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JAGUARFUELINJECTORSERVICE.COM
We do fuel injector ultrasonic cleaning, flow testing, and service for all makes and models of Jaguar fuel injectors, Porsche, BMW, Mustangs, Buick Grand National, Camaro, Firebird, and other MPI injectors.
Now in stock. $215.00 Aftermarket replacement. EAC 5086. Same exact specs as OEM valve...just looks different.
This page deals with information regarding the Jaguar vacuum thermal valve. EAC5086 EAC 5086 EBC 4600 EBC 4600.
There is very little information available in any Jaguar service manual (or elsewhere) on the operation of this valve. As a result, I developed this page, to give you some first hand information on how this valve operates, and the correct plumbing of the vacuum hoses for this valve.
This particular vacuum valve is threaded into a boss on some (but not all) of the Jaguar V12 fuel rails. Located on a boss on the B bank side of the fuel rail, between injectors 2B and 3B.
The specific purpose of this thermal valve is to eliminate fuel vapor lock, resulting in a non starting of the engine, which may occur at elevated engine temperatures.
A sketch of this valve is shown below for reference.....
Port A connects via a vacuum hose to the vacuum port on the B bank FPR (fuel pressure regulator). Port B connects via a vacuum hose to a stub on the front of the B bank intake manifold. However, the vacuum hoses on the valve can be hooked up either way. It will not affect operation of the valve or the fuel pressure regulator to which it is attached via the hose.
Thermal valve operation....
This valve has an operating temperature of 156 F +/- 2-3 degrees.
Below a fuel rail temperature of 70 degrees C (156 degrees F), the air port within the valve is open. With the air port open, the B bank fuel pressure regulator receives B bank (engine) vacuum. This is normal engine operation. In other words, air or a vacuum is able to pass thru the valve.
If fuel rail temperature meets or exceeds 70 degrees C (156 degrees F), then the thermal vacuum switch is activated. Activation of the thermal vacuum switch, closes the air port within the thermal valve, shutting off vacuum to the FPR (fuel pressure regulator). The resulting lack of vacuum on the regulator diaphram causes the diaphram and the molded seat thereon to move closer to the return fuel line port on the other side of the regulator diaphram. This reduces fuel flow to the fuel return line, which increases fuel pressure within the fuel rail and the injectors. The added fuel pressure forces fuel vapor out of the fuel rail and the injectors and the fuel pump now supplies liquid fuel to the rail.
When fuel rail temperature falls below the 70 degree C (156 degree F), the port within the vacuum switch opens, and intake manifold vacuum is restored to the FPR.
There is also a square cap that fits over the plastic body portion of thermal switch. Removable with a very thin blade screwdriver. Gently pry the cover (cap) up from the bottom side of the cap, with your thin blade, releasing the locking tabs located on both sides of the cap. Inside is a small square cavity, wherein was once a tiny piece of foam rubber. ..most likely long ago deteriorated. Remove the old foam, and leave the square cavity vacant...if you don't perform annual service. If you are one who keeps a maintenance list, install a piece of cotton, and check/replace the cotton annually. Be sure the vacuum ports, as well as the vacuum hose, are not clogged with deteriorated foam bits. Blow the ports out with compressed air, or perhaps a paper clip.
Testing the vacuum thermal valve....
The thermal valve can be easily tested for proper operation. It only takes about 30 minutes, and a minimum of tools.
1) To test...you will need the following items...
a) a pair of pliers
b) two short sections of vacuum hose, about 1 foot long each...3/16" ID.
c) a thermometer
d) a pan of water
2) Remove both vacuum hoses from the valve. Be careful not to break off the plastic hose nipples. Use a razor knife if necessary to cut the hoses.
3) Unscrew the valve from the rail
4) Fill a small pan about 1/2 full with water, and place on a stove burner
5) Place the thermometer in the pan
6) Fix one test section of vacuum hose onto each port on the valve
7) Blow thru one hose (it doesn't matter which one). You should be able to hear/feel air escaping from the open end of the other hose.
8) Using the pliers, grasp the valve, and lower the threaded end of the switch in the water. Do not immerse the plastic.
9) Turn on the stove burner, and slowly raise the water temperature in the pan
10) Below a water temp of 156 degrees F, you should still be able to blow air thru the hoses
11) When the water temp reaches appx 156 degrees F, you should hear a slight click from the valve, as the air port in the valve closes, and you should now NOT be able to blow air thru the hoses.
12) If the valve doe not operate as per above..the valve is bad and needs replacing.
If the valve is bad...you can leave the valve off the rail, and route a section of vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator to the stub on the intake manifold. But you need to remember...in doing so...you will not have the vapor purging effect that the valve provides.
If the valve tests good, reinstall with new vacuum hoses (routed as previously described). There is no need to use any sealant. Maybe a bit of anti-seize on the threads of the valve...after you clean up the threads on the valve, and the threads on the boss on the rail.
Other electric switches have subsequently replaced the vacuum switch, on later models. However, the end result is the same.
***********THE VERY GOOD NEWS IS************ I have through an extensive amount of research over the past few years....found an aftermarket replacement for the valve. It has the same operation temperature, the same two ports, the same OD diameter of the two ports, and the same OD diameter and threading as the original valve, meaning it will fit right in the fuel rail bung with no adapters required. Physically, it is a different shape, but it works exactly like the OEM item.
Your cost....$215.00 plus shipping.
NOTE ABOUT FUEL LEAKING FROM VACUUM VALVE : This is not a malfunction of the valve. If the fuel pressure regulator (B bank) has a split or rupture of the rubber diaphram within the regulator, the fuel within the regulator will seep thru the diaphram and into the hose connected to the vacuum valve. If you remove that hose, and fuel is present, 99.9% chance you need to replace that fuel pressure regulator.
Above info is provided free for Jaguar owners, by www.jaguarfuelinjectorservice.com to assist you in maintaining your engine.
If you need one...send me an E-MAIL
To go to my web site home page...please click HERE
For pricing on injector flow testing, and ultrasonic cleaning, please click HERE
Jaguar Fuel Injector Service
Owner SD Faircloth
14869 Yellow Water Lane
Jacksonville, Florida 32234
904-289-2020
This page was late updated on November 28, 2023