Hi Grange Grover
I appreciate that you emailed me re something related to my answer below, that I put in a recent post, but I found "message undeliverable" when I tried to email back to you.
Here's a synopsis of what I tried to send: regarding that piece of pipe that comes up vertically from the right-hand side of the engine (left if facing the bonnet). I understand that it produces a hot air/vacuum into the inter cooler. It consists of three pieces (i) a roughly 'L' shaped hose (2 inches diameter) that connects to (ii) an metal piece of pipe, about 12inches long, then into (iii) a 3 inch length of hose that connects to the intercooler.
Part (i) is not an 'L' of equal leg lengths - the longer leg comes up from the engine with the shorter leg connecting with the alloy pipe (ii). There being two hose sections in this whole component there was enough flexibility, for my emergency repair, to reverse the 'L' and fix the cleaner (non-split) piece to the engine take-off: leaving the opportunity to cut off the split (and part perished piece) and still have sufficient to join up again to section (ii).
It's awkward to get at, but I think this piece of 'L' shaped pipe needs to be taken off and inspected regularly as a matter of course, because it's absolutely impossible to do so with any certainty whilst it remains in situ and it's essential that there are no leaks in this. Mine had actually come free from what is a very short collar near the engine and was still difficult to spot. The loss of power and increased mpg were both significant until this was fixed.
Main agents claim that all three sections come as one component piece - 123 quids! All it requires is a short 2" hose with a 90 degree bend, which is relatively easy to source.
Any way, I hope this is helpful and it would be nice if this was the cause of the problem for you. I know I was relieved to find that this is all it was.
DougK
