So what's the skinny on this piece of plastic that seems to be covering the air intake? Here's a pic: http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/u...2/DSC00967.jpg

The one on my '95 XJ is even simpler, its a piece of plastic screwed into a normally empty square hole. I'm assuming its to keep things such as, for example, over 9000 love bugs out of your intake.

I was thinking, if it were replaced with a fine mesh, perhaps the intake would still be protected while at the same time allowing more air in.

Thoughts?

 

Going ahead and bumping this thread... real curious about the idea.

 

Maybe to keep rain from directly soaking the air filter at highway speeds?

 

Oh, I guess my brilliant mesh idea would kind of ruin that effect, huh?

 

I'm just guessing.. I see this on a lotta different makes all time.

 

Took mine out years ago, made no difference.

 

Maybe to dampen TB noise?

 

No problem with excess filter dust / damage? I noticed that the square opening in the metal that the plastic covers is not directly in line with the grille but I'd still be inclined to believe that tons of insects would find their way in w/o something being there.

 

No. But that's what the filter is for, to filter debris. Check and clean the filter regularly and you wont have problems.

 

Do you have tips on removing it? All I can see from under the hood are the end of screws that go through that piece of plastic and the metal.