The crankcase breather hose should never collapse. It is collapsing due
to it being oil soaked. That $47 dealer price I think gets you a 5 meter
piece of it. That thing on the end is a restrictor and heater. The
restrictor is there so excess crankcase fumes do not confuse the airflow
meter and the heater prevents condensate from the crankcase fumes from
freezing and blocking off the vent.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of don spence
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 1:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: PCV/pre-heat hose? 83.5 1.9 wbx Canadian

There is a hose, approx 1 to 1-1/4" in diameter that goes from the
black "tower" on top of the engine casing to the air intake system. I
have had conflicting opinions as to the proper condition for this hose.
On my engine it is soft rubber which collapses to an oval shape. I have
been told that it should rebound to round when the engine is cold (it
doesn't) and as it warms it softens and collapses, restricting the
potential air flow. (There is an electronic sensor or valve at the
intake end of the hose.)
Anyone know the function of this hose, what it is supposed to look like
and what it can/should be replaced with if it has indeed perished?
Dealer says $47.00.