What is this part?

[SharkyX]

trying to figure out what this is, my knowledge of this stuff is limited

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4157/0107071745.jpg

[greentee76]

Well that is pretty big circle, but I believe you mean the valve on the top of the thermostat housing with two vacuum lines going to it. That is call a thermovalve ( sometimes called a ported vacuum switch). That particular one keeps the secondary on the carb from opening until the engine gets to a certain temp.

[SharkyX]

tyvm. top hose on it is partially ripped off and hadnt a clue what it was or wasnt effecting. guess its time to change it

[2drSE-i]

whats the deal with the coolant everywhere?