Air Conditioner Valve

[sfara002]

Looking to see if anyone knew the function of part number 163 in the photo for the Air Ducting in my 1991 GMC Jimmy. It moves with the door which diverts the air to the floor/ defrost area. I just don't see a purpose for it and mine is cracked and does not function properly so I was contemplating removing the valve for all together. The only thing I can think of is that it blocks off the air from recirculating back to the heater core. Is this correct? Thanks in advance.

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[Craig 85]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Don't our trucks always have fresh air running through them? Unfortunately, I just closed up my heater box last week. I had the cover off from the engine compartment side replacing the evaporator core. If this part was missing, it looks like air would always be moving over the heater core and you would always have hot air in the cab, even with the A/C on.

 

[sfara002]

Alright so I figured this out. I JB welded the part back together and left it in. It helps direct air in the bi-level mode. That's pretty much it, if it breaks again it's coming out perminently.