My '85 240s pre-heat hose has severed into two pieces. I attempted to salvage it with tape but alas.

My two questions are:
1) how important is this part, particularly consider that I live in a hot climate (SE Louisiana)?
2) Is it possible to replace the pipe with some sort of piping from Lowes/elsewhere instead of getting an aftermarket/OEM part? I saw the genuine Volvo part is like $60 on FCP which is insane to me, considering it's a piece of aluminum and that the OEM pipe failed rather badly.

Thanks for any help or thoughts.

 

I would say because you're in a warmer client where cold starts aren't really an issue, I wouldn't worry about replacing it. Unless emissions testing in your state will call you out for it being missing.

 

how cold would a cold start be? We have nights that get down to just above freezing here, but that's the coldest it's ever gotten since I've lived here.

 

Not needed except in very cold climates... Costs about $12 from IPD if you want one...

 

in fact, its a very good idea to wire the flap in the bottom of the airbox to that pipe closed, unless you live where it gets well below 0F for extended periods.

California smog testing visually inspects the hose is there but doesn't check the flap. elsewhere, YMMV.

 

They don't emission test in central Ohio and that hose is something I always remove and throw away. Never had an issue with cold starts here during an Ohio winter.

 

I have lived in the Chicago area and had removed mine. It doesn't really help with cold starts but it does help improve gas mileage and emissions in really cold weather. I Louisiana you shouldn't need to worry about.