How does that even happen? I'm no pro but it's probably a negligible defect in performance but I dont see it being a costly fix at all, just go get a new one from a junkyard.

The duct feeds air into the engine and the holes let some of that air go.

 

it definately looks like it melted and before i got this car it had oil starvation issues, and all sorts of problems.

 

I dont see that piece being to expensive at a local junkyard, should also be sure to change the air filter if the car was neglected the filter is probably in horrible condition.

 

It looks to me like it rubbed off rather than melted. Junkyard is your best bet.

No, you won't "loose" any air, but perhaps some small amount of it will be coming from inside the engine bay. If there is any performance loss it will be very small. The cosmetic issue will probably nag me too though

 

I'd just wrap the thing in duct tape for now (or aluminized HVAC tape if you have it) and not make a special trip to the junkyard just for this one silly part.

And even with the holes, it's still better than a Cone-on-a-pipe "Cold Air Intake" that periodically gets asked about here.

 

Mine has looked exactly like that since I bought my car 5 years and 50k miles ago. I didn't make it a high priority fix.

 

I have the same issue with mine on my '02. I can't imagine it having melted or been worn by anything. I think it is just a manufacturing defect. I haven't worried about it since the holes are before the air filter. I have not touched mine...could be the reason I get a fair amount of sand and organic matter at the filter.....

 

hmm i am going to cover it with a piece of foam and duct tape for now. i live in a very dusty area. glad to hear there are others with the same look! maybe it was a defect, very odd.

 

I wouldn't worry about dust since it is prefilter. Look on the underside of the hood. Maybe it rubbed up there.

 

Just changed my filter and had to move my duct out the way thought of this thread and inspected mine and it had no holes. I guess you can keep on with it like that but don't see why when it shouldn't be more than a $10 piece.

 

To answer your original question, it does not affect performance, the amount of hot air that could be drawn in through the holes vs. the volume of air coming from the open end of the duct at the grille is negligible. It is also before the airbox and therefore also before the MAF sensor, so air metering is not affected. If you are a engine dress up type, cosmetically it isn't perfect, but I would prioritize it with the "if I happen across one of these in my picking excursions category" and not with the "I must run right out and scavenge a replacement category"

I'll check my shelves this afternoon, I think I may even have one if you want. Cost of postage would cover it, about $5.50.

:wrench:

 

if you find one, sure! dont really care about cosmetics under the hood. let me know!

 

I wonder why they even used that ribbed design... it doesnt seem to flex all that much

 

The ribs probably are structural to keep it from collapsing. 5 min epoxy it closed if you are concerned.

 

Mine has the same holes! Planning on just getting one from a junkyard.