Help identifying part on distributor

[maxsideburn]

Does anyone know what this does and what it's called?

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3037/unknownpart0sl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks. I broke the little plastic thing that a hose goes on on this part while trying to get to my EGR.

[BITESIZE]

It's your vaccuum diaphragm....(diafram). Used for your timing...if it is bad, your gas mileage will be shitty. Better replace it! I replaced mine for about $43 a year ago. Made my car much happier.

[88Accord-DX]

I like to add technical jargon to threads, since we established it's a vacuum advance.

Vaccum advance - provides an extra measure of timing over and above any mechanical advance. The vacuum advance extends the burn cycle even longer so that all the heat energy may be absorbed by the pistons resulting in more power yield per measure of fuel and more mpg. The sensing device is a spring offset, vacuum activated diaphragm. This diaphragm receives its vacuum signal from the carburetor or intake manifold. In many vehicles this signal is modified by the transmission gear selector position, by coolant temperature sensor(s), by vehicle speed sensor, or by combinations of the above. Early computer assisted vehicles retained the vacuum advance system but employed the computer to modify the signal to the diaphragm, thereby optimizing the system performance

It is important to remember that even a slightly mistuned engine will deliver poor fuel economy. Optimum fuel economy may only be achieved when timing is optimized.

[shepherd79]

don't bother to try to buy this part at autoparts stores. noone has the right part. you better off going to dealer.
trust me, i had to order 2 of them to find out that both of them were for carbed tec distributor.

[maxsideburn]

doesn't partsamerica.com have them?