The hot air ducted to the air inlet box is of dubious value. If you are subject to under-hood emission inspections in your state, then leave the hose from the exhaust manifold to the air inlet box intact. Otherwise, remove the hose and also unbolt the "stove" assembly from the exhaust manifold and you'll have a quieter car that also looks cleaner under the hood.

Remove the air inlet box completely and study its contents. You'll see where the inlet thermostat actuates the flapper to direct heated air or ambient air to the inlet. You can wire the flapper to block the heated air (most stealthy approach), or simply remove the flapper and inlet air will be drawn from behind the LH headlight and from under the hood.

By now you must know that the air box thermostat failure mode results in drawing hot air into the AMM, which can cause premature failure. So you need to either remove the air box thermostat or take other measures to prevent a steady diet of hot air to the AMM.
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In God We Trust. Everyone else, keep your hands where I can see them.

The air box thermostat is located in the air filter box. On our bricks, it is recommended to block the hot air intake permanently to ensure the long life of the AMM. There have been countless posts on this board on how to accomplish the permanent fix.

jorrell
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92 245 278K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!