any idea what this is called and what it does exactly?
i got an '86 carburated 22r with mechanical fuel pump (replaced 2 months ago) truck had a rebuild 10k miles ago...it has always loped a lil' while doing 40-45 but the other day I took it on a trip through mtns and on way home I noticed it bucking a lil more than usual..i made it home fine and parked it... went out this afternoon and started it(cold) and made it about 1/4 mile and it dies..will not start back up...after 1 hr or so I tried it and it started and I headed home..it dies as im pulling into my driveway ..exactly 1/4 mile..any ideas?
I pulled a plug wire and it was getting fire and its also getting fuel...not much it can be on these little engines but im no mechanic and am lost......PLEASE HELP!!!!

when I took the air filter cover off I found this just rolling around inside anyone know what the hell it is?
any idea what this is, exactly ...and what it does? please HELP.. its my ONLY ride and need it for work tomorrow..

 

If it's carburated, then it's a 22R, not a 22RE.

Please clarify:
Crank is when starter turns the motor - hence, cold-cranking amp rating on battery.
Combustion is when fuel, air and spark combine so you can feel, hear, smell the VROOM.

Check all your connections. Repeat ALL, not just the cliched "check grounds".
All connections should have bare, shiny metal tightly contacting bare, shiny metal.

 

The thing you found in your air cleaner is a thermostatic valve for the Automatic Hot Air Intake System.

This valve controls the vacuum-actuated flapper in the intake section of the air cleaner. The system is designed to improve cold weather driveability and prevent carburetor icing.

Since you found it just rolling around, you probably have a pretty good-sized vacuum leak from the valve being disconnected. This may not be your only problem, but it is at least a problem.

Here is a diagram of the system from my 1987 Toyota Truck & 4Runner Repair Manual (should be the same as your 1986):

 

thanks for reply...so that's probably not why the truck cuts off and wont restart....? instead of replacing I could just plug the lines? all of the smog control stuff has been taken off anyway..


well I tried it just now and it started reluctantly and ran like crap for a few seconds and sputtered to a stop....... here are a few pics maybe you or someone can look it over and see if anything is outta the ordinary..thanks

 

Thanks, old87yota, and Good job, O.P. for posting pictures so people tying to help can see what you're dealing with!

 

While it is part of the emissions system that doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing - especially since it is designed to improve cold weather driveability and prevent carburetor icing. Those are actually good things.

 

You also have another opening where at least a hose should be attached.

 

There you go! A picture paints a thousand words...

And I agree ^^^ why not re-mount the loose part and re-connect?