So, I was adjusting my idle speed today and found that the air cleaner flap does not open at operating temperature. Is this normal? It's constantly drawing in air from around the exhaust manifold. I can manually squeeze the flap open and the action feels smooth, it just doesn’t open. I read another thread and it was saying it should open at 200 degrees. Today was pretty warm and I would have thought it should have opened. Just want to see if it's normal or not. Thanks! (1972 automatic with the stock 200cid power plant)
Maybe the diaphragm is dried out and cracked? Pull the hose off the other end, and suck on it, and see if it moves.
It all mechanical, looks like the whole snorkel was designed as a "wear" item. I worked the flap again and it sticks in the open position. looks like a spring and diaphragm of some sort. I worked it and lubed it. I’ll see if it opens tomorrow.
if it is a option for you i would just remove it, i doubt in southern california you have much need for heated intake air
I found the same thing on my air cleaner's snorkel. There is a air-door flap, held shut with a spring, to be overcome by a retracting device,(bi-metal?) which is heat activated. It doesnt work, and is not removable from the snorkel. I disconnected the spring so that it can draw cooler air. Absolutely no difference in freezing weather. I had been driving with it not working for years... In slow traffic on hot days my carb was getting really hot.. almost stalling.... not any more. I tested it by removing the snorkel assembly from the air cleaner, and putting a heat gun on it! it doesn't budge!
Yep, does not work "period". I took it off and dunked it hot water and it didn't open. Searched for a replacement but no luck, I would think Ford would have put this on about 200 or so models LOL! I found a part number "D2TF-9D620-RA" but it's pretty worn and my eyesight is not what it used to be . If somebody has the right part number, please post! Would like to get a replacement, I like things to work as designed (it's a disease ). I did remove the hose "stove pipe" from the snorkel so only fresh air could come in and there was a noticeable improvement at freeway speeds.
90-130 degree air for a carb. doesn't sound like a good idea to start with...make sure choke works...drive it...
I caved, it's a hard to find part and I can't justify spending the money on it. I removed the spring and snapped it in the open position. $35 bucks.... If it runs like crap when it gets cold I'll revisit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-FORD-P...Parts_Accessories&hash=item337972b8e7&vxp=mtr
