missing and wet air filter

[redventa]

Anybody have any ideas? My 90 240SX started missing about 3 months ago (85K miles). I took it to the mechanic who did normal tune-up--plugs, cap, rotor, etc. No fix. The air filter had a piece of the wire mesh gone (his theory is sucked into engine) and was black, as if burned! After driving the car on a 1K mile road trip I smelled something hot. Waiting until it cooled I checked the air filter--again, the bottom third (where hose connects to engine) was black. It was also wet! The miss in the engine continues at 45-50 mph @2200 rpms. Are these problems related or do I have several problems on my hands? Thx.

[drjohn]

It sounds to me like the air induction valve on the lt. shock tower or fender well under the hood is stuck open and allowing hot ex. gas to enter into the air box. This throughs the air temp sensor out and the moisture is condesation from the ex. as the hot air cools in the air box. Take the hose off between the AIV and the air box and plug it at the AIV end and take it for a drive and see how it does. Driving the car with the AIV open to long can damage the airflow meter.

[redventa]

Thanks for the advice. I'm still waiting on someone to help me with it. I'll let you know how it turns out. After your reply, a mechanic friend suggested the exact same solution validating your reply. Thanks again.