disconnecting hot air blend??

[Rhett]

Is disconnecting the hot air blend tube on the airbox (4.0 OHV) an ok thing to do for the summer months? If it's disconnected, does it need to be plugged up?

 

[JDraper]

I wouldn't disconnect it. Even in the summer, the engine is still 'cold' when you start it for the first time. You might experience prolonged warmups and some hesitation if you do.

 

[jsdean]

Ok from a truly engine and what's best standpoint, I have no idea. BUT from a use standpoint here you go, a lot of people here, including me run either the KKM or K&N or other form of conical filter thus removing the factory airbox, we either leave the air blend (like I did) or take it out, either way it's basically ineffective, here's what I have found (keep in mind I live in texas, freaking cold here is anything around freezing, none of this negative degree stuff like the yanks have). in the winter it takes longer to heat up, but honestly my explorer has always taken forever to heat up in the cold. in summer I haven't noticed any difference at all.

 

[CHH777]

I ditched mine when the KKM went in and haven't noticed any change.

My engine completely warms up in ~1 mile. Even on the 2 cold days a year here in Houston...