What's this thing that looks like a door bell? (1 Viewer)

[Rhinoliner]

What is this round gold colored thing under my dash on the passenger side that looks like a door bell? I think there is a vent tube going into it from the distributor.

 

[74fj40]

sounds like you answered your own question yep, the later models had vented distributors, and it went into the cab. NEAT!!

 

[BMAN]

Damn... I woulda told him it was a doorbell. See how many times you can get your wife to try to open the garage door with it before she gets on. Keep the clicker in your coat pocket and open it yourself when she explains that it wont work for her.

 

[Rhinoliner]

So, why would the distributor be vented, is that for when you feel like driving across a lake? Seems awefully large, heavy and complex to just be a vent for the distributor. I wonder what's inside of it?

 

[Landpimp]

I know the latter dizzies were vented.........but I have never seen the vent....

 

[zebrabeefj40]

So, why would the distributor be vented, is that for when you feel like driving across a lake? Seems awefully large, heavy and complex to just be a vent for the distributor. I wonder what's inside of it?

Newer distributors have o-ring seals under the caps. Makes'm water tight which also means moisture the works it's way up from inside the motor can't get out. That leads to corroded ignition components and THAT would work against Toyota's legendary reliability. So the venting system was developed to pull the moisture from inside the cap. As a filter that stock piece is actually pretty darn small. Pretty cool system IMHO...

Nick

 

[Rhinoliner]

I agree, it's a pretty cool system. Thank you for the great explanation.

Marvin