Crankcase breather

[Croyde]

Hi,
Just bought my biffer, 2006 SC58 .
On exploring I have found what I think to be the crankcase breather pipe which somebody has blocked with a bolt. It clearly should have been attached to what I think is a breather valve attached to the air filter.
My question is , should I reattach to the air filter, or is there a good reason somebody had blocked it up and disconnected from the valve on the air filter. I did take the bolt out, there was no residue inside.
Thanks

[Art]

Its an undesirable modification carried out by folk who should not be allowed spanners and who are completely ignorant of the workings of a 4 stroke internal combustion engine. Remove the bolt and refit the pipe to the air filter box. Also check the short clear plastic drain tube that exits the bottom left hand side of the air filter box is intact and the end is closed. If the end has been snipped re-crimp it or replace it.

The breather is an essential vent pipe that reduces crankcase pressure, prevents the sump oil from frothing and removes harmful corrosive blow by gasses.

[Croyde]

Thanks Art,
Frightening what you find when you start digging underneath panels on your new purchase.