So I decided to replace the intake manifold gaskets because they are leaking. As so as I pull off the intake plenum, I hear rattling. I look into the vi and see that one of the butterfly valves is missing. I open up the top part of the manifold and see that the rod holding the valve plate has cracked! Is there a fix or do I have to get another vi?

 

So one of the butterfly plates was just loose rattling in the manifold. Now I'm wondering how long it has been like this and where did the 2 screws go? I'm afraid that somehow it could have broken off during the removal process and I might have 2 screws that fell into the LIM!?

In worse case scenario, if I can't source that part, then if will have to get a stock IM from the JY

 

The screws are known to loosen if not installed properly. When I had an MEVI the previous owner welded the screws thinking it would keep them in place. It did not work and some of the butterflies were laying up on top of the runners (under the cover) and screws were broken and missing. I think my engine ate at least a screw or two but it never felt like it caused a problem. You'll have to do a compression check to see what condition your engine is in.

I got lucky and found what I needed from Courtesy Nissan and I rebuilt it correctly. That was many moons ago so finding parts now might me a nightmare. You might have to have a machine shop weld the rod, clean and tap the holes and include new screws. When you reassemble go super easy installing the screws and use Loctite.

 

I have a stock USIM if you need one.

 

Any and all MEVI parts are no longer available from Courtesy Nissan. I bought the remaining odds and ends from them about 2 or 3 years ago.

The butterfly plate could be easily duplicated. Be sure to use Loctite as JSutter suggested.

Is the rod really broken? Your second post seems to dismiss the rod and only talk about the butterfly plate.

 

^^
Most definitely the rod is broken. When I rotate the rod, all 5 rotate except the last one on the passenger side. I'm wondering if it has failed all this time or did it happen when I was leaning on it while trying to loosen the hoses and such from the IACV, EGR, manifold disassembly?

 

I will definitely be going to the JY to pick one up soon and try to see if I can get find a complete 00vi setup. But, I only need a USIM to pass emissions and put back together my car. Dreading to take off the lower IM cause I don't see any leaks and don't want to damage any fuel injectors, rails, or mare the aluminum parts in the process. Are you in the Va area by any chance?

 

if you need a stock intake I probably have one in my basement. according to mapquest I'm an hour and a half from you if you wanted to make a drive.