Late last year the EML light appeared and shortly thereafter the supercharger started a piercing squeal, so I parked it and assumed the two were connected. After a repair estimate for a suggested replacement of the supercharger that would have cost more than the car did, I decided to take on the job myself. A full service of the SC, new belt and water pump addressed the squeal and the car was running better than ever, but the light remained.

Searching the forums I started the process of replacing parts one by one: Intercooler boots, throttle body gasket, bypass valve & connecting hose, all to no avail. Testing each time I deduced the light would come on when the engine was up to temp and sitting at idle. Vacuum lines were all in good shape so I ordered a new inlet gasket and pulled the duct, only to find the duct cracked.

Hindsight I should have caught this when doing the SC service, but being my first big mechanical venture on this car my knowledge was limited - so I figure this is worth sharing for others who may encounter the same. Finding no stock replacement ducts online, just the TPE performance charge pipe which suggests a retune to avoid running lean - which I wasn't ready to deal with, I was faced with sourcing a used duct or trying to repair the one I had. Cleaning and sanding around the crack first, then filling with JB Weld plastic bonder, then wrapping the pipe with JB Weld FiberWeld for added protection. The car is back together now and after 500 miles I can confirm no more p1498!

Cracked inlet duct

Not quite full service mode, able to pull the duct without draining the coolant.

After a healthy application of plastic bonder

Wrapped in FiberWeld after the epoxy had 2 days to dry and set. I painted the tape black after it was set.

Back on the road, happy motoring.

 

I applaud you!
Well done.
Very nice looking R52.
Wish you many, many happy miles down the road