In checking the hose coming off the top vent of my Lucas distributor, I accidently broke off the plastic vent piece. Two questions, please: What should I do with the hole in the top of the distributr--tape it up? and #2: Where does that hose from the top vent go to? Thanks. BTW, I have a new cap ready to install when I do my tune up. I just want to be sure the car is safe to drive with the hole in the cap.

Rodd Leeds
1988 5.3 Cabriolet

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 06/12/2006 - 16:11

Rodd,

That vent is to remove any possible buildup of gases in the distributor cap. Apparently, there was a problem with blow-by gases getting into the distributor and causing problems. You should either replace the cap with a correct one or glue the little nib back on with Crazy Glue. The hose from that nib is a vacuum line which you don't want to leave open. It runs around the rear of the left bank to the intake manifold, a connection on the end or bottom, if I recall correctly. When I had an XJS, I was always breaking that nib off. Become friends with your tube of Crazy Glue or make the folks at Coventry West rich from buying replacement caps.

Steve Weinstein
'70 XKE FHC, 69 XKE OTS
Former '89 XJS owner