Yep I understand why you want to make sure it wasn't a mechanical failure, As long as you have the piece of hose you can probably tell if it was torn by where the clamps were tightened as well. Maybe you did just get a bum piece of rubber hose from the factory and it sprung a leak, either way good luck. The only thing i can think to check is to make sure the crossover line isn't rubbing on anything that could cause a problem and also make sure the vent line off the top of the tank isn't kinked somewhere since it is a pressurized system. Good to hear you were close to pep boys when it happened and not out on the road by yourself somewhere. mojo