air cleaner box has rusted metal shavings

[wazzabie]

I removed the air cleaner top and cleaned out the area outside the air cleaner. It is on a stock 78 K5 blazer with federal emissions. It has a warn air duct that goes up to the air intake funnel. Some how rusted metal got inside and piled up. The air cleaner prevented it rom going into the carb. Should I be concerned? What causes this?

 

[Fordum]

I'm guessing rust off the exhaust manifold. The warm air pipe draws it from around there.

 

[wazzabie]

That is my guess also. Should I be concered about this?

 

[Fordum]

That is my guess also. Should I be concered about this?

Interesting question. It kinda depends.
It does not mean the engine is about to fall out, but it does mean that the heat box is rusting out.
Its not an absolutely necessary part of the engine. Lots of them run without it.
But they crank and idle a lot better with them. I would check where the hose hooks up to see how rusty it is and just go with what you find.
If its about gone, but cold weather is also about gone where you are, then just make a note to try to find one soon.