I can't get my 1988 Volvo 240DL wagon smog checked because of a broken hose you see in the picture below. If it's hard to tell because of the close-up it is just to the right of the throttle.

What is this hose called and what does it do? Is it easy to get to the other end of the hose to replace it? Could I get away with just taping it up?



Thank you!

 

its a vacuum hose, and you'll need to follow it to either the other end or a splice, and replace it with another piece of generic metric vacuum hose the right diameter, cut to the suitable length.

it almost looks like that piece of rubber hose is attached to a thinner plastic tube right where its disappearing behind the other vacuum hose, so that would mean you just need a couple inch long piece.

 

Can you tell me what the name for it is so I can look up its function? Upon further examination I noticed what you're saying. I repaired the tear in the tube with heat shrink, should do the trick! Thanks!

 

heat shrink doesn't do real well in engine environments, but it will probably work for awhile.

functionwise, that could be the vacuum line to the carbon canister, and if so, its function is purely smog-related, it wont hurt your cars operation otherwise. or, it could be the vacuum line to the "Chrysler" ICU (Ignition Control Unit) used on 86-87-88 US model 240's, that line is important, as its used for your ignition timing, and without it, your engine will run poorly. The carbon canister is near the radiator on the left side of the car, below the left headlight. The ICU is on the right side of the car, mounted on the inside of the fender, just behind the right headlight.

 

Car runs great so it's prob the smog related one. If the line is broken do your emissions spike?

 

the carbon canister vacuum is just to purge the fumes that expanded in the gas tank. has no impact on tailpipe pollution, just evaporative emissions.

 

Hm. Ok well it was broken so automatic fail. Anyways they'll test her now, hopefully the last failure was just cuz the car wasn't warmed up properly.