idle control valve substitution!

[Jinster]

I posted this at renntech as well, but I'd like to get some thoughts from ppl here too.

When I last cleaned my throttle body, I noticed there's a small crack on the plastic casing of my idle control valve. I am unsure if this has been causing any problems, but I have been wanting to replace it for a while.

eBay has Boxster idle control valves around the $300 mark. And I always thought it too expensive for such a simple part.

Then I found this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WD-EXPRESS-134-23002-416-F-I-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-/130909310006?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AKia%7CModel%3ASportage&hash=item1e7acd8c36&vxp=mtr

I cannot tell if there are any differences between this and our idle control valve. On the surface at least, they look exactly the same. Here is a Boxster one for comparison.

Bosch Fuel Injection Idle Air Control Valve 0280140572 | eBay

I wonder if the whole thing is just an exercise in profit.

In terms of what's inside: The valve is normally half open. Apply a voltage one way, it fully closes. Apply another way, it fully opens. So even if there are "adjustments" on the inside of these ICVs, how can there be that much difference between the Kia and Porsche valves that it causes the price to increase almost ten fold? - my thinking, there isn't any difference. The manufacturer has just been relabelling parts.

I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience on any car with "substituting" idle control valves.

[ltusler]

For 30 bucks its worth a try.

[Stefan (Boston)]

However, if you look closely you can see that the plug is slightly different. On the "WD Express" electrical plug there is one side with one tab and one with two. On the OEM Bosch model there are two tabs on both sides.

I'm betting they would both work, if not for the incompatible plugs.

Note that the Kia Optima has one that has the same incorrect plug but has the plug in the same place and direction as the Boxster so it's "closer" but still won't fit, plug-wise.

Cheers.

[rexcramer]

Try Woody for the part. Send him a PM itsnotanova.

[RodJ]

This is an old post, but it never hurts to have more info. After a little digging the Bosch P/N shows up as 0280140572 for an early Boxster. And I see that Rockauto has those currently for $181 US. It may be less expensive else where, I haven't done a deep search for pricing.

On a related note: is there an "alternative part number" list going for the P-cars, much like the F-car folks have done?

Cheers all.

[Gelbster]

Just use a Parts Interchange guide like YOYO
996.606.160.01,PORSCHE 996.606.160.01; Idle Control Valve

[RodJ]

Excellent resource! Thank you.

[Gelbster]

Always get some confirmation of a potential interchange before you buy an expensive part. I have found YoYo to be accurate but ........