My car plays the bagpipes

Post Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:36 am

One of the small pipes leading from the drivers side (rhd Australian car)of the intake manifold has started to make a noise like someone playing the bagpipes. It is an early 323i with the early fuel injection system. Any ideas? I cannot even find a picture in the manual to say what the pipe does or is called. Any ideas?
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Post Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:28 am

Hi Mate,
The only driver side pipe I can think of coming out of the manifold is the small vacuum pipe to the fuel pressure regulator. This is based on my 325 experience so not sure about 323's. The little pipe in the image below.

Post Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:50 am

Mine is different. It has the fuel pressure regulator and one other one. It is the pipe marked with a red cable tie. When I disconnect the pipe the noise stops and the revs drop slightly.[img]s583.photobucket.com/user/electriclaffertyland/media/2c69274b-d96e-475f-bce9-6c95bb4d6de8.jpg.html][img]http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss27 ... 4d6de8.jpg[/img][/URL][/img]

Post Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:06 am

Any Idea why it would be making the funny noise? Can it be disconnected and the car driven without it?

Post Thu Oct 31, 2013 4:18 am

Apparently the intake manifold hoses on mine are specific to Australia and Sweden. Is there a sorce of info on these?

Post Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:52 am

I'm not sure mate, hopefully one of our scandi members will be able to help you out.

Is there any way you can follow where the pipe goes to?

When you disconnect the pipe the revs drop because you are bleeding unmetered air into the plenum chamber, so the engine is running lean. The noise stops because whatever the vacuum powered thing on the other end of the pipe is isn't getting any vacuum power. Follow the pipe and get a photo of where it goes.

I'm assuming whatever it is on the other end shouldn't sound like bag pipes, and so is in need of replacing or fixing.

Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:19 am

It is connected to the pipe that runs off of the rocker cover. Does this explain what it is and what it does? I get the feeling it is not essential.
[img]s583.photobucket.com/user/electriclaffertyland/media/image-4.jpg.html][img]http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss27 ... mage-4.jpg[/img][/URL][/img]

Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 3:41 am

I Found the cause. A build up of tar like oil in the tiny side branch where the mystery hose attaches to the breather hose. I Cleaned it with petrol and the noise was cured. I still have no idea about the purpose of this hose.