can anyone identify this vacuum diaphragm controlled valve on top of the intake

[sehaare]

I took the plastic engine cover off the top of the SOHC to try and help getting at the PCV in the back. When I did I found what appears to be a vacuum diaphragm controlled valve directly on top of the intake and the linkage looks to have come off a long time ago. A very tiny snap ring had come off the top of the shaft and was long gone. I was able to make something that would work to keep the linkage on the shaft but I was wondering what the function of the valve was since I had never noticed any difference in the way the XLT was running.

Thanks

 

[shucker1]

Variable Intake System.

I'm a V-8 guy but I have read post by V-6 Experts here on the site and that is what it is called.

The Link below should Explain it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350782&highlight=variable+intake+manifold

 

[sehaare]

Variable Intake System.

I'm a V-8 guy but I have read post by V-6 Experts here on the site and that is what it is called.

The Link below should Explain it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350782&highlight=variable+intake+manifold

Thanks for the info, I had let my daughter use the car for a daily driver to college, now she has moved away and I've got the car back. I thought that the acceleration wasn't what it used to be, but I had just chalked that up to it being older. fixing this and replacing my 02 sensors when the get here might actually do a lot for it.

Thanks again for solving the mystery