Continuing the process of getting familiar with my truck and modifications made by the PO. While I was underneath trying to figure out why the front axle is covered with oil, I noticed this red handle looking thing attached to the side of the starter. Then there's also a tube coming from the engine fitting onto the end of the handle. Can anyone shed some light on what this is?

Also is the yellowish tube coming down from the top in the second and third pic my crankcase vent tube?

 

unless I'm just looking at this all wrong?? the red thing is your positive battery cable that hooks to the starter, & yeah the yellow tube is your crankcase breather tube or "puke tube" hope this helps, Dusty

 

Ive always wandered what the little rubber "fingers" are that stick out of the starter.?

 

The little tube (finger?) is a vent. The starter is sealed to keep water out but needs a vent to release expanding air when it gets hot.

 

Ohhhh. Thanks!