JCW air box ~ diaphragm issue?

[-=gRay rAvEn=-]

There are many great threads here on reasons why the flap does not move. First let me say that the Equipment was purchased used with appx 30,000 miles on it. It was removed and transferred to my 03'. I have no idea if it was in working order before or not. Conditon of connectors and box was an 8 on a scale of 1-10.
I have checked all electrical connections. New hose purchased for T hook up. vacuum lines are tight.
When I move the flap manually, I can hear wooshing noise each time it is moved coming from the left outside of box near two pin connector at firewall.
Is there any other reason why it does not open, like a faulty diaphram ?

Thanks

[Gmann2369]

Alot of us remove the arm from the flapper so it is open all the time, that being said and some one can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the valve only opens at high RPM, above 3500, as the valve operates on a demand basis when your foot is into it and high RPM.

[-=gRay rAvEn=-]

Yeah, amazing the amount of guys who do that...I had the Alta V2.0 in for a year now, but had low end torque loss. So opted for the JCW box because the flap stays closed for more power up to 4,500 rpms.

At this rate by leaving the flap open, I could have just swiss cheezed the OEM box with the K&N flat filter and obtained the same gains.

So basically I just want the box to work the way it was supposed to....Thanks for the input though, much appreciated.

PS: Love your GP BTW.

[mini_racer]

I also thought the ECU had to be aware of the JCW airbox, meaning that you need to get the dealership to plug in and set something in the ECU. Not 100% sure on that though.

[-=gRay rAvEn=-]

Originally Posted by mini_racer

I also thought the ECU had to be aware of the JCW airbox, meaning that you need to get the dealership to plug in and set something in the ECU. Not 100% sure on that though.

Good idea, but before buying it and installing in the MINI, I did about two week research on this box in this garage. The ECU apparently doesn't need to be flashed by the dealer, and the flap is powered up by module which reads power from two wires. One from the ECU plug and another from the bonnet fuse box - port #8.

I have checked every lead with a tester, and the vacuum hoses are in great condition and tight.

I was hoping someone may have had an encounter with a bad diaphram or maybe the power module on back left side of box......have you read anything anywhere about that being an issue ?

Thanks for the input

[mini_racer]

I'll offer this, but I am sure you already have these instructions.
http://motoringfile.com/files/JCWUPGRADE.pdf

Alternatively you could PM BlimeyCabrio's caretaker Paul. I believe he has some significant experience with JCW airbox installations, and maybe even trouble shooting. And you are correct, no ECU flashing required.