Bad Vacuum Hose = complete loss of power?

Hey folks,

I've had a couple situations now where I've had a complete loss of power after just getting onto the highway and cruising a few kilometers. To clarify, the truck still has 'power' but pushing on the gas peddle does little to nothing and I'm forced to pull over.

The first time this happened I tracked it down to what I believe to be a vacuum hose that I had knocked off, while cleaning a mouse nest out of the block.

When it happened yesterday, it felt like the same problem so I checked that hose again (photo below). It was still attached, but seemed a bit loose and the end is cracked pretty bad. Also the port where it connects into the engine block seemed a little loose (where I circled in red). It seems like that could probably pull right out of the engine, should there be play on that, not sure what you would called it. But seems like it plugs right into the block. Trying be clear, in the red circled area there was a poor connection at the nipple, but the whole plug it attaches to seems to have play at the engine block. Anyhow after applying the duct tape bandaid I was able to to drive another 250km without any trouble.

So I'm going to replace this and I reckon I should replace of a few of those other hoses while I'm in there. The 6mm just above also has a tape bandaid at the nipple. It seems like folks are very happy with the blue/red silicone hoses from Silicone Intakes. It looks like this one is 8mm, while there is a smaller 6mm just above it and 10mm above and ahead of it. Just wondering what this hose actually does? It's obviously critical (please excuse my ignorance of the air system

Also it seems that specific hose has some formed bends in it. Does it need that same type of hose, or will a good quality thick walled straight piece of hose conform without kinking? Where I circled in green, it goes up behind some foam. I assume there must be another nipple to connect on to there? I couldn't really feel anything and didn't want to futz too much until I have some replacement materials.

Also wondering if anyone knows any Canadian alternatives, I'll end up spending more on shipping than actual hoses?

Appreciate any tips, thanks!

 

That's the PCV valve. Having it disconnected might cause a lean condition but shouldn't cause you to lose power

 

Itll definitely cause you to idle erratically, just go to an autozone or any parts store and get a new hose. Sounds like you can fix your problem with maybe $10

 

Also when trying to bandage cracked vacuum lines. REMOVE THE LINE FROM THE PLUG then use ELECTRIC TAPE and triple wrap it at least an inch or 2 down the hose and then replace it. itll hold up perfectly until youre able to replace it.

if you just wrap tape around it when its already split its just gonna hold the cracks open

 

Thanks for the tips folks! Although I'm wondering if there is another problem at play causing the power loss...

In regards to the tape job, yeah I did as you said. Although I didn't have any electrical tape in the truck and I stopped at three gas stations and the best I could find was duct tape for the short term. Crazy... I don't know why there isn't at least 3 part rolls of electrical tape in my truck. I swear there is a gremlin somewhere that is hoarding dozens of rolls of my tape.

 

You may as well run a can of SeaFoam through the PCV and install a catch can while youre messing around over there

 

Usually lack of power on the highway is caused from fuel starvation given the intake and exhaust are not restricted.

 

that is a large air leak. All air should go through the Mass Air Sensor first... this adjust the fuel flow map in the PCM based on what it "sees". Large air leak after the Mass Airflow sensor and the sensor sends info based on what it does sense which is less air flow so less fuel so less power.

 

It seems easy enough to find a new PCV valve a grommet cheaply ($2-$5 each), but dang that PCV Hose is pretty expensive to replace. Probably looking at least $40 with shipping and duties. Can I replace this hose with some standard silicone hose, or does it have to be this special bendy hose?

 

yes, don't pay 40 bux for it if you have duties that cost even from EBAY. Do you have a good parts house that you may be able to find ANY prebent pieces to cut out from and make a 90 degree if need be? That's only if a straight piece tends to kink. You could also buy a cheapo plastic 90 and plumb to a from it but keep in mind it's another restriction and that hose stays gummy inside anyway.

The catch can sounds better and better compared to 40 bux.

 

Wasn't sure what a catch can was, but after a bit of digging I get it. Seems like a good way to extend my hose and keep oil away from places I don't really want it. I'll dig more into cheap diy catch can solutions. For now I've just clipped the frayed end of the hose and I think I've got a decent fit now. I might not have a enough slack now though for a consistent fit, so I'll have to see if it pulls off through vibration or not.

-- edit --
Actually it just occurred to me if I put one of those clips on the hose at the PCV valve that should probably help give it a good fit.

 

For anyone looking for these parts up in Canada, I was able to secure the PCV grommet and PCV Valve for $6 each at my local "Parts Source". A few more dollars than some of the online options, but without shipping costs that can double or triple the expense...