First, I was planning to install an Injen cold air intake tube. Not because I think it adds power, but because I like the sound difference. But it wasn't that high on my priority list.

Then I got a check engine light. Wasn't a loose gas cap (shucks).

There is a VSV that attaches to the backside of a rectangular box that joins the air box/air inlet to the intake manifold.

I found an vacuum leak on the inlet side of the VSV as the plastic inlet tube had aged and cracked. A little research showed the VSV is used for the Injen while all the rest of the plastic parts are removed. Curses, foiled again in looking for a cheap solution.

I searched a lot of places but could not find a new part without buying the whole air box assembly from Lexus for hundreds of dollars (or used for not cheap either). I sure wasn't going to spend north of $300 for the Lexus part just to get a VSV for the Injen intake.

Turns out that the VSV that is used in some Camrys and other Toyota products, performs exactly the same function for the intake system. The only difference is in how the VSV inlet and outlet holes are arranged compared to the OEM SC430 VSV. Since I was doing an Injen intake it didn't matter if the inlet and outlet had different angles.

I didn't try to use it on the OEM intake, it might work if someone was creative with the inlet/outlet hoses - won't work with the original hoses, will be too short on the inlet side. I know the mounting bracket has the same shape and distance between mounting holes. The electrical connector is identical as are the sizes for the inlet/outlet hoses.

Installed the Injen using an aftermarket VSV, and my check engine light is gone and I gained a bit of the sound I sought.

For reference the VSV I sourced was a Dorman 911-606 ($28.40 on Amazon, might be cheaper elsewhere).

Hope that helps anyone else looking for the VSV and finding the price for new is just a bit too outrageous.

 

Sounds like an interesting work around. Got any pictures?

 

Aisin OEM brand, $30 shipped, Rockauto
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=337&jsn=337

 

Bgw70, Can I assume the part you list does the same thing as the OEM part 90910-12223 (the number that was on my 2002 model - part also shows Denso part 184600-9140))?

As I searched, I saw the one you list, but it looked like it wouldn't mount up at the OEM location (lacking an integral two bolt hole bracket). I was afraid it was more like one of the other VSV's on the car and performed some other sort of function.

I searched the forum for 90910-12223 and got almost nothing zip back for an answer (except this post). Guess I should have asked, in addition to searching.

Thanks much for the additional part info.
.

 

Was able to locate this thread…probably not much help.
I see Rockauto looks to have the wrong parts.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-question.html

 

You can also clean them for improved performance.

 

A quick update. The dreaded Check Engine light returned. This time with P0441/0446 codes.

Of course I tried the old check the gas cap thing, no such luck. Checked under-hood VSVs, all seemed OK. Some hoses were old and stiff, but none with obvious cracks (even by inspection after removal). Since I REALLY didn't want to drop the canister out back, I decided to try all new under-hood vacuum lines. Still waiting on PCV valve/hose/grommet, but all else is new.

I have now gone through 4 or 5 drive cycles without the light returning.

If there's a message here, it's that old/stiff vacuum lines can be leaky even without cracks (???). Can't swear that new lines is what fixed it, but it sure seems that way to me.

 

That crazy part 90910-12223 is no longer made by Lexus/Toyota as far as I can find. Mine broke when replacing all the vacuum hoses (to get rid of 0442 engine check light). Someone on E-bay sold 6 of them used for $175, because they must have found this weak spot.

Use Dorman 911-606 for $28. The electrical connector fits perfectly but electrical connector is not in the ideal position but there should be enough slack.

Alternatively, you can modify the valve by loosening the crimp and the metal case and the connector will slide radially to a more favorable position. However, you will also have to modify the bracket that will slide with it. I ground my bracket off and made a removable bracket much like a pipe clamp.

 

That crazy part 90910-12223 is no longer made by Lexus/Toyota as far as I can find. Mine broke when replacing all the vacuum hoses (to get rid of 0442 engine check light). Someone on E-bay sold 6 of them used for $175, because they must have found this weak spot.

Use Dorman 911-606 for $28. The electrical connector fits perfectly but electrical connector is not in the ideal position but there should be enough slack.

Alternatively, you can modify the valve by loosening the crimp and the metal case and the connector will slide radially to a more favorable position. However, you will also have to modify the bracket that will slide with it. I ground my bracket off and made a removable bracket much like a pipe clamp.

 

Actually Lexus does still sell the part -- at least my dealer thinks so. They gave me part number 17875-50270. Problem is you have to buy a bunch of plastic to get the valve. They wanted something like $450.

I thought the Dorman 911-606 I listed in the 1st post was a better solution. I was eventually going the route of an Injen intake tube anyway, so there was no need to modify the 911-606. Just follow the directions exactly like fitting the originally fitted valve.

 

I didn't do that. However, today the light came back with the same codes. So I performed the task you referenced. I didn't get a chance to go through any hot/cold cycles to see if it went away. So, I just reset the light and will wait and see if that fixes it.

Pretty sure there are no more vacuum leaks, so it is looking more and more like maybe I had a VSV problem all along.

Not claiming resolved, just updating that I'm trying the cleaning idea (may not fix it if broke?).