What does this vacuum actuator do?

[adamj]

At least I think this is called a vacuum actuator, I found this in the cowl area while cleaning it out because of this:

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Here is the thing in question:

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Also, where does water drain out of this area when it rains?

 

[Georgeb]

That actuator closes the cowl when the HVAC unit is switched to MAX. There is another one on the passenger side kick panel that opens when this one closes. The water drains out of both sides of the cowl behind the front fenders near the bottom door hinges.

 

[adamj]

Any way to access those drain holes? Do they ever clog up?

 

[Georgeb]

They can clog up with twigs and leaves. They are hard to get at with the fenders on tho. You can usually flush them out while the cowl is open using a garden hose. They are pretty big openings.