The pump gets fresh air into the system for ignition, but if you feel this
step works for you, go for it.  In all the years I had my '84 it never gave
me a problem, nor did water ever accumulate in the tube.

If you leave it open and there is a failure of the safety systems gas would
come out of the tube and be bad, very bad for you.  Also, they say not to
put the cover on except for car washing for the same reason.  Any gas that
leaked into the combustion chamber would be trapped, and that's not a good
thing either.

The EVCs with Norcolds don't come with covers at all.  But they have their
own problems.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Keith Ovregaard
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 11:13 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: WHat is this for

To get more fresh combustion air into the burn chamber, I use a rubber
squeeze bulb from my camera kit. An ear irrigater will work, too.
Definitely helps to get the flame going.