Airbox foam surprise

[roadrash]

Greetings,

After reading about deteriorating airbox foam on the Yahoo 318ti mailing list, I thought I should pop my hood and check the condition of the foam in my car.

So, I opened the airbox, pressed on the foam and it didn't spring back. It looked OK otherwise, and I didn't notice any missing chunks.

Then I pulled out the filter in order to check the foam in the lower portion of the box. There, I found a bit of a surprise.

First, let me ask a question. Is there supposed to be anything in the bottom of the airbox? I.e., some sort of tan-colored, triangle-shaped bits (3/8" on a side) of what looks like maybe large fish tank gravel??

I seriously doubt that this stuff is supposed to be in there since nobody else has mentioned it. My guess is that some stupid rodent has been caching cat food in my airbox! LMAO!!

There's like 1.5" inches of this stuff in there... it's almost up to the bottom edge of the inlet tube. I was going to clean it out, but figured I should take a photo first.

Once I find a camera, I'll post some pix here. My PDA was stolen yesterday, so it might be a couple of days.

JMJ

[aceyx]

Photo, vacuum.

The stuffing is easier to remove if you pull out the framing material. Takes a bit, but comes out pretty easily.

[roadrash]

Actually, the foam stuffing is intact if I don't mess with it. SHOULD it be removed? What are the consequences if I remove it? Should it be replaced? If so, what with?

The "cat food" will obviously be removed as soon as I get a camera.

[Tyler]

I took the foam out of my airbox last summer i think. The reason i took it out cause i touched it and it turned into dust so i took it all out. Didn't think it was good to keep in if it was totally dried out.

[bullmand]

Originally Posted by roadrash

SHOULD it be removed? What are the consequences if I remove it? Should it be replaced? If so, what with?

I took mine out 5 years ago. It won't cause any problems, but you might notice a little increase in engine sounds. No biggie, but it's a possibility. I suspect that stuff was put there for noise suppression. While you're in there you should do the M42/M44 dual intake mod. I think the writeup is on here somewhere. Honestly it probably doesn't do much for performance, but it's cheap and easy.

[GDB]

I would go ahead and pull the foam liner out, wether it's good or bad.

The problem is that when it starts to crumble (which it will do as surely as our window retainer clips will break) it will start making it's way upstream from the air filter. This becomes a problem when it comes into contact with the MAF, as it can melt onto the wire and ruin your MAF.

[aceyx]

Definitely remove the baffling material above the air filter, regardless of it's deterioration.

Below, that's your call. It's only 10 minutes to do, but it does increase the sound a little bit.


In my car ('97 with 156k) the foam was pretty much in tact, but it fell apart if I touched it. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention . . .

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by aceyx

Photo, vacuum.

Step 1 is complete:



I'll get to Step 2 after the holiday.

[GDB]

Originally Posted by roadrash

Step 1 is complete:
Attachment 2125


I'll get to Step 2 after the holiday.

dude, that is just weird.

[mphmotorwerks]

I guess the ol ti was a little hungry

[maverick]

I am the one that neglected to remove the foam and almost ruined my MAF...if in doubt have it out!!!

It seems you have a hoarding vermin, that is cat food. Mouse or chipmunk maybe. That is one reason I don't use paper filters, I have had them in my old Toyota and they nibble the paper. I use ITG foam panels, they don't seem to like the taste, as it has never been touched. Also ITG uses a nice strong stainless steel mesh on top to make sure.

Maverick

[Watchmyradical]

when i first got my car it was sitting for about a 5 years and there was a mouse nest in the bottom of the air box and god knows what else... oh and a dead bird in one of the holes of the spare tire. they added a couple of hourse power so i kept them.

[mnbimmerchic]

Originally Posted by GDB

I would go ahead and pull the foam liner out, wether it's good or bad.

The problem is that when it starts to crumble (which it will do as surely as our window retainer clips will break) it will start making it's way upstream from the air filter. This becomes a problem when it comes into contact with the MAF, as it can melt onto the wire and ruin your MAF.

No doubt; I just had to replace my MAF, litterally this past weekend. Doesn't take long to replace but the part is upwards of $300.00. PREVENT it from happening!!!

[aceyx]

Originally Posted by mphmotorwerks

I guess the ol ti was a little hungry

Guess you haven't been feeding it enough Civics.

[fly2thesun]

One silly question from a noob...

I wanted to take a look into the airbox (well, just to say hello). I located the '4 clips' securing the airbox lid, but one of them was very effectively blocked by the thick hose going toward the intake manifold. I can't reach the clip. Are we supposed to disconnect ( i.e., unclamp ) this hose to unlock the clip below it, or is there a smarter way? I'm wondering because my Haynes manual says "unclip the 4 clips" , so matter-of-factly. No mention of removing any other stuff before that.