Jeff, that thing costs $54.  Mine was really gummed-up.  There was a lot of
oil in all of the vacuum lines, so I yanked the tower and found it was
gummed up.  I took it to the local parts place.  They told me you tap on the
top (after removal) and if you hear a spring vibrating, it's good.  If not,
time for a new one.

As for a hole punched into it, no, that's not right.  cover it, or renew it.
  You'll have to yank it to find out which.

Of course....  it all seems fine on your van, the mileage is 17 ish, and
you're not using any coolant or oil.  You might consider not doing a damn
thing, since if it's not broke, don't fix it.

Brian Cochran
84 westy
seattle

Jeff wrote:

Hi,
    I am not quite sure if I have a problem. I am the 3rd owner of this van
and I think I have come across some kind of shade tree mechanics solution
for
who knows what. There is a hole approx. .5" x .5" square punched through the
top of the cap on the engine breather at the back of the engine. When the
engine is running puffs of air are coming out of the hole. I covered the
hole
with my finger and the tempo of the engine seemed to change. Is this hole
supposed to be there? Any idea why somebody would punch a hole into this
thing?
    Thanks for any assistance,
                                Jeff in Minnesota
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