Questions and Answers

Chevy Malibu Vacuum Valve Q. Hey my name is Gary, I own a 1977 Chevy Malibu classic with a 305 cid turbo 350 transmission and two barrel carburetor. My question for you is my water neck on the block has a piece that screws into it which has two vacuum lines running to it, the piece is broke and leaking water. I can get a chrome water neck that will fit but doesn't have the additional piece.

Would it harm the motor if I blocked off the two vacuum lines and used the chrome water neck?

A. Those chrome necks will start leaking at the gasket too! You can try it but those hoses are for an emission control device. They may be needed to pass an emission test. You can buy a new vacuum switching valve and it may be cheaper than a new neck.