Anybody know what this thing is?

[RedD250]

While diagnosing a vacuum leak, I went to pull this line off whatever this little gizmo is, and the nipple broke off. Anobody know what it is? It's on the driver side inner fender just below the hood hinge. Am I correct to assume that it has been discontinued for 20 years and made from unobtanium?

 

[petersonj]

A vacuum chamber for cruise control? Just a wild guess.

Where does the hose that you disconnected lead to?

- John

 

[EDankievitch]

It’s the vacuum pressure switch. Lets you know if you have vacuum for your power brakes or not. It should light I bulb on the diesel engine information panel on the dash when you don’t have vacuum.

 

[RedD250]

It goes to the check valve on the brake booster. I figured out what it is, it's a low vacuum sensor switch that turns on the brake/abs lights when there is low vacuum, which is exactly the problem I've been having, so it must have been the problem, although my main line from the vacuum pump to the check valve was also leaking badly and not holding vacuum. Unbelievably, this is actually available! https://www.slimansparts.com/p/Dodge__W250/Sensor/51454777/4428676.html

 

[RedD250]

Well, they cancelled my order for that part. It's not still available. I'm going to roll the dice with an eBay one, and try to fix my old one too. That way I'll have a backup. Might as well start hoarding parts now while they are still somewhat available lol... Won't be getting any easier in the future. I figured if I sand it down smooth where it broke off, then get a generic vacuum T at the parts store and cut the nipple off, I can epoxy it on and it should work fine. Pretty sure the switch works, because my cruise control is working and when I did have vacuum, the lights on the message center went off.

 

[Topzide]

With what your photo shows, do you still have the tip that broke off? I've had great luck with cleaning the broken parts with alcohol and placing together with JB Weld. Fixed many a vacuum port connector this way on tractors and heavy equipment. Repaired one on a 50 yr old skid-steer that was abused in it's day. Had to replace one of the ports with a new vacuum tip that I used a copper wire to hold in place till JB setup. Worth a shot for sure. Maybe even reinforce the other ports when repairing. Good luck!

 

[RedD250]

It was stuck in the hose so bad that it got pretty torn up when I tried to remove it. It's all twisted and crushed, and still mostly stick in the hose. I'm hoping I can get another nipple and make it work if this ebay one isn't any good. I found another possible source for a new one, but I have a feeling it's going to be cost prohibitive. When I reached out for a quote they were asking me all of my company info. It's an aviation supply company that specializes in obsolete electronics, but their website lists this p/n as a chrysler low pressure sensor, so we shall see. https://www.asap-amspares.com/rfq/chrysler-corp-service-and-parts/4428676/

 

[Topzide]

@RedD250, I would than hold unit up with port facing down, use a ball type burr in a drill to control speed, than round out port with a slight dimple. Then you could take another vacuum line fitting and fit into place and JB weld it. Well worth a try with availability becoming a problem along with $. Good luck with repair.

 

[RedD250]

That is a good idea, I'd have never thought to do it that way. Thanks!

 

[NIsaacs]

Maybe cut the jagged edge off the plastic nipple, drill and thread it to 1/4"-28 and install a zerk with the ball and spring removed.

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[RedD250]

That would probably do it too, thanks! Good thing I'm so lazy... I get more replies before I do something haha.

 

[Topzide]

Just gives you options!