So, thinking to replace cabin and engine air filters before tackling repairs, I pulled the air cleaner to SC intake duct from my "new" '07 XJR" and found:

... the downhanging resonance dongle hanging by a thread (of silicone goo...)

This allows the engine to breathe dirty air, short circuiting the air filter pretty much entirely. The clean side of the system is, well, dusty

So, looking at the mess, I looked at another intake duct (used one on EBay) to figure the orientation (dongle leans upstream)

Underhood plastic is famously tough to glue. I'm tempted to fix it with a couple of fender washers and JB Weld.

Anyone else been here?

PS: OH.... Coming behind a hack mechanic? Yuck....

Intake duct broken (above), Cabin filter was in backwards; Plastic rivets missing in half the radiator cover holes, Hinge tabs broken off various panels. Bet more to come...

 

You are lucky , I have no rivets holding any plastic in place in my engine compartment. It just sits there held in place by the weight of the bonnet (hood).

Sound proofing missing, cables held with string and zip ties. Its what comes of buying a car at auction I'm afraid... Although all the major plastic bits are there.