed any loss in power, engine is still nice and strong. However, especially last night before I noticed it was off, i took the car for a very spirited run in the country with VTEC aplenty. I'm guessing any particles that have been sucked into the combustion chamber have been burned up, or thoroughly rubbed into the cylinder walls causing wear.

All reasonable responses will be welcome.

Cheers,

Mike

[DLO01]

3A racing filter is a 3inch internal rubber neck, but it WILL fit on a 2.75inch pipe, no problem. Not sure what you are doing but it WILL fit without and adapter and Won't come off. Just tighten the clamp up. It won't bind or collapse or whatever.

As for running without a filter. You'll be fine man. As long as it wasn't prolonged and you weren't driving on dirt roads. You obviously haven't sucked up any thing large enough and significant enough to do damage.

[Mikecivic78]

3A racing filter is a 3inch internal rubber neck, but it WILL fit on a 2.75inch pipe, no problem. Not sure what you are doing but it WILL fit without and adapter and Won't come off. Just tighten the clamp up. It won't bind or collapse or whatever.

As for running without a filter. You'll be fine man. As long as it wasn't prolonged and you weren't driving on dirt roads. You obviously haven't sucked up any thing large enough and significant enough to do damage.

Cheers Deano!

But even with the adapter it comes off. When I tighten it, believe me I tighten it really tight.

Maybe I should just get rid of the adapter and then just do it up really well.

[DLO01]

You sure its 2.75 inch? Injen may be 2.5 inch and why your having problems. Someone confirm?

Also the bulge you speak of is only really usefull for something that is under pressure (pushing), so it won't come off. No real need for something that is under vacuum and (sucking).

[Mikecivic78]

You sure its 2.75 inch? Injen may be 2.5 inch and why your having problems. Someone confirm?

Also the bulge you speak of is only really usefull for something that is under pressure (pushing), so it won't come off. No real need for something that is under vacuum and (sucking).

Yes, would like confirmation on the injen piping diameter as well. Frankly speaking, the fit without an adapter is much less than perfect.

[aaronng]

Why don't you take a ruler and measure the one on your car?

[DLO01]

Nope. It is 2.75
http://www.injen.com/docs/typeofvehicle/listing.asp?cc=sc&pcc=is

[Mikecivic78]

Nope. It is 2.75
http://www.injen.com/docs/typeofvehicle/listing.asp?cc=sc&pcc=is

Thanks again. rep point given for info.

I'll try to re-fit it without the adapter when i have time this weekend.

[Limbo]

get the end of the Injen, flared. Most exhaust shops can do this for you.

Flaring it from 2.75 to 3" will be pretty easy.

Otherwise get a silicone flare, and put a bit of 3" steel pipe in it to join the silicone & pod.
Always use clamps tape will always fall off due to heat

[Mikecivic78]

get the end of the Injen, flared. Most exhaust shops can do this for you.

Flaring it from 2.75 to 3" will be pretty easy.

Otherwise get a silicone flare, and put a bit of 3" steel pipe in it to join the silicone & pod.
Always use clamps tape will always fall off due to heat

Great info Limbo.

Thanks!

Rep is on its way. I might go to an exhaust shop and get a quote.

However, I don't agree with your last sentence "Always use clamps tape will always fall off due to heat". It's a cold air intake and the pod is located in the cool area of the bumper cavity, not a hot engine bay. I strongly belive that an exposed pod in an engine bay does more harm than good for performance, unless its housed in a proper heat-sheilded compartment.

[dougie_504]

You could get some duct tape and wrap a few layers around the end of the Injen pipe so that the 3" pod neck fits snug?

[Mikecivic78]

You could get some duct tape and wrap a few layers around the end of the Injen pipe so that the 3" pod neck fits snug?

Also sounds like a good idea.

[Mikecivic78]

I tightened the pod 3 days ago. I put my hand into the bumper cavity tonight and lo-and-behold, the pod is off again. I wouldn't be surprised if the pod was off for about 5 weeks last time. How much damage could it have caused?

I think the main problem is that the adapter I am using is made of shiny, slippery plastic. I'll put some gaffa tape (it's got a rough texture) on it tomorrow. In all reality, I should follow Limbo's advice and get it flared at an exhaust shop just to be safe. Only problem is work is seeing a downturn and cashflow is becoming a problem.

Looks like my plan to buy a DC5r ITR in the second half of the year are in limbo (no pun intended!!!). Looks like I have to hold onto the b16 EM1 a while longer. At least it's economical and running very well with 178,000 on the clock. As long as this pod filter problem hasn't screwed the internals :S.

BTW, thank for all the replies everyone.

Peace,

Mike

[dougie_504]

EM1 is a nice car man, is the DC5 really worth the upgrade? You could just do a few mods to your EM1 if you wanna go faster?

[Mikecivic78]

EM1 is a nice car man, is the DC5 really worth the upgrade? You could just do a few mods to your EM1 if you wanna go faster?

I gotta say Dougie, theres no replacement for displacement, Torque is very important for a daily drive, but it costs $$$.

[Limo]

get rid of the adapter n get the end flared or weld a ring around the end to help stop it falling off. also check your clamp, maybe its abit dodge n coming loose.. just tighten the ring and pull to see if it budges

[dougie_504]

I gotta say Dougie, theres no replacement for displacement, Torque is very important for a daily drive, but it costs $$$.


If you sell your EM1 and buy a DC5 how much money will the difference cost you? And how much more will a DC5 Integra cost to insure?

Then consider a B20VTEC setup in your EM1 :D

[Mikecivic78]

Thanks DLO01 - Today I got rid of the adapter, it was doing more harm than good...I just tightened the pod straight onto the pipe and made it fit. It seems nic e and snug. I took the car for a spirited run and it's still sitting sweet.

[DLO01]

And it will be fine. Its only 0.25 inch difference from your 3 inch filter to your 2.75 inch pipe. So thats 6.35mm, or just over 3mm either side gap (bugger all) that needs to be screwed/clamped down a bit more to fit.

[Mikecivic78]

If you sell your EM1 and buy a DC5 how much money will the difference cost you? And how much more will a DC5 Integra cost to insure?

Then consider a B20VTEC setup in your EM1 :D

Sure, a DC5r won't be cheap to buy and insure as it's still a very modern car, and a thief magnet/true performance coupe. Furthermore, I'm not into motor swaps as you never get anywhere near ur money back come sale time. The EM1 has very nice high-end power, but has very little low down in the rev range. I still think it's a great little car, but can be a money pit for mods IMO- how much does 1kw cost? If u worked it out it would be terrifyingly high. Turbo maybe? Still, it's very expensive.

But really this is a topic for another thread.

[Mikecivic78]

And it will be fine. Its only 0.25 inch difference from your 3 inch filter to your 2.75 inch pipe. So thats 6.35mm, or just over 3mm either side gap (bugger all) that needs to be screwed/clamped down a bit more to fit.

Cheers mate, thanks for the info ;)

Thread can be closed now methinks.

[DLO01]

Ok. :thumbsup:

Closed.