Found plugged vacuum line at Vacuum Limiter(?)

[cky3396]

I'm replacing vacuum lines on my CIS, and found a much newer and pliable section of vacuum hose on the Bosch Vacuum Limiter unit (0280160324) attached between the original vacuum line and the limiter.

It appears a PO stuffed a ball bearing into the newer section of hose, then a joint, and then connected the plugged joint end to original vacuum line - then attached the other end of that extension to the Vacuum Limiter.





But, why? Does this mean failed vacuum limiter or some other incorrectly tuned part of the CIS system?

[David Inc.]

Probably the limiter failed, idle went high, and he blocked it. The car runs fine without it, just drops rpms faster between shifts and makes more pop pop pops if you have an open exhaust.

[pmax]

Decel valve delete is common "back in the days", one less gizmo mucking with the vacuum, the earlier systems seems to do fine without it.

Not sure about the ball bearing trick though it does keep the setup looking stock I suppose. Most of us just plug the nipple.

[Dan J]

I was a dealer tech when that car was new. The ball bearing install was very common
if not universal. I don't know where it came from (Porsche?) but the cars ran better afterwards

[cky3396]

thanks all, i put it back how I found it.

Originally Posted by Dan J

I was a dealer tech when that car was new. The ball bearing install was very common
if not universal. I don't know where it came from (Porsche?) but the cars ran better afterwards

really interesting bit of information about how this was a common tactic used, thanks for sharing dan.

Also, your website in your signature is really interesting!

[pmax]

Originally Posted by Dan J

I was a dealer tech when that car was new. The ball bearing install was very common
if not universal. I don't know where it came from (Porsche?) but the cars ran better afterwards

Good to know !

It's better than messing with a cap or T and the hose can be left connected. Now if I can just find a spare ball bearing in my garage.

[eastbay]

Been using steel balls like this for years, best way to plug a vacuum line.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by eastbay

Been using steel balls like this for years, best way to plug a vacuum line.

And that's what separate the pros from weekenders.

I couldn't find a single spare ball bearing in my garage let alone one of proper size.

[eastbay]

No prob, Amazon, etc. sell boxes of assorted sizes for ~$10

[PeteKz]

A common BB is about the same size.

[Dan J]

CKY thanks for letting me know FFing scambots