Something to Inspect When You Service Your Air Filter

[Offroader Member Find all posts View Profile Close Offroader]

When replacing the air cleaner element on my V6, I noticed after removing the upstream boot and intake ducting which connects to the cavity between the engine bay and side panel, that there is a small plastic reservoir with a 1 way rubber valve on the underside of the intake. I'm not sure of the exact function of this device, (perhaps a drain valve for water?) but it was so crammed full of dirt, dust and debris that it was completely clogged. If your Prado has seen a bit of 4WD work it may be worth checking this next time you open the bonnet. Hope this helps others - I had no idea it was there!

While I'm on the subject, does anyone now the function of the fine mesh screen which sits between the air filter and the intake manifold? If it is a filtration device one would think it should sit upstream of the air filter element to remove larger particles. :?

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Something to Inspect When You Service Your Air Filter

does anyone now the function of the fine mesh screen which sits between the air filter and the intake manifold?

Because of the nature of the design of having the airbox directly on the intake manifold this mesh is your final line of defence against nuts,bolts,screws,tools and any other foreign objects left in the airbox getting into your engine.

I'm not sure of the exact function of this device

As Matt said; it's a dust dump valve. All Prado's (diesel and Petrol) have a small centrifical spinner in the intake as a pre-cleaner to the main air filter.

Mick

[Offroader Member Find all posts View Profile Close Offroader]

Re: Something to Inspect When You Service Your Air Filter

Thanks for the info. It seems that even the Toyota service dept. weren't cleaning it out. :x

[Willo77 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Willo77]

Re: Something to Inspect When You Service Your Air Filter

I found the same thing when isnstalling my second battery. This "tube" was chock full of crap and the Prado had just had a service. Not happy Jan. :evil:

[caspianjvc Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close caspianjvc]

Re: Something to Inspect When You Service Your Air Filter

I found the same thing when installing my second battery tray. The valve was full of dust and dirt. It must not be something that is looked at during a service.