Hi All -

While I was working to repair the crumbling head gaskets in my '86 Firebird (2.8L v6), I inadvertantly broke off some small, black, firm plastic tubing--I'm assuming it's Vacuum tubing--running off and around the EGR valve.

The trouble is that I'm having trouble viding a vendor that sells this stuff--rockauto.com, 1A Auto, Hawks THird Gen--nobody seems to sell it, or at least, no one seems to sell it seperately.

Here are my questions: Can I buy this? If so what is it called? Does it come bundled with another part? Are people still making it, or should I go Junkyard diving? Is there some sort of geeric tubing that I can use? Can I simply repair the tubing with superglue?

Thanks for your help,

-Mark

 

Super common problem on all GM's. That damn hard plastic tubing cracks and causes grief all over the place.

All is not lost though!

Just keep about 1" of plastic pipe at the end of the rubber nipple, then hit up NAPA and buy a few feet of various sizes you need (just measure the OD of your various pipes). Slip the rubber hose over the cut off tube, and route in the original (or close) space.
It comes in MANY small steps (sizes), so don't try to guess.

I've got piles of each (there's about 10 from like 2 to 12mm) since I do it all the time.
It's fairly cheap for the smaller stuff (~$1/ft)

 

Great, thanks! What's OD? Outer Diameter?

 

They sell the hard plastic tubes at advance auto. Probably at all the parts chain stores. Sometimes it's hidden in an aisle you wouldn't expect, sometimes near the pcv grommets and oil plugs and stuff.

 

Yes -- Or Outside diameter.

And sure, you might be able to find new plastic tubing, but... it cracked once, why put in what will just do it again? Also, unless it's a straight run... how easy is it to form?

 

I agree very easy to kink that stuff. Also if you're replacing vacuum lines you might want to pick up an assortment of plastic fittings. They get brittle and crack just like the hose.

 

Autozone. Brought in the old pieces and they matched the size up and cut to fit.

 

I am not sure if the vacuum lines are the same as the Fiero 2.8 V6 vacuum lines but if they are this site has some nice steal vacuum lines for a good price. Knowing GM I will bet they are the same lots of other parts are inter changeable.
http://www.rodneydickman.com/retail.html
Look under Engine/V6 under manifold vacuum lines, they look the same to me but I have a 350 so I could be wrong.
Rodney might know if they will work try emailing him.
I hope this helps