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"Backfire" while starting blows hose off.

Ok, time for my first "I've got this problem" post:

I keep having this problem when starting my '93 318is where, just as you
would expect the engine to turnover, it makes a coughing-backfire like
noise and blows a hose off the engine.  After this the car will not run.
The first 2 times it did it, I had to have it towed in.  Only after probing
and asking to speak to the mechanic did I learn that all I needed to do was
push this hose back on (I have no idea what hose it is.)

I can't believe they did not offer to show me this up front since it could
leave me stranded somewhere...anyway, the mechanic told me the hose was
designed to blow off to prevent damage to the air intake system.  He
suggested that I may be pushing on the gas pedal while starting which can
cause it.  Then he just stood there looking at my car silent/thinking,
making "hummm.." noises, this kinda bothered me but I just said "well, Ok,"
and left.  That is not the problem, but it has done it 2 more times.  I
only use super unleaded from name brand stations like Exxon, Texaco,
Chevron....  The car is totally stock w/ respect to the engine and related
parts (for now.)

One other point that may be important.  The first time this happened, the
large hose that goes from the "breather box" to the engine had a large
crack in it.  It seems to have sucked some of the hood-liner insulation
material into the engine since there is a hole above this hose now.  This
kinda worries me since it is past the air filter and this point seems to be
what had the mechanic "scratching his head."  Is this relevant?  Should I
be concerned about it by itself?

HELP!  Any info. greatly appreciated.


Jimmy Shrake
Current: '93 318is
Previous: '85 325e (KIA @ 150k)

jim@domain.elided