If you are removing the vacuum valve in the emission control system on a 1973 BMW 2002, go easy with it.

This valve, mounted on the front of the engine block, is to be cleaned every 16,000 miles.

Although I had done this before, last time the valve snapped at the elbow while I was removing the pipes from their fittings.

BMW part number 11641257 641 costs $40.76 so is not an item to be bought casually!

Author: John P. McKay, Jr.