I'm in the process of putting the cat back together and sods law says that the one picture I didn't take is the one I need ...

There is a hose with a 'sponge' cover on the heater side of the car (not even sure what it is but it heads down the chassis rail (it is not the fuel line that is in situ), I believe it is the vacuum line to the ECU .. I have arrowed it in the image below - does this go through the hole in the heatshield or stay behind the shield - it doesn't seem to fit well in either location. Would somebody care to eyeball theirs and let me know if it goes through the hole in the shield or not. (whichever it is I wouldn't want to replace this thing with the engine in).



Notice the hole in the heatshield - but the hose (yellow arrow) really doesn't like it in there.

Going back together - AC Evaporator has been flushed, brakes re-assembled - except for calipers of course - the Blue straps are my garage hold downs -

 

That looks like the scuttle drain and there should be another on the other side.
The pics could be lightened up.

 

Nope scuttle drains aren't installed (you can see one on top of the wing). This heads off down the chassis rail. It is deceiving because there is a hose but it is inside a sponge / insulation material, the hose itself is fairly small bore - I'd say it is 10mm or so OD.

 

Hi.
just had a look on my 1991 pre facelift convertible and there is nothing going through that hole. The only foam covered hose goes to the fitting in the middle of the crossover pipe and sits in front of the heat shield.
Rob.

 

That’s the vacuum hose that goes to the rear of the car.
Rob.

 

Many thanks - I thought it was the vac hose, I just checked the hose which is an 8mm ID so that has to be it, so it doesn't belong behind the heat shield at all - I'll sort it over the weekend, I've just ordered some EPDM hose to replace the old hose - makes sense to do whilst it is readily accessible.

 

Mine is in front of the shield. I can take a picture if that’s any help.
Rob.

 

Would actually be very helpful, it is a picture I don't have - I was pondering where this hose connected - it is kind of a relief to know finally because the service books aren't very helpful.

 

 

Hope these help. Bloody awkward to take a decent picture as there isn’t a lot of room.
Rob.

 

You sir are a diamond - confirms my plan to replace before the engine goes in too is the smart choice - working back their is no fun at all engine in.

 

Luckily so far I haven’t had to do much work in the area but yes hideous access. Most of the foam on my hose seems to have disappeared but I’m not messing with it until I have to. Good luck with your rebuild.
Rob.

 

The foam on mine is in pretty good condition, so although I plan to replace the hose I probably won't replace that. If it needs heat protection I have some stuff I bought for covering the starter / alternator cables that I need to remake (I've replaced the starter with a WOSP unit and obtained a 140A alternator).