Thermostatic Air Cleaner Part

[1970Dart198]

I recently read in the factory repair manual that these types of air cleaners were introduced in 1970 for emissions standards. Finding that my air snorkel door could hold a vacuum, I quickly assessed that my air cleaner thermostat was leaking vacuum, and not accurately measuring temperature, thus my poor idling and vacuum leak.

After doing some research I found this part on Rockauto:

BWD/NIEHOFF Part # EC419
Air Cleaner Temperature Sensor; DART; Base Model

It was only under the 1976 year model for the Dart. Anyone looking to make their air cleaner factory original-working?

I look forward to changing the thermostat, as is looks really simple to do, and I'm interested to see how it will work.

What exactly does this Air Cleaner do? Was it part of the Clean Air Package? What are the modes of operation, and its purpose?

Thanks!

 

[mguner]

One side has a bi-metalic spring that opens a vacuum bleed once a certain temperature is reached. While vacuum is applied the aircleaner will draw from the manifold stove hose to heat up intake air. This is part of what was also referred to as the EFE or early fuel evaporation system which included the head crossover and flapper valve in the exhaust manifolds. The same principle was use on the hot idle compensator valves used in several carburetors.

 

[1970Dart198]

Interesting! Does this help with driveability? Fuel Economy? I know a few people who view these early carburetor accessories as "emissions garbage" that saps power.

 

[73Duster6]

Basically it brings warm air into the carb to heat up the engine a little faster. When temp is reached it stops vac. and snorkel flap closes for fresh air. As long as it's working properly it will not effect drive ability or fuel economy.