Does the air breather assembly have to be installed before trying to start the car?? I think I have read in the threads somewhere that there is an air valve of some sort in the breather. T o F??

Thanks anyone Dale

simply put, the answer is yes, it does .....so T is my reckoning....

What are the consequences and does this apply to the 380 engine as well?

I have never heard of this as related to the CIS equipped cars. I start 116 and 117 engines without the air cleaner installed any time I am working on them. Maybe it is on some of the later models (92 - 2008) cars but not on the pre 91 cars. Now, I would never drive one with the air cleaner off.
Someone please correct me if I am wrong. (I've been wrong be for)

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

No; to answer in one word.
There is an air temp sensor and an air pipe for the PCV system. Neither have much effect on starting/running the engine for short periods. the idle mix duty cycle might be slightly off due to less restriction; again very little effect.
I do it all the time with no noticeable issues.
DG

Hi again guys and thank you for your response!!

According to your responses and those on another forum, the opinions expressed seem to be that the breather is NOT an absolute necessity and would NOT prevent the car from starting. I inspected the filter assembly thoroughly and could find nothing that would have a bearing on the car starting or running.

cliffmac---Could you shed any light on your opinion as to why you feel the breather or filter is necessary??

Thanks