What is an Air Intake Hose?
Your vehicle's air intake hose helps feed your engine the air it needs to run properly. Occasionally the factory part may become cracked and require replacement.Although factory parts are available, many car and truck enthusiasts install aftermarket air intake hoses to customize their engine bays and increase the power output of their engines.
How do Air Intake Hoses Work?
The air intake hose's function is to connect your vehicle's factory air box (or aftermarket cone-style air filter) to the intake manifold bolted to the engine.Aftermarket units are often installed to increase airflow to the engine, which can result in increased power output. Aftermarket replacements are also designed to be attractive, allowing enthusiasts to dress up their engine bays for car shows and other gatherings. 4x4 enthusiasts have their own version of the fresh air intake hose, often called a snorkel. The snorkel allows these enthusiasts to perform water crossings without worrying about hydro-locking their engines.
How are Air Intake Hoses Made?
Air intake hoses are made out of plastic or aluminum tubing, bent on mandrel benders designed to preserve the tubing’s radius as the bend is formed.
Why do Air Intake Hoses Fail?
· Your vehicle's factory plastic or rubber air intake hose is vulnerable to heat, moisture, and vibration. It may eventually break down and crack due to age.
· Air intake hoses are easy to break during removal or installation, especially when they fit tightly in your engine bay.
What are the Symptoms of Air Intake Hose Failure?
· Your check engine light may come on and stay on. The trouble code may indicate a lean condition.
· Additional intake noises may be heard during acceleration as air rushes in between the cracks on a broken intake hose or loose filter
· The engine may run rough at idle and during acceleration.
What are the Consequences of Air Intake Hose Failure?
· Lean running engines run hotter than they should. This may lead to overheating issues and additional wear on internal parts.
· As the engine takes in unfiltered air, carbon deposits may build up on piston crowns and valves.
· A cracked air intake hoses reduces the life of your engine, and thus your vehicle, and must be replaced as soon as the issue is diagnosed.