Broken tubing...

[ultramens]

hi,

i got my alternator out.. but while i was doing it, i also broke the coolant tube and this thin tube on top of the alternator....its the tube that is circled above (i took this picture of this website, as whoever this car belongs to, also had the same issue)... can some please tell me how to fix this? (i think i know how to fix the coolant tube but not this)....

Thanks all!!!

[GranburyChuck]

hi,

i got my alternator out.. but while i was doing it, i also broke the coolant tube and this thin tube on top of the alternator....its the tube that is circled above (i took this picture of this website, as whoever this car belongs to, also had the same issue)... can some please tell me how to fix this? (i think i know how to fix the coolant tube but not this)....

Thanks all!!!

Sorry, can't help you with that. I am going to change my alternator tomorrow. Your scaring me that I will have the same issue. Was it hard to get the alternator out?

[ultramens]

its a little tough, but take your time... its not too hard, going to bring it to autozone to get it checked out or order a new one, they have them there for 167.25, not a bad price..... Whats the worst that can happen? Break a couple of tubes??? hahah

[Loren]

Can you ID the tube/hose here?

[ultramens]

Loren,

The tube is really thin... its right on top of the alternator, i can't locate it on your diagram, but the thin tube runs straight back and is right next to the dip stick.

I have a 1999 996 c4

[Loren]

Is it long like item 21?

Try to see where it goes.

[jamesgood72]

Hi Ultramens,

That is one of the two small vacuum lines that goes into the vacuum switchover valve, I believe. I added a new link onto my post with all the links - that should help you and Granbury out.

I had the same thing on my alternator install, I broke one moving things around whilst trying to get the alternator out. I fixed it by using a small (2 inch long) piece of flexible hose (the blue part in my picture there). It fit very snug, and simply joined the two tubes.

Hopefully Loren would agree those are the vacuum tubes going into the switchover valve. What does that do, that valve, Loren?

-James.

Edited October 11, 2008 by jamesgood72

[ultramens]

thanks james, it looks we broke the same tubes, where did you get the small flexible hose? An autoparts store? what size should i ask for?

[jamesgood72]

Actually, when I picked up my alternator from Vertex Auto here in Miami, I tipped the guy and he just gave me a little bit of tubing. He people do this quite often. <_<

I would ask at your local autoparts store, say you have some vacuum tubing of so and so size, and they should be able to help. I know my local Autozone has a small section for vacuum tubing parts, even if they don't have helpful staff. :)

When doing the join, I tried to ensure that the two original bits of the tube where pushed tightly together, in case the more flexible joining tube would collapse once there's a vacuum within it. If you see what I mean...

-James.

[ultramens]

i just got back from autozone... i got the tubing and a connector, the size is 1/8". My next questions, " is this going to hold? how much pressure comes from this tube? Has yours come off since you put it on?

[jamesgood72]

I've not noticed any problems with mine, although I do have to disclaim that I do have (what I think is) a separate problem. My idle speed is not right. I've asked here about that, and nobody seems to know what it is. I don't think it's due to that repair.

-James.

[ultramens]

James,

I was reading on your idle problems.... i have changed my alternator and fixed the tubes... I do not have issues with the car idling... You can atleast rule out that the vacuum tube is not causing it as I would of had the same problems. Sorry I could not be more helpful. Good luck to you and thanks for your help.

[jamesgood72]

Glad it all worked out OK! Thanks for the info on the idling too, also good to know.

-James.

James,

I was reading on your idle problems.... i have changed my alternator and fixed the tubes... I do not have issues with the car idling... You can atleast rule out that the vacuum tube is not causing it as I would of had the same problems. Sorry I could not be more helpful. Good luck to you and thanks for your help.