Black cap on right valve cover: does it need to be hooked up to air filter cover

[Sukhoi]

God, those titles need to be longer. sorry for

I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, its a black cap on the right side of the engine atop the valve cover. has a hose that runs to the air-filter housing.

I consulted with my Father on it's function, he suspects it to be used for recirculating some of the combustion gases back into the intake

My question is- We got a new Air filter housing (shiny!) and it has no such recepticle for the hose, will it be detrimental to the engine (or my fuel economy) to just run a hose off of this down under the engine body, mabye route it to the back of the car along with the exhaust? or is there a better fix?

forgive my newbishness if i got some names of parts wrong.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The set-up most of us after-market folks have, is an air-breather element on one valve cover, with a PCV valve on the other valve cover. The PCV valve connects to the carb., or intake manifold. I can give you pics. tomorrow if you need them.

   Mike

[Sukhoi]

Pictures would be infinately helpful.

I'm still trying to learn this stuff on the go.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

This is what I got on my computer now. The breather element is on the driver's side, and the PCV valve is on the passenger's side. I have it connected to the intake maniflod. I will get you that pic. tomorrow.

  Mike

[Sukhoi]

Very helpful, thank you.

Would it be any detriment to run the car with it disconnected for a couple days?

[Chryco Psycho]

it is just a filter to clean air that is pulled into the engine & no it will not hurt to have it disconnected from the Air cleaner