Club 80-90 Forums

In a fit of "locked out of the house while the wife goes shopping" Boredom I found myself staring at my engine (as you do). This lead me to notice something, that I was quite concerned that I'd never noticed before, and was hoping someone here would know the answer to...

On the right side of the Vacuum unit, there is a large hole, maybe 4 inches high, with a thread around the collar. Casual internet research (and looking in the Haynes) suggests there should be a big tube here! It is not clear from pictures I have found, as to where this tube goes, but I presume it goes off to the rear air vent, allowing the engine to take in cold air, rather than the warm stuffy air from the top of the engine?

Obviously the engine runs without this tube, as it just does. My question is, would it benefit by having such a tube, does it go where I think it does, would it benefit from an air filter on the end of it (Or is 2 air filters a bit overkill? Looked like someone had a big K&N type filter on the end of theirs, but couldn't see it clearly), and if I need one, where can I get one or do I just jubilee clip a big bit of hose in there?

Also, as a second question, from reading others posts about engine bay seals, mine is in bad condition (you can see the road through it!) How major is perfect seal or is it more aesthetic?

Thanks for your all knowing wisdom guys!

Jim

Mine is missing the tube too, as have others I have spoken to. It's on the list of stuff I need to get in the van but not a tremendous priority at the mo. Someone else suggested getting some generic corrugated tubing of a similar circumference. I have never heard of a filter going on it, but don't take my word for it! Interestingly part of mine is still there though, zip tied to the inside of the open space at the bottom of the right air vent, as you correctly assumed. It seems to have been cut off half a foot from the end rather than taken out completely, but it does just end, no filter on it or anything.

As for the engine bay seal, it seals the gap for the tinware (bits of metal its attached to) to control the airflow to cool the engine, if that airflow is compremised it may cause overheating. If you do change it, it seem you have to remove the tinware to get it off... so hope you havemore luck than I'm having, at the mo, with rusty bolts!

The hose you mention literally just stops by the bottom of the air intake vent on the o/s. It doesnt connect to anything!

As for engine bay seal. This is a crucial part and the engine bay tinware should be sealed as well as possible.