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[Ewan]

Hi,
Continuing on from previous correspondance about coolant loss and suspected head gasket failure, I have just replaced cylinder head to HBV valve hose, which was the cause of at least some of it - a pinhole that leaked only when I wasn't looking. On replacing everything, two problems - small ring spannerfell down the gap under the throttle butterflys behind the rear of the timing belt cover. It didn't fall to ground. Can it get caught up in any moving parts like the fan belt from there?
The other problem is small shiny metallic item which is on the fuel rail at the back with a pipe sticking up. I think its supposed to have a vacuum pipe attached but I can't see one anywhere. Help please.

[Andy B]

...
The other problem is small shiny metallic item which is on the fuel rail at the back with a pipe sticking up. I think its supposed to have a vacuum pipe attached but I can't see one anywhere. Help please.

Could it be the fuel pressure regulator  :-/ ( similar to ..... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VECTRA-B-3-8-BAR-FUEL-PRESSURE-REGULATOR-2-5-V6-SRI-GSI-/360266311140?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item53e18ba5e4)
If it is, it's the slim tube that carries on from the hose that connects to the idle air control valve on the passenger side of the plenum.

[Ewan]

Thank you ever so much, you're right. I was looking for something close by, but when I put the manifold cover back, this pipe had trailed down by the rad., so I didn't see it.

[Andy B]

Thank you ever so much, you're right. I was looking for something close by, but when I put the manifold cover back, this pipe had trailed down by the rad., so I didn't see it.

Glad you're sorted   

[sjc]

You MUST get that spanner out!

If it snags on anything related to the timing belt or it's pulleys then you're looking at a very expensive repair bill.

BTW, I had the same hose fail on mine last year, also with a pin-hole sort of thing that only leaked when you revved the engine - squirted me right in the face!

[Impact Pete]

Hi,
Continuing on from previous correspondance about coolant loss and suspected head gasket failure, I have just replaced cylinder head to HBV valve hose, which was the cause of at least some of it - a pinhole that leaked only when I wasn't looking. On replacing everything, two problems - small ring spannerfell down the gap under the throttle butterflys behind the rear of the timing belt cover. It didn't fall to ground. Can it get caught up in any moving parts like the fan belt from there?The other problem is small shiny metallic item which is on the fuel rail at the back with a pipe sticking up. I think its supposed to have a vacuum pipe attached but I can't see one anywhere. Help please.

Don't leave it there as already said!
Buy a magnetic extension tool(looks like an old car ariel) if it went in it will come out. hopefully...

[Sixstring]

Its probably in the undertray.....but if you don't drop the undertray (only a few bolts) the consequences could be VERY expensive!!

[sjc]

Its probably in the undertray.....but if you don't drop the undertray (only a few bolts) the consequences could be VERY expensive!!

Good point, that's where most stuff ends up!

[TestOmega]

Hi,
Continuing on from previous correspondance about coolant loss and suspected head gasket failure, I have just replaced cylinder head to HBV valve hose, which was the cause of at least some of it - a pinhole that leaked only when I wasn't looking. On replacing everything, two problems - small ring spannerfell down the gap under the throttle butterflys behind the rear of the timing belt cover. It didn't fall to ground. Can it get caught up in any moving parts like the fan belt from there?
The other problem is small shiny metallic item which is on the fuel rail at the back with a pipe sticking up. I think its supposed to have a vacuum pipe attached but I can't see one anywhere. Help please.

There are generally suspension linkages behind the place where you dropped the spanner.  There is no way to have it get into any timing chain stuff as it is sealed front and back.  If it bounces around on the plastic it could probably travel forward and get caught in the drivebelt (little chance but a possibility).  The Generator is on behind there as well so perhaps good idea to look for it and retrieve it.  I was under my car yesterday and it is very easy to drop the plastic cover shield (undertray) below the engine as it is held by basically four metal screws two in the rear corners of the plastic and two up front part of the plastic.  I found in my case there was a screw missing, so I renewed it for tightness to stop it from flapping around. 

Cheers and by the type of jobs you have explained, you my friend are way more knowledgeable so my input is just in case it triggers a resolution or thoughts.

Cheers.