Oil Bath Filter - Permanently Welded Set to Hot Air?

[sweller]

I cleaned out the oil bath air filter on my recently acquired 1971 bay - for the first time - and I discovered that it appears to have a metal plate inserted and crudely welded to shut off the cold air intake. Apologies for the poor quality picture.

There is no thermostatic control on the flap, it is just a simple lever. The carboard hoses from the hot area are in good condition and connected but I can't fathom why it appears to be modified in this way.

The van has a new engine (the PO had a local garage install it), runs well and does about 20-22mpg

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Simon

Brighton, UK

 

[james_stan]

crudely welded to shut off the cold air intake.

..its better than my welding . I have an unmodified oil bath filter I was going to put on ebay.