I was getting lots of p0171 and p0174 codes and pretty regular "Restricted Performance" error, which was irritating to say the least!
I did look the accordion over pretty well, and found bad flaking and obvious holes. I successfully removed the accordion and replace it with a high temp silicone tube and clamps, but..if you're thinking of attempting this "potentially" very easy task, read on..

I ordered 3" ID ( 3"x6") silicone hose and stainless steel hose clamps on Amazon, cut the accordion out with an oscillating multi-tool and a flush cut blade ( easy, used zip ties around the pipe to keep the cuts reasonably straight going around the diameter ), dressed the two rough edges with 160 grit sandpaper, cleaned the insides of the pipes in hot soapy water, and then let them dry out thoroughly ( pretty quick here in AZ in June ).. Then I set upon the task of getting the two pipes inserted into the silicone hose....and that was a chore I do not wish to attempt, ever again. An hour+ and some very sore fingers later, I came to the conclusion that I SHOULD have gotten a 3.5" hose. Once I got the pipes inserted into the hose, I had to align them to fit flush with the air cleaner box outlet, and the throttle body...with such a tight fit as it had, twisting the pipes around inside the VERY snug fitting hose was quite a challenge. Eventually I got everything aligned, but it was an expletive laden process.

It would have made it about a 5 minute fitting process, tops. The alignment would have been a breeze. Tighten the clamps, and you're done.

So...if you're thinking of tackling this job, know that it can be done pretty easily! Just NOT with 3" ID silicone tubing...

 

How about some pics to show the final result?

I considered doing something like this but opted for a new intake from my local dealer.

My concerns were the non-factory appearance and whether the hoses would would stay on the plastic or eventually slip off.

 

You got it...I'll try and snap a pic this evening. I personally like the look of it, but I can understand where you're coming from. Personal preference.
With the 3" ID hose, it takes some serious yanking to get the 1" of hose on each side to come off the plastic pipe ( don't ask me how I know..)
Add in the clamps, and that sucker isn't going anywhere. The inside of the hose grips very well, not being smooth like the outside.

 

Here ya go...
I mistakenly put one of the clamps on backwards while I was fighting the hose on..I may go to a bigger hose in the future and flip the clamp around, but it certainly isn't in the top 10 things to do right now.

I do notice a little more air intake sound, since there's nothing to buffer the sound like the accordion did..nothing that bothers me though.

 

I replaced the black plastic air duct on my wife's 2006 XK8 back in October 2012 with a new one due to numerous brittle cracks in the accordion section. If we keep the car long enough for the replaced air duct's accordion section to get brittle and crack, I plan to utilize your solution. Far less costly, far more durable, and it should solve the issue once and for all....

Well done....

 

Thanks! I've not had a single fuel/air related code pop again, so it fixed the issues..and you're right, definitely far more durability, at a fraction of the cost.

 

there is always the self-amalgamating tape solution. it is really useful to have around. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-amalgamating_tape http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/portal...gamating-tape/

 

yes whitehat... that tape is the best!

 

I just ordered a length of 3.25" silicone hose and clamps off ebay. TBTK44 after hearing the hassle you had working with the 3" hose I think the 3.25 might be easier to work with. Thanks for the info and the heads up.

I was thinking of just sourcing a new inlet hose but, like may others have said they just don't hold up very long. Money wise it was $118 (best I saw) for the new inlet or $18 for the silicone hose and two clamps. Kind of a know brainer.

Cheers!

 

Let us know how your repair effort goes. Hopefully you will have a much easier time with the 3.25 diameter hose....

 

Like I said in my above post I ordered the 3 1/4" silicone hose and it fit perfectly. Literately about a 10 minute job with no cursing at all (that's a change). Cut the old tubes with a new utility blade right up to the ends of the accordion on both sides. Got everything in position and snugged it all up. Perfect!

I have a decent size piece of silicone hose left if anyone can use it. Pay postage and it's yours. Think I paid $4 for the clamps on ebay. Nice fix at a nice price.

Cheers!

Andrew

 

I did consider this route actually, but settled on the silicone hose instead for a few reasons.

 

The voice of successful experience, and no cursing...excellent info Shoreguy

 

No cursing is rare. lol Any good fix I can make for less than $20 I consider a big win!

 

dbtk44 - a fascinating thread, thank you. I don't seem to have a problem but I keep reading about yours and thinking it seems like a good precaution to take.

Shoreguy, thank you for addressing the hose size issue as raised by dbtk44. No cursing eh? Well that would be a first for me.

Again, thank you guys.