Xenodrgn

what size are they? Karl says 5/16th, but does he mean 5/16th to slip over the original stuff to patch it up... or 5/16 to run entirely new lines?

I'm going to run new vaccum lines in my car, and I know they vary a little bit, but I'd like to get the right size and do this right... what sizes will I need?

Also, where are -all- the vaccum lines on my car... the only ones I know of really go to the EGR and to the vapor canister... I've heard something about a dist. line too? I thought we had electrical advance... not vacuum...

Anyone wanna help me out?

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

http://www.xenodrgn.f2s.com/Frontright.jpg

KED85

The hard lines on our 1985 versions are slightly larger than 5/16". I've tried using 1/4" over the hard plastic and I have air leaks.
I used all the original hard plastic breaking lines I could and just patched the broken sections with 5/16" windshield wiper hose. Yes, I do mean, slip it over the original lines. It works well.
I am not sure how to replace the entire set of lines, as my patch job worked perfect.
I can suggest that the vacuum signal must be a certain pressure (if stated correctly). Meaning you should not deviate to much from the original thickness of the lines. Like a 1/4" line cannot become a 1/2" line and expect the vacuum signal to be correct. I doubt it would.

PS The lines do not exist from GM anymore. And from my reading and checking sources, it seems 1985 is a one year vacuum line design.

THERE IS A LINE FROM THE BASE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR (on the manifold!) on the driver side. That goes to the PVC & brake booster set up. It's smaller than 1/2" I had to make up space with electrical tape to make a tight seal. When the guy did my tranny, he messed it up, so I must redo it one day.

ALSO go to GM dealer & get a print out. I got one. They give them away.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

Xenodrgn

Dude, you're the man.

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1985 Camaro SC - 2.8L, auto.

http://www.xenodrgn.f2s.com/Frontright.jpg

elizabeth

My 90rs 6cyl makes a hissing noise. how did you find where the leak was??? I have just looked and looked and felt around but I can't find it.

El Guapo

You could use a mechanics stethescope. That might help.

Check where the hose connects to anything. That is usually overlooked.

Also, you have to look really closely and feel very gently to actually find it. All it needs is a hairline crack. A black crack in a black rigid hose can be very hard to see indeed.

Know I wasnt much help, but good luck.

Clayton

KED85

Where these crack tend to be are on the UNDERSIDE/areas vunerable to the exhaust manifold heat.
Can pretty much promise that of ya hear it, keep searching. Don't fret if it cracks. Just go get the 5/16" inch hose stuff and patch it up. That'll get ya going again.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

stuart69427

so GM doesn't make the tiny hard plastic vacuum lines that go from TB to the EGR Valve anymore? (I know this is an old post, but I wanna know)

I broke one, but I got a Foot of 3/32 inch vacuum line from Pepboys and patched it up (Before I saw this post)

I replaced all the rubber lines with 5/16. I had 5 Hg before now I have 20

Though I think i blew the purge valve with the right pressure, its been propally at 5 for at least the 7 months I have had it Going to try to replace that today...

TomP

At Pep Boys (and I'm sure other places, it's made by the "Help" division of MotorMite), they sell emissions line connectors, and tee's, and hard plastic line. So if you want to ditch all the hard plastic stuff and run hose, you could just buy some of those connectors for the ends, and connect it all up with hose. I might do that this summer.

Was there any advantage to using the plastic lines? Is it possible for a normal vacuum hose to get sucked shut, and the plastic lines prevented this for long runs?

stuart69427

I only have a Pepboys Express in the local vicinity, which they dont carry those I quess, cuase I looked down the entire isle of the "Help" Products, but didn't see anything.

I went to the Dealer and paid for a new canister/filter/solidnoid assembly for $155, ouch, pick that up tommorow.

I have been disconecting the lines to the cannister every time I get out of the car, or else when I come back there will be to much fumes in the chamber, and the car won't be able to handle and will automatically die. PITA!

I would like to know about the rubber hose instead of the plastic ones too!

btw - i am getting to get better at this back yard mechanic stuff, and I think i am almost done with TomP's Tune-up, and I have done several other stuff to...can't wait to book store gets a copy of 82-92 Camro Chiltons, cuase the Haynes sucks, also i should get the service manula too, but I need to wait a few more paychecks...

KED85

For LONGEVITY, I'd suggest hard line plastic.
For quick fix, use my patch idea.
A thin film of motor oil works well to lube rubber hose end.
The rubber hose must be supported
BUT, if ya get it to work this well, you win!
The old plastic stuff is ONLY in wrecking yards, now and more fragile than an Icy Girlfriend

stuart69427

Ked, Youve got Mail.

CaliCamaroRS

A dealer should have that stuff. I know my work has it because I used some. It doesn't come pre-formed though....you have to carefully heat it and bend it to the shape you need.

KED85

Dan
In my swap instance/knowledge.
During my swap, snap, snap, snap.
I run over to Santa Paula Chevrolet.
No the 1985 stuff you seek, is no longer available, at all.
Finally I discover, that the 1985 set up is a one year only design, based, very strongly on the V-8 MPFI version (almost identical).
Found that pic in a large Chiltons (Time magazine sized).
I'd like to redo the plastic hoses in thin copper tubing.
But, I've got better things to do (3.4 engine/tranny into my 85 Blazer, 1968 Camaro 6 cylinder out (regasket completly the engine, new oil pump, maybe a 700R4 behind the 6 with a 3:07 12 bolt axle) and a power disc brake swap, swap another engine onto my 1972 Honda Motorcycle (gotta get parts ya know!), rebuild the power steering system & steering box & swap ported-polished 487X heads onto my 1974 Corvette, need to retreive the 1970 LT-1 for the 1967 Camaro convertible RS/SS 4-speed).
Plus Buy/Fix/Sell another house for profit. Looking at another, right now. Lost one house option already.

bernd5179

I used Polyurethane lines for my V6. It s the stuff that is usually used for the aircompressor hoses. It works quite well and looks good too cause it has a blue color. On the long run I think that it should handle temperaturechanges well as it is a very strong plastic. PS.: They even used it on my mothers FIAT Punto.