I've just been told by a Subaru mechanic that you should not clean a boost solenoid with brake cleaner as it can perish the diaphram. My car is an MY97, and I don't know if he was talking specifically about that model of solenoid, but be very careful. He said that letting it cycle in check mode was enough to clean it.

Terry

Ignore him then because his information is erroneous. :)

Mike.

Prodrive recommend this and most people on here use it.
This Subaru dealer, wouldn't happen to be Spring Park would it?.

No it wasn't

He said that it was something that they were told on a Subaru training course.

Terry

So is everything a mechanic says ;) Helps them to talk bollox with some "credibility". Shame the information is often conflicting :rolleyes:

what is that thing that is cleaned?

and why clean it?
:)

we were told dont use brake cleaner but something like meths i think it was as it had some thing to do with the evaporation process or something like that . b*ll*cks i cant really remember but there is no diaphragm in there it's a plunger that moves up and down with a rubber end on it to shut off or open the vents and when it gets oil on it it sticks hence it senses overboost.

Definately no diaphram in the solenoid, he has got confused with the actuator ... which doesn't need cleaning.

Cycle the solenoid in test mode (if using jecs) and just blast brake cleaner thro' each port to wash out all the oil, I also then blow thro' afterwards whilst cycling to help the cleaner evaporate quickly. Meths works, so does Freon ( inert type cleaning solvent) although thats probably not available now. Important thing is to get a good flow thro' the solenoid to wash out the oil film. Never had a solenoid problem due to cleaning like this.

And that's why this forum and it's members are so valuable; different opinions.

Cheers guys

Terry

Is the boost solenoid something you would clean as a matter of course, or just when you think there is a problem relating to it. If it's something you would do regardless of problems, how often?

Correct me if i'm wrong, but it is only done if you notice a drop in boost pressure. ie boost gauge or a noticable drop in power.

Terry

Yup, not normally needed unless the car starts to overboost. (or not make boost)

I want to clean my boost solenoid, Where is the boost solenoid ?
Anyone can send me steps ?