6 replies to this topic

[bedfordbeagle]

I have just acquired a '93 Cooper SPI. It starts and drives great!

However on checking under the air filter there is one vacuum pipe just "hanging loose". I think this is meant to be connected to the inlet manifold. I cannot find any way to get even close to the connection with the inlet in situ. (big hands don't fit small gaps!!) The other 3 vacuum pipes seem ok (ecu to fuel trap, fuel trap to inlet manifold and under air filter to inlet pipe)

My questions

a) what are the implications of leaving this as it is - unconnected

and 

b) what are the implications of connecting it up to the inlet manifold - and how to physically connect it??

Any help welcome!!

 

[xrocketengineer]

a) what are the implications of leaving this as it is - unconnected

You have or you will have a vacuum leak that will make the car idle at over 1000 RPM due to the mixture being too lean. The pipe needs to be reconnected to the manifold port or the port needs to be plugged.  In the event that the port gets plugged, the warm air inlet for cold starts on the air filter box will no longer work with possible cold weather drive-ability issues or higher emissions.

 

b) what are the implications of connecting it up to the inlet manifold - and how to physically connect it??

Remove the air filter box and reach between the throttle body and bulkhead. Feel free to press on the insulating foam on the bulkhead while you "feel around".  Closing your eyes might help you find it.

Edited by xrocketengineer, 18 October 2013 - 12:21 AM.

[roblightbody]

Does your car have an aftermarket site filter replacing the large plastic unit fitted as standard?
If so, one of the vacuum pipes is left over, but must have a screw or similar in the end to prevent a leak.

[bedfordbeagle]

Many thanks for the info - will try and connect it.  (It has the standard air filter.)

The pipe terminates without any elbow - so it may still be in the manifold port - if so I assume I just push the pipe into the elbow (if I can find it!).

[FlyingScot]

Best to consider all vacuum pipes (complete with elbows) as a service item.to be honest not worth try to do on the cheap. Best to just replace any which you have doubts about. Then you can be sure it's all good.

FS

[bedfordbeagle]

Knuckles grazed but all vacuum pipes connected - and guess what - non starter. After much undoing, re-doing and head scratching finally located issue.  In reaching behind the intake valve to reach the vacuum pipe inlets I must have disturbed one of the fragile in line fuses (a 35 amp one) - and its wire had snapped & killed firing. Lesson learnt - every action has an equal & opposite reaction (or one item mended another one brocken!)

 

Phew!!

 

Fuse holder replaced and started first time & running smooth.

Thanks for the help and advice:)

[FlyingScot]

Excellent, glad it's sorted mate. As you have found sometimes it isn't all technical stuff