Do i really need this sensor?
 

So I was looking at my non-running 87 base and noticed that the 2 wires of the split air solenoid have the insulation melted off them and the connector looks kind of melted, so it was disconnected when I bought the car. My question is should I connect it or leave it disconnected? Could this have burned out my ECU? Also what is the other sensor on the same housing? (mine is completed melted off)

thanks,
gtm

there are two electrically controlled solenoids on the ACV. It is not uncommon for the port air solenoid to fail and burn out the wiring and transistor in the ECU. The port air solenoid is not used after the motor has exceeded 20K miles.

But the other solenoid is the split air solenoid. It must be in working condition for the car to pass emissions as it shunts the air into the cats as needed; to prevent the cats from burning out or overheating.

Split Air and Port Air. Port Air is not used after twenty thousand miles.

The Split Air should be kept for emissions. Do not plug the one you have now with the shorted wires. They screw out. Get another off another acv. Port Air is not required so don't replace it.