Exhaust stem, what is it?

[b3uhbp]

I've had my jeep now for 4 years and I've long noticed the short stem coming off of the exhaust pipe just below the exhaust manifold. It is filled with something to block it but when I put my hand over it I can feel a vacuum.

What is this stem for and should it be leaking? Would this leak effect the way the engine runs?

When ever the engine is under a load (ie when accelerating) I get a slight chugging noise. Could this be the cause?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[RevDrCueBall]

That was part of the Pulse Air System. Basically it cross fed information from the exhaust upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter and fed into the now famous emissions systems of the late CJ 258s.

Since you have the HEI and the weber, it wasn't needed, and removed. Should be plugged tight though.

I don't know if it's causing your chugging or not.

 

[b3uhbp]

That was part of the Pulse Air System. Basically it cross fed information from the exhaust upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter and fed into the now famous emissions systems of the late CJ 258s.

Since you have the HEI and the weber, it wasn't needed, and removed. Should be plugged tight though.

I don't know if it's causing your chugging or not.

I assumed it was emissions related but it's good to have some specifics. I will now move to plug it tight. Not sure how to achieve that but will do some research.

Thanks for your expertise and quick response.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That goes directly to the 'cat'.
YES-part of the SMOG system.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

How would you go about plugging it completely?

 

[Torxhead]

You could remove the cutoff piece, fold it over and weld it. Actually, whatever works. Leaving it open could allow cold air in and warp a valve. I assume that all the emissions stuff is long gone.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

See if you can pinch that tube shut.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

You could remove the cutoff piece, fold it over and weld it. Actually, whatever works. Leaving it open could allow cold air in and warp a valve. I assume that all the emissions stuff is long gone.

Yes, all the smog junk is gone. It's not wide open. There was an attempt to block it as there is a hard substance in the end but it's leaking. I'll remove it and check for next steps.