Inline vacuum filter results
 

I just wanted to share the results I've had with the inline filters I installed in the engine bay vacuum lines. The vacuum setup is entirely stock except with the insertion of the two filters right at the main vacuum line nipples.

The first filter is for the 3/2 valves, part of the transmission, EGR, etc. and it has shown some soot in the lines.

The second filter is for the ACC, door locks, etc. This one is still quite clean, actually.

The filters have been installed for roughly a week. They're originally fuel filters, I found out, but the paper filter inside them looks like it can also filter out the soot. Hopefully I won't see any oil in there in the future... :o

http://www.maj.com/gallery/legomech/...p1011882ed.jpg
http://www.maj.com/gallery/legomech/...p1011884ed.jpg

looks like I'll see if I can plug one or more of the lines and see which ones are iintroducing soot into the system. Is the vacuum line going to the EGR valve directly linked to the whole vacuum system? There's a switch valve on the thermostat housing where the vacuum line from the EGR goes to, and then out towards the 3/2 valves black box, and then to the Y fittings and the filter. I'm curious if there really is a direct link. Hmm...

Yes.

Guess I won't have to worry about anything from the EGR....since mine's completely disconnected. :D (No line to the EGR valve at all...) and I also melted the two lines shut that go to the air box on top of the valve cover. :D

Something worth noting....the vacuum for the transmission is vented to the atmosphere by a little black tube...which is supposed to end up inside the dash....if its not then it may be sucking in dirty engine compartment air....hence the dirty filter. Just a guess....

Whunter showed us this trick at our VERY Special First-ever Tri-State GTG, didn't he Pawo? :D :D :D

Another location
 

Good pics - surprised you're getting that much soot.

I recently replaced my shut-off valves (both at IP and key switch). When I tested the shut off valve at the IP, I drew vacuum with a pump and watched oil run up the vacuum line!

I suspect a decent amount of oil had pulled up that line as it had invaded the key switch valve.

I've thought it might be a good location to place a filter - along the IP shutoff valve line - in the event the diaphram leaks again.