What is this bolt for?

[winstonsmith]

What is this bolt for exactly? It's loose and rattling around.

[mperdue]

Well, you could try removing it and see what breaks or falls off. That would answer your question!

Just joking - maybe some here can help. I can't really tell where that pic was taken, but someone else will know.

michael

ps I can't believe there's no "wink" smiley!

[Ed]

It looks like a plug for the exhaust manifold.

[sblake01]

Actually, it's where the egr tube should be. If you feel under the bottom of the intake manifold beneath the egr valve you'll probably find another bolt or plug there too because that's where the other end of the egr tube connects.

[winstonsmith]

So the last owner removed the EGR tube and blocked it off? Is this loosened for a reason maybe or should I tighten it back down? I can hear it rattling when the engine is running. It's annoying.

[sblake01]

It looks that way. Does your egr work? Lift the diapraghm up while your car is idling and see if it makes the engine stumble, if so it's okay. Maybe you should just get the tube and re install it. Might make the car run better.

[winstonsmith]

Well I just tried that and the engine didn't stumble. Nothing happened at all so I guess the EGR doesn't even work and that's why the guy blocked it off. I guess I'll just tighten that loose bolt back down so it doesn't rattle and fall out. Thanks for all the help though. I was wondering what that was. I was hoping something serious hadn't happened.

[sblake01]

Now that I think of it, you probably would need the exhaust tube to be hooked up in order for raising the diapraghm in the EGR valve to cause a stumble. If it runs okay without it leave it plugged.