Hi gang,
Been a long time since I last posted, been focusing on my Jeep to the neglect of "EB" my '81 E-150 Panel van. "Easy Bake" developed a leak at the transmission a 3+1 RUG/RAB overdrive manual trans. Took 'er to a local shop I've been doing business with for years, a really great owner whom was a Ford line mechanic years ago, really approachable. Well, got "EB" back and one of his newer mechanics said the idle was rough, but he had permatexed the top cover gasket on the trans. and we're going to wait a spell to see if the leak continues.
After I picked up "EB" I noticed that the idle and run was VERY rough, while when I took 'er to the shop she was as smooth as milk at idle and runout. I talked to the mechanic and asked if he bumped one of the vacuum lines that would account for this new rough running. He said that they all looked good (or words to that effect) Saturday, despite having a chest cold I had at the air cleaner to see what I could find during a lull at work.
One of the vacuum lines below the air cleaner was disconnected while the other had a deep cut, making for the vacuum leak and improper operation of the flapper in the air cleaners' snorkel assy.
I also noted that he had apparrently broken the stanchion that supports the engine oil dipstick tube.



Lastly, I noticed this tab, all by its lonesome not supporting anything, does anyone know what this is for?

 

Perhaps the metal tab is for the wiring harness, is there a plastic clip that snaps through the tab hole? Shaped like an arrow?

 

Yes to secure the wiring harness right next to it

 

Ahhh thanks guys, I was so disgruntled at the dipstick tube stantion, it didn't even occur to me.