Macbook Air kernel_task problem SOLVED (a least for me)

Question

Hi,
Introduction:
I bought my MBA original (A1237) this January. Soon after the kernel_task problem arised - it consumed some 130% - 160% of CPU.
The problem did not occur when in Safe Mode. So I asembled a list of kexts that were running after normal boot but were not running in Safe Boot. I tried to remove them manually one-by-one .... with no result. The problem persisted.
Then I began to experience problems with the top case. First my powerbutton died, then the trackpad started to behave crazy and finally my keyboard refused to work as whole.
So I bought another A1237, with cracked LCD. I disassembled both computers (using ifixit.com guides - it is really not difficult!) and put my screen assembly (the whole piece with hinges etc.) to the new-bought computer. Unfortunately the logic board had EFI password on and the seller did not know it
I've been going crazy and as a last resort I removed the logic board and replaced it with my original logic board.
Well - now it works No kernel_task problem, the comp has been now running for 24 hrs and both cores are performing between 5 and 50%.
WHY did it work?
I don't know.
The top case problem probably had nothing to do with it. It just happened by the way.
Well, many users have reported this problem as a CPU temperature related.
The only thing I can imagine is that the thermal paste, that assures thermal conductivity between the cores and the heatsink was "worn", old, dried, cracked... This can happen when it is exposed to low temperatures. The cores overheat then. My system reported CPU temp between 30-50 Celsius, but I think that this is measured at the heatsink, not at the CPU directly.
Solution you may want to try:
Disassemble your Air to the point where you remove the heatsink. Remove the thermal paste from both the CPUs and the heatsink a replace it with a new layer. (My paste cost some $5.) Then put it all back together. Use guides at www.ifixit.com, there is guide for applying the thermal paste too. You will need just a tiny screwdriver.
I cannot tell for sure that this will work for you but I simply cannot imagine anything else, that could have solved the problem for me. Sometimes it is probably just disassemble-reassemble.
Unfortunately I have no clue why the kernel_task problem did not occur when in Safe Mode.  
Well, that's all I know. I know a little but am happy to have it working in the end...

Answer 1

Seems to be related with AppleHDA Audio Codecs (old ones from OS10.8 work), that's why when you guys unplug the headphones the CPU level cames to normal levels. This problem is still not solved.
I've been chating with some Apple amployees about it and they say it's a Maverick's problem. I've said them that so many people is having this problem in Apple's official forums and they reccommend me to say you guys to open a "Feedback Bug Report" in Apple's website: http://www.apple.com/feedback/
They told me that in the forums where you guys explain this issue, they don't read it them all, and the worst of all, apple enginyeers don't read them. So, i reccommend you to open a Bug Report in order to let them know about this problem and giving them enough information to solve it.
Thanks