10 year old tube decides to self destruct. HELP
 

http://i.imgur.com/WB4bB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BJcKY.png

Where the ducktape is on both ends is where the tube just tore. I picked it up to move it while putting the valve cover back on and it literally just popped apart. But now there's a whistling sound not unlike that of when your intake boots are torn. ( Just replaced mine two days ago ) so that's not the problem. Is there anyway I can replace just this tube. It seems to enter into the back of the engine. Any further details etc. would be much appreciated. What does it do? What could go wrong now? :tsk:

Also if anyone knows what would cause an odd sound whenever I turn the fans on (heat).. this didn't start until that tube snapped though I doubt they're related..

It appears to be the vacuum tube that opens the check valve to allow air from the secondary air pump into the exhaust headers. If that's the case, then you might get a Service Engine Soon light and find a stored fault code related to insufficient secondary air flow.

Same thing happened to me, just pull it off and stick some new tubing on there (assuming you have some). If you dont its not expensive

If you have a second vehicle remove the tubing and head to the auto parts store. Find some vacuum tubing that's the same diameter, cut to length, and reinstall.

Although it's a bit pricier than just buying vacuum tube at an auto store, I just went to the nearby BMW dealership and got a complete replacement tube. I think it was between 15 and 20 bucks. The new one has like a woven piece on each end to strengthen where it connects. The old one (which I had and looks like you have) is actually 3 pieces stuck together.

Mine broke exactly where yours did. The whole tube is going to be brittle - instead of just repairing it at that spot, consider replacing that whole tube.

The tube runs just behind the engine near the top in the middle. You can follow it back with your hand and feel where it connects. When you get a new one from the dealership (or a regular vacuum tube) just pop it in on the back, weave it through to the front, and it's good to go!

I got some codes from this happening as well so definitely expect them.

opens the check valve to allow air from the secondary air pump into the exhaust headers.[img]*****************ca3[/img]

Did this. And yeah my check engine light just went on :(
Cost me about 14'ish. But they owed me money anyway so I ended up profiting from my visit haha. So I went and replaced it.. that was a bit of a hassle lol. It broke off on both ends with part of the rubber still on the little nozzle. Had to blindly saw it with the tiniest flathead I had while bending my arm into some kind of gumby-esque position... but she's done. :thumbup:

Awesome!

Yeah taking it off behind the engine was extremely uncomfortable and I felt like a contortionist. Mine had melted onto the nozzle, it took a bit of fidgeting to scrape it off!