I'm looking at removing the valve filter inlet tube to the air breather on my Cutlass but the only way I can see to remove it is to destroy it. Am I missing a trick here? It's obviously 48 years old and hardened. I don't know if the replacements are pliable enough to get back in to the breather. The only reason I'm wanting to remove it is so I can repaint the breather. Pictures below:


'72 Supreme 350 breather

Valve cover filter connection tube

 

The rubber thingy is supposed to just push through. Being hard as a rock might crack it. Try some heat on it to see if it will soften.

 

Those are available thru the aftermarket. If it’s hard and brittle enough to make removal difficult, I wouldn’t try to reinstall it.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I assumed these were very soft and pliable when new but wasn't sure. I'll order aftermarket and replace.