Well that was fun.

I had port caps but nothing that would plug a hose. I needed a golf tee but I don't play golf anymore so no dice there.

I went to the parts store and they just stared at me like I was from another planet when I asked them for something to plug a hose. They kept trying to sell me the caps which I had.

I ended up buying a pack of the unions for joining two hoses. I went home and put one of my caps on one end of the union and the other in the hose that goes to the manifold.

I then cranked the car and presto instant 200 extra rpms at cold idle and smooth as silk.

I still need to change the valve cover gasket when it comes in but that one hose made a huge difference. The real test will be clearing the codes and driving it. I will get around to that tomorrow.

Glad it's getting fixed. Would a short bolt work well as a temporary plug?

Since the car is new to you, and I'm guessing you have not taken off the famous stiffening plate with its infamous bolts yet, you might want to look there for the missing check valve. Amazing sometimes what that plate can catch. First time I had that off on my car, I found the plastic cover for the positive battery jump port.

I was afraid the threads would allow a small vacuum leak. I thought of it though :)

This is my 3rd x5 but I haven't had the plate off this one yet. It might be in there.

Im afraid to tinker with it on the air pump part if it isn't setting a code. If it runs fine after this and doesn't set any codes I will leave the plug on it and forget about it.

I still need to change the valve cover gasket when that gets here though.