Noob Issue - Disconnected a Vacuum Line and Can't Reconnect

[siralexduke]

Good evening all!

This is my first post on r3v, but I'm hoping that you'd be willing to share some of your M20 expertise despite the fact that I've got an e28. :D

I've done something pretty stupid this evening. In reading around about some of the issues my car has been having, I stumbled on the issue of the C191 connector, which I read can be problematic. Some of the symptoms I'm experiencing seem to be related to a bad connector in some cases, so I figured I'd put some dielectric grease on there while I was in replacing spark plugs and the fan clutch. I never found the C191 connector, so that was a fail, and in the process, I accidentally pulled a little too hard on one of the lines, disconnecting what seems to be the breather/purge valve. PN is 028014250 per the casing. It came out along with the L-Shaped rubber hose piece. I have no idea where to reconnect this line to, and after feeling around under the intake manifold, and coming up with nothing, I decided to consult the experts. Do I need to disassemble stuff to get this to reconnect, or is it something I should be able to find without tearing anything apart?

Another question, would my 1988 Super Eta have the C191 connector? If so, how can I find that thing?

Thanks!

[turbo55]

Per the P/N, looks like that's the charcoal canister purge valve, not breather. On M20s, it attaches directly into the bottom of the throttle body - the nipple is hard to see if the throttle body is not out of the engine, but you can feel around for it. Here is a picture of one on it's side, you can see the nipple towards the bottom left, in the shadow. Keep in mind it's a very common vacuum leak source (on M20s at least, mine was almost ripped in half), you can replace it with a little piece of 5/16" fuel hose (low pressure is fine, it's just for purging fuel vapors, no fuel injection pressures) and a couple of hose clamps.

[siralexduke]

Per the P/N, looks like that's the charcoal canister purge valve, not breather. On M20s, it attaches directly into the bottom of the throttle body - the nipple is hard to see if the throttle body is not out of the engine, but you can feel around for it. Here is a picture of one on it's side, you can see the nipple towards the bottom left, in the shadow. Keep in mind it's a very common vacuum leak source (on M20s at least, mine was almost ripped in half), you can replace it with a little piece of 5/16" fuel hose (low pressure is fine, it's just for purging fuel vapors, no fuel injection pressures) and a couple of hose clamps.

After posting this, took care of a few things, and then at about 10pm, realized that all vehicles have to be moved outside the parking structure for today, so in a bit of a panic, I went back out and found the nipple. It is actually slightly visible, so it wasn't that difficult to reattach the line once I found it.

At first glance, the elbow-shaped line seemed to be in good shape, as it was nice and flexible, but upon closer inspection, it had a couple of pretty significant slits down the sides. For last night's purposes, I just wrapped some electrical tape around it, and it was good enough to get the car running again so I could move it. I appreciate the tip of using fuel line to replace this piece, however. Will definitely do that the next time I get a chance.

Any idea if the Super ETA has that C191? I still can't seem to find it.

[turbo55]

Good to hear you found it.

No idea about the C191, but I see on E30Zone it says it was for Motronic 1.3 cars. That seems to make sense because I don't recall ever seeing that connector on my '87 325is, which has Motronic 1.1. I'd try to figure out what Motronic version you have.

[siralexduke]

Good to hear you found it.

No idea about the C191, but I see on E30Zone it says it was for Motronic 1.3 cars. That seems to make sense because I don't recall ever seeing that connector on my '87 325is, which has Motronic 1.1. I'd try to figure out what Motronic version you have.

Yeah, being a car with a Super Eta, I believe they all came with Motronic 1.3. The only 528e with the Super Eta was 1988. I feel like it must not exist, though, cause it's supposed to be under the intake somewhere, and even with the air box out, I didn't see anything. Unless this car is more botched than I thought it was. haha