Loose pipe

[PIT-STOP 1]

Hi,
anyone tell me where this pipe goes to please? I can't find anything it fits.

[Fredjohn]

My guess is the vacuum pipe for the heating. One end goes to the vacuum reservoir in the (UK) Passenger wing, the other end fits on the cylinder head around/under/over the plenum chamber at rear of engine.
Check WSM and parts catalogue for diagrams/pictures and clues.
Is your heater distribution working as that will give a big clue. Similarly engine tickover will be erratic with a hole in the intake!
Welcome to LEC.... a brief intro in the new members section and your location will help you tremendously when seeking assistance, which is always forthcoming here!

[PIT-STOP 1]

Thanks for coming back to me. Much appreciated.

I can now see it is undoubtedly the heater pipe, as I have no vacuum, but being a bit dim myself I can't find where it goes. You describe it as "around/under/over the plenum chamber at rear of engine". WSM don't have any pictures or diagrams that I can find that show where it goes. If anyone can give a little more specific detail that would be really helpful.

Thanks again.

[John_W]

No picture, but this post describes it:
viewtopic.php?f=134&t=8119&p=316081

[dapinky]

Lotus pipe 2.jpg

There are 2 metal pipes coming from the plenum chamber (where I've put the red arrow) - one of them will be blanked off with a rubber bung (unless that 'spare' take-off has been used for anything else (aircon/dump valve/anything else which uses a vacuum sensor).....

.... the other will probably have a small rubber 'L' shaped fitting attached - but no pipe fitted into it! These elbows often split/crumble and otherwise compromise the integrity of the whole vacuum system, and are fitted because the pipe bore looks neater with it. There is no actual necessity for it, and you can either push the current pipe onto the metal pipe directly (if it is long enough), replace the fitting (if needed), repair it with gooey stuff/tape (if you want to) or replace the length of pipe.

I replaced all my vacuum pipes when I first got the car with 3mm bore silicone vacuum hose and have had no issues since.

[PIT-STOP 1]

That is brilliant. Thanks so much. I may even get the controls working again now....then on to the next job. There is always a next job with my car I'm finding.

[HJ2]

Cut off the last centimetre before you put it back. The ends are usually cracked and lost flexibility.
Better to replace the entire line, but that involves a whole lot more work.

[PIT-STOP 1]

Job done. Simple thing with a great outcome. Fixed. Thank you.