Technical Just noticed this pipe tube missing off my engine what is it for..? [top picture]

[neil62]

 

[steveras57]

well the second photo shows what goes there !.
Its the air filter induction duct ( basically flows air from the FRONT of the car!) into the filter box and therefore the engine front part held into the front slam panel by a single bolt the bracket often snaps off ! without it the air is being sucked in via the engine rotations, rather than being forced in by movement when the car is moving

 

[neil62]

well the second photo shows what goes there !.
Its the air filter induction duct ( basically flows air from the FRONT of the car!) into the filter box and therefore the engine front part held into the front slam panel by a single bolt the bracket often snaps off ! without it the air is being sucked in via the engine rotations, rather than being forced in by movement when the car is moving

ok thanks for your reply ...will it damage the engine driving without it ...? its an old car 58 reg and im trying not to spend too much as its just had a new cam belt and front shock absorbers

 

[steveras57]

ok thanks for your reply ...will it damage the engine driving without it ...? its an old car 58 reg and im trying not to spend too much as its just had a new cam belt and front shock absorbers

I dont think it will damage it! probably run ok at idle and low revs!- might hamper performance on the open road as the engine will be sucking in HOT air from the engine bay rather than COLD air from outside the car which is denser and improves the combustion process and performance!.
Check out e-bay for used prices( they are few and far between) if you decide to get one ensure the front bracket is not broken off most are!.
Might be worth giving club 500 Italia a call- a new one is about £65.on e-bay!

 

[rmjbn1]

This is what it should look like

As Steve says, it would be better to draw cool high pressure air with the air box trunking in place (rather than hot low pressure air from the engine bay) but it won't do any damage.

You could search '500 breaking' on ebay and ask the vendor if they have one, or try Failsworth Fiat Spares

 

[jackwhoo]

You are in the U.K. not known as a desert environment - it will be fine

 

[jrkitching]

its an old car 58 reg and im trying not to spend too much

Just run without it; it'll be fine.

 

[Jockstrap]

Hot air from the engine not the best.
Silicone hose to air inlet like the mod on here.
Nice clean cool air

 

[steveras57]

Hot air from the engine not the best.
Silicone hose to air inlet like the mod on here.
Nice clean cool air

Its designed that way for a reason!basic engine physics!.
makes me laugh all the idjits you see on shows like "wheeler dealers" with Porches and the like ,who stick expensive K&N type filter inside the hot engine bay! paying good money to LOOSE power! rude name that sounds like "Crankers" applies here!

 

[Ralf S.]

If you drive in town a lot, the car will suck air from the engine bay, which is warmer and less dense.. so it might feel slightly more lethargic to drive..

However, I doubt it will really be noticeable. If you can find a second-hand one then I'd grab it.. but they tend to all be damaged during airbox removal (servicing) and a new one is about £50... Ebay for some semi-rigid induction hose and attach it to the slam-panel with a cable tie.


Ralf S.

 

[A3jeroen]

Back in the previous century (makes me very old) I was chasing a motorbike with my Brava (TD100 I think). All of a sudden there was a pop and I lost 10 Km/h (and obviously the bike). When I stopped at the nearest Parkplatz I found that the intakepart that sucked in cold air through the bumper had come loose. I reattached it and went back to my previous topspeed (185 km/h or so).
Conclusion: it does make a difference!

gr J