@ BDC101 As far as I can remember it should be spring loaded in one direction and plugging the vacuum port should stop it from going back, assuming the flap is attached to the shaft properly. If the diaphragm is shot then it won't hold when the port is plugged which is opposite of what I think you are saying?? You should really do a separate post for something specific, I usually don't look at the "what you did today" forum.

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1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)