Foam on top of Engine????

[mhochman]

I'm looking to buy an 03 Explorer XLT and I noticed something on top of the engine along side of the intake manifold. If you are standing in front of the car it is on the left side about middle on top it looks like foam rubber of some sort. Looks like it used to have some kind of plastic cover but it has deteriorated and now you can see the foam. Any ideas???
Thanks,
Mark

 

[Oldwolf]

There should be a large plastic cover over the butterfly valve on the intake manifold. It has one torx screw holding it down. Does yours have this?

 

[mhochman]

I think it is for noise dampening. It sits on top of the engine block Looks like a rodent may have chewed through the plastic cover.

Thanks,
Mark