Switching off the swirl flaps
Disabling vortex flaps
- Work takes up to 1 working day, we edit the software ourselves
- Input and output control of all car systems before and after the service
- Test period of 2 weeks and lifetime warranty on software
- We have experience in performing non-standard solutions
- Professional equipment
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Removing Swirl Flaps
Constantly changing and increasingly stringent environmental requirements are forcing car manufacturers to introduce new devices previously unheard of. These components reduce engine emissions but often become a source of inconvenience for drivers. They begin to work incorrectly or completely fail. Why is it better to get rid of problematic aggregates and how to correctly remove swirl flaps in Warsaw? Specialists from STS will answer these questions.
Swirl Flaps - What They Are and Why They Are Necessary
One of the main factors polluting the environment is incompletely burned fuel that flies out with exhaust gases into the atmosphere. According to engineers, the combustion process can be improved by optimizing the mixture flow into the cylinders. Swirl flaps create a specific fuel swirling when it enters the engine's working chamber. This allows the fuel to mix better with air, burning more efficiently and completely.
To achieve this, the intake manifold channels that lead directly to the engine are divided into two for each cylinder. One line remains empty and straight, in the other an rotary flap is installed, which is usually located on the same axis as other similar devices for each cylinder head block. When one channel is blocked and the mixture flows only through the second, due to the collector's geometry, a swirl is created. This occurs at low revolutions, at high speeds the flap opens completely. The degree of opening and closing is regulated by the electronic engine control unit (ECU) based on sensor readings.
Causes of Swirl Flaps Damage
Despite a good idea and a well-thought-out design solution, the flap control system has a very small resource. On average, already after 100,000 km of mileage, removal of swirl flaps becomes necessary. There are several main reasons for their failure:
- Failure of the flap position sensor.
- Failure of the electric drive motor.
- Damage to the drive linkage or its displacement from the axis.
- Loss of mobility and blocking of the flap axis due to carbon buildup in the manifold.
In most cases, these problems will be signaled to the driver by the Check Engine light on the instrument panel, and the car's ECU during diagnostics will show an error related to swirl flaps. Additionally, node malfunctions can be suspected from the following symptoms:
- Rattling, knocking sounds in the upper part of the engine;
- Hissing due to leaks in the intake system;
- Reduction of the car's power;
- Increased smokiness;
- Increased fuel consumption.
All of this is a reason to go to an auto repair shop to solve the problem. If this is not done in time, with the appearance of the first signs, faulty swirl flaps can cause more serious damage. It is not excluded that metal or plastic parts (blade fragments, axes, and fittings) may enter the cylinder's working chamber, which can lead to damage to the piston and valve group components, and thus to an expensive repair or even replacement of the cylinder block or its head.
Removal or Restoration - What to Choose
In case of swirl flaps failure, there are three repair methods:
- Installation of new parts with manifold cleaning.
- Purchasing a complete intake manifold.
- Removal and software disable of the flaps.
Replacement and cleaning are expensive solutions that do not always lead to a complete problem solution. Carbon deposits often occur due to the EGR system (exhaust gas recirculation) valve. If it is not disabled, cleaning the flaps will be necessary every 20-30 thousand kilometers. The cost of a new manifold significantly exceeds the price of removing swirl flaps, and the old one may also require repair.
How Swirl Flaps Removal Happens at STS
Our company's services include a full cycle of node disable, which consists of several stages:
- Diagnostics of parameters and error reading.
- Visual performance check.
- Software correction, loading the necessary firmware.
- Mechanical removal of swirl flaps, replacement with plugs if necessary.
We conduct a full check of the car's operation both before and after the procedure. We provide the client with a two-week test period, after the end of which we give a lifetime guarantee for our work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swirl Flaps Removal Legal?
STS Parts does not engage in illegal operations. We simply fix the node in one of its standard modes.
What is the Cost of Swirl Flaps Removal?
The price depends on the class and specific model of the vehicle. In any case, it is much lower than the cost of eliminating problems that may arise due to faulty flaps.
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