Foam filter in plastic on top of intake of 02?

[JAG66]

Just bought a 2002 Explorer with 4.0L V6. There is a foam filter sealed inside of clear plastic on top of intake area. What is this?

 

[misconceived]

Does it look like a bag?

If so...it's the heat insulation pillow. Ford was real bright on that one.

 

[JAG66]

That's what it looks like. What is it's purpose?

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I've seen these on various vehicles, and my guess would be to reduce intake noise. The plastic intakes don't have the same sound deadening capability that older metal plenums did, and I'm thinking this is a cheap way to reduce it. I don't know how many Chrysler products I've listened to that have sounded like they have a vacuum leak, but it turned out to be just the way the air rushing thru the runners sounded.

My '04 4.0 doesn't have anything like this. Must have been something they tried and redesigned in the later years. Mine doesn't even have any plastic "beauty cover" on the plenum like some do...It's just a bare plastic plenum with "4.0L SOHC" embossed into it.

 

[misconceived]

Mine doesn't even have any plastic "beauty cover" on the plenum like some do...It's just a bare plastic plenum with "4.0L SOHC" embossed into it.

I've looked all over the place for that cover. It would be a lot easier to detail.