What is this part?

[randiandipandi]

Hi, 1.9 DG rhd manual, roughly between engine and rear offside wheel.
What is the larger diameter (rusty) metal part that is barely attached and should have those pipes attached to it?
Given the engine is running fine I'm presuming it isn't critical
The big pipes (heating duct?) aren't connected and no mechanic has raised it as an issue.

[ghost123uk]

It's a heat exchanger that heats the engines intake air in very cold conditions. In this country, even in the coldest winter, we don't need them. Many folk get rid of them (and the pipes) as they do rust and also can rattle.

[nicktennear]

I've got an early exhaust on my DG and have never connected the air pick up bits of the exhaust after reading it's not necessary but should I have blanked off the pipes from the exhaust? Seems to run alright. I also don't have a thermostat, that's a whole other can of worms.

[ghost123uk]

I've got an early exhaust on my DG and have never connected the air pick up bits of the exhaust after reading it's not necessary but should I have blanked off the pipes from the exhaust? Seems to run alright. I also don't have a thermostat, that's a whole other can of worms.

You don't need to block up the pipes, but you do need to get a stat fitted

[randiandipandi]

Thank you - glad to know I don't need to worry - even if it falls off