Intake air preheat

[KSMITH1@mailgw.sanders.lockheed.com]

Hello all:

Subject:  Intake air preheat on 1988 90q 10V

While investigating a cold-start rattle this weekend, I discovered 
that not only is the heat shield/air pre-heat assembly loose, but 
there was no duct attached to it.  Given that this vehicle is a 
preowned VAG product, this doesn't surprise me, but further 
investigation revealed that the counterpart intake port to the air 
cleaner was deliberately blocked.

My Bentley indicates that the air cleaner assembly on this engine is 
normally hooked to the exhaust shield via thermostatic control.  (Not 
having delved in there yet, I assume its the typical VW paraffin 
expander connected to a doorway.)  I suspect a failure to understand 
engine operating requirements on the part of whoever did the blocking. 
However, on the remote chance that there was a TSB directing this, I 
would appreciate it if any list member who is aware of such a 
directive would so inform me.  (I will also entertain speculation on 
whether this causes cold weather enrichment or leaning, not to mention 
potential icing.)  

TIA

***                 ...Kirby    (Kirby A. Smith)                 ***
***              ksmith1@mailgw.sanders.lockheed.com             ***
***              [=]   kirby.a.smith@lmco.com                    ***
***  Opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the author. ***