I found this in my parts bucket from when I rebuilt the engine and I know where it goes but I have no idea what it is and if it affects the engine from runing. It's obviously broken. And the engine starts but then dies seconds after.

 

 

And its located on the back of the engine on a pipe.

 

Looks like the Thermactor air pump check valve

 

Thanks! I looked that up on the auto zone so and the name is gp Sorensen so I Google the purpose and I keep coming across that it's also a file regulator? Is this true?