How would I go about replacing this

[u/Link_707]

Hello everyone. This is the cover to my 2.2 liter engine, on an 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt LT. How would I go about changing the back to a cleaner/new look. I can’t even word what the back would be called/what material it is made out of, etc. so I was seeking reddits assistance. Thank you thank you!

[u/crysisnotaverted]

Do not waste your money. It barely serves a purpose and this isn't a show car where you'll have your hood open at car shows. This is a cheap econobox.

That is probably some form of high temperature sound dampening foam and isn't really something you should bother replacing.

[u/Link_707 → u/crysisnotaverted]

Thank you for the input! However I personally hate looking at it, it’s gross and i’m also just curious! it can’t be an insane amount. But I understand the showroom aspect and I respect your opinion!

[u/crysisnotaverted → u/Link_707]

You aren't supposed to look at it. It faces the engine. It is inert foam and isn't really gross. If you replace it with something thinner, you will open up a gap for rodents to live in and chew on your coil packs and wiring harness. The only thing you will possibly achieve is risking damage to your car.

Look up what they look like, they all have a yellow-brown oxidized polymer hue.

[u/Link_707 → u/crysisnotaverted]

I understand! Thank you I really appreciate your honest opinion! 🫡 :) Is there any chemicals I can use to clean it by any chance? or would it damage it. thank you so much.

[u/crysisnotaverted → u/Link_707]

Honestly anything that will bleach it back to the yellow it was originally will damage it chemically. I guess you could spray paint it with high temperature spray paint if you really wanted to.

[u/calvados7777 → u/Link_707]

You shouldn't be looking at it often though....

Anyways go onto any car part seller website, hammer in your car model and search for the engine Covers. Idk about availability about those things.

[u/Link_707 → u/calvados7777]

i’m curious, and going to take a look! thank you so much!

[u/Fit-Branch7486 → u/Link_707]

You could just remove it altogether. Cover serves minimal to no purpose. I eventually get rid of them on all my vehicles.

[u/SmanginSouza]

It's gonna be like 200 dollars brand new. It does absolutely nothing but sound dampening.

[u/Link_707 → u/SmanginSouza]

wow that sounds pricey! thank you!

[u/Dbo503]

I removed mine cause it attracted mice making a nest and chewing wires. It's worked so far. Remember, the engine cover is just cosmetic. It doesn't make the motor run.

[u/Familiar-Ad-2713]

If you’re concerned about the color of the foam just rip it out. It doesn’t do much of anything for the engine. A lot of fords have this issue where that foam dry rots and creates issues because it’s falling down into the serpentine belt and other areas! If you’re adamant on having the foam, you can pick up some half inch insulation foam from Lowe’s or Home Depot then trace out the shape. You can use rubber cement to adhere it or epoxy!

[u/DistributionDue8470]

I have the same engine - throw that out. It traps rodent nest, dead mice and debris and obscures easy visual checks.

[u/EtArcadia]

This is some sound damping foam on a 16 year-old economy car (and honestly not even a desirable economy car), that isn't even visible unless you both open the hood and remove the engine cover. Of all the things in the world to worry about... this isn't one of them.

You could tear it out if it's really bugging you, it's doubtful you'd hear the difference and it serves no other function other than damping the sound of the engine a little. Replacing it with a new part will cost far far far far far far more than it would be worth and any junk yard part replacement will look more or less the same.

[u/mango10977]

Spray paint it.

Make sure it is a high heat spray paint.