stranded.. what is this and can i still drive it?

[Lost81c10]

I am driving and sudenly it starts making like exhaust leak nois. Pulled over and noticed this thing came off. What is it and can i still drive it? Thanks

[MountainGoat1966]

That is an AIR (Air Injection Reactor) fitting from your smog pump.
In theory it reduces pollution.
I don't see where it will cause any harm, but the noise from exhaust leaking will get annoying.
Wait till the manifold cools off and thread it back in.

[Lost81c10]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will tri to screw it back in. Only a pair of pliers on me now.

[Keith Seymore]

Which is totally amazing because usually they rust themselves in to the point that they can't be removed, no matter how much persuasion.

K

[Lost81c10]

Got it put back in there and it worked like a charm. I can't think of how it might have came loose. There is a lot of thread on the nut. It went in pretty easy and no more noise. Got very worried at firt thinking it was a lifter and mad because I just put it back together and first drive after 10 months.
Funny how things work but before i used to think i had to replace my exhaust manifold doughnuts/gaskets because I could hear a leak after I put it back in there and tightened it I can't hear any leak anymore. It was probably loose since I got the truck .
Thanks again for the help and as soon as I saw what is was I could only think of one place to come to to find out what to do, here. My son was impressed how fast it worked to get help and get us on our way.

[MountainGoat1966]

We have a great community on this site, lots of experience and know-how.
Glad to hear it's fixed and running right again.

[jjzepplin]

And yes. That can cause serious damage if left loose. If the engine was good and hot and backfired just right you could cool a valve too fast and bend the stem and boom-no cylinder compression and a need for your heads to be redone and countless other problems resulting from said bent valve.
As soon as you can check all of the fittings going to your manifolds. And make sure they are good and tight.

[Lost81c10]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

And yes. That can cause serious damage if left loose. If the engine was good and hot and backfired just right you could cool a valve too fast and bend the stem and boom-no cylinder compression and a need for your heads to be redone and countless other problems resulting from said bent valve.
As soon as you can check all of the fittings going to your manifolds. And make sure they are good and tight.

Jjzepplin,
Thanks for your info. I will check them today. If what you mention that could have happened did happen, what would the engine be doing now or will it show it face once the engine has cooled off completely as in the following day? I have not started it today, but yesterday after I put it back in and started it, it seems to run normal, no unusual noises from the engine nor any missing/hasitation.

[Lost81c10]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Which is totally amazing because usually they rust themselves in to the point that they can't be removed, no matter how much persuasion.

K

Keith,
Should I be concerned that it came undone on its own or just just lucky that it hasn't fused it self to manifold. I did find it odd. I have never messed with anything on this area of the engine. Maybe PO caused...

Thanks.
Mando

[jjzepplin]

Oh you would know right away if damage has occurred. It would have a bad miss all the time.

[gchemist]

Take it back out and add anti seize on the threads. It will save you a headach later down the road. Do to as many ports that are not seized yet.

[Lost81c10]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Oh you would know right away if damage has occurred. It would have a bad miss all the time.

I guess i got lucky again, second time. once with my not frying my electric harness earlier last week by hooking battery backwards and now with not messing up my engine. hope there is no third...

Thanks.

[Lost81c10]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Take it back out and add anti seize on the threads. It will save you a headach later down the road. Do to as many ports that are not seized yet.

good point gchemist. i will do that. thanks.