Hello! I'm not the most mechanically inclined but I am trying my best to learn. Would y'all be able to help me identify this small pipe that disconnected while I was replacing my eighth spark plug (nearest to the passenger side). It is located right next to the starter but I am not sure what it does. It is connected to a small cylinder-looking thingy. Thank you!

1985 Pontiac Trans Am 5spd 305

 

vacuum fitting to the EFE valve.

it receives a vacuum signal from a thermal vacuum switch located on the intake manifold. when cold, it closes that valve in the passenger side exhaust manifold, forcing exhaust gases back through passages in the intake manifold to help warm it.

should be a rubber vac line running from the switch in front of the carb to a hard steel vac line running along the edge of the valve cover, then dropping down to near the EFE valve. a section of rubber vac line would then connect the hard line to the valve.

 

Oh ok thank you! How might I go about reconnecting this small vac line to the EFE valve? Also how bad would it be for the vehicle to leave it disconnected?

 

Plug the vacuum line into the port of the EFE valve as described above.
If the vacuum line is damaged or missing, get a new piece at the auto parts store.You need that valve to function properly unless you're going to remove it altogether...

 

with no vacuum to it, it should remain open.

to remove it, the valve would have to be replaced with the spacer, which may be hard to get.

when properly functioning it will help with cold weather warm up. however, many have removed and/or disabled them without ill affects.

 

I've seen folks take 'em out, strip all the guts out of 'em, then weld up the holes, reinstall.

Love the Dog, very cute.