FL1 Td4, Vacuum system unit - full of oil?

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PopRivet

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Hi. I've read several threads concerning a lack of power upto the 1500 - 2000 RPM range, where several learned individuals pointed the finger at the vacuum system being to blame. I have noticed that over a period of several months that my Td4 was also hesitating to pull away from roundabouts, etc, although on the open road was still going like the proverbial bat-out-of hell - at higher rev's, of course.

Having just replaced the braided hoses associated with the vacuum system, leading to the Turbo Solinoid, etc, - noticing there was nothing wrong with the old hoses, I went one step further.

Between the main vacuum pipe and the Turbo solinoid, there is what looks like a plastic tank. It has slatted edges to give it strength, it looks like.
Having removed it, I discovered it had quite a bit of oil inside. This, I'm guessing, might be the reason for my FL1 being reluctant to pull away from a stop.
So, I'm wondering how the thing has oil in it?
And what might cause this?

Having emptied it, and blown it through with Brake & Clutch Cleaner, I'm now wondering how my car will respond? I'm off shopping tomorrow - my wife has mentioned in the passing, so will see how it goes.

Has anyone else had such an event? And just what is this plastic unit called? I'm guessing it is a kind of damping device for the solinoid's operation, where instead of sharp changes in vacuum pressure there is a gradual alteration - thus protecting the operating system and other units in use from high-impacted alterations. I cannot find any mention of this... thing... in my Haynes Manual.

Can anyone give me some info on this? 'Grumpy' is one of the most knowlegeable for this system, I reckon, so am hopeful he can give me some answers or at least ideas. Or anyone else. Please.
Thanks.
 
I'm guessing it is a kind of damping device for the solinoid's operation, where instead of sharp changes in vacuum pressure there is a gradual alteration - thus protecting the operating system and other units in use from high-impacted alterations.

rekon that's about right .. the vac pump pulses would probably upset
the turbo vac solenoid operation .. and / or the turbo vanes ..

oil in there ? ..
well i took mine off for a repair after breaking one of the hose spigot things
didn't notice any oil in there ..
can only think oil might come from the vac pump
i.e as it's driven directly off the camshaft ..

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Oil in the vac lines is likely caused by the non return valve in the vac pump having failed. This would allow the residual vacuum in the system to draw oil from the pump after shutdown.
 
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If it is this particular 'Grumpy' you are hoping for advice from, then I'm afraid the only advice I can offer is to kick it or hit it with a hammer. If neither of those work, then its time for a coffee.
 
If it is this particular 'Grumpy' you are hoping for advice from, then I'm afraid the only advice I can offer is to kick it or hit it with a hammer. If neither of those work, then its time for a coffee.
Now that is good advice. As for coffee...? It would need to be a beer. T
Oil in the vac lines is likely caused by the non return valve in the vac pump having failed. This would allow the residual vacuum in the system to draw oil from the pump after shutdown.
I'll check that. Thanks.
 
rekon that's about right .. the vac pump pulses would probably upset
the turbo vac solenoid operation .. and / or the turbo vanes ..

oil in there ? ..
well i took mine off for a repair after breaking one of the hose spigot things
didn't notice any oil in there ..
can only think oil might come from the vac pump
i.e as it's driven directly off the camshaft ..

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All-in-all, what you say sounds good. I reckon I'll be carrying out a few more checks. Thanks.
 
Hi. I've carried out an inspcetion on my vacuum system, cleaning and checking the lot. Everything passed muster... except... the hose connection onto the Vacuum Pump.
See the photo's. DSCF0643.JPG DSCF0644.JPG DSCF0645.JPG DSCF0646.JPG
The rubber had not only gone hard, but the spring-clip had imbedded itself into what had once been pliable rubber. The fact that the hose would not allow itself to be compressed while the clip's sealing strength must have been reduced, suggests this could be where my car's vacuum problem lay.
I trimmed the hose end, by about 1/2 inch, and refitted it. Taking the car for a test run proved to very good. The brakes were better too.
 
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The rubber had not only gone hard, but the spring-clip had imbedded itself into what had once been pliable rubber. The fact that the hose would not allow itself to be compressed while the clip's sealing strength must have been reduced, suggests this could be where my car's vacuum problem lay.
I trimmed the hose end, by about 1/2 inch, and refitted it. Taking the car for a test run proved to very good. The brakes were better too

cheers for the info :)
i've no vac issues .. but will keep an eye on that bit of hose ..

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