Broken Air Filter Box Tab

Recently bought a 2010 2.7 L Tacoma. Went to change the engine air filter, and while closing the air cleaner housing, it was not aligned right and the plastic tab on the right side snapped off, as well as part of the rim of the housing. When closed a little bit of the edge of the filter is now exposed. The housing still snaps shut very tightly. Was wondering if the box is still sealed around the filter or is it likely that extra air is leaking in, bypassing the filter? I can't seem to feel any air being sucked in through this opening when the engine is running. Should I buy a new filter box or just put tape over it or something?
With the housing latched down:

 

A lot of guys go for after market air intakes. When you get enough posts (50 I think) you could put a WTB in the classifieds here for a stock box. Possibly source one at a salvage/recyclers yard. Meantime, I'd put a piece of duct tape over it for a seal, and call it good. Being there's a clamp just opposite on that corner, it's probably sealed anyway.

 

Some air is probably bypassing the filter. If the truck is stock, there should be a secondary charcoal filter in the airbox lid that'll prevent large contaminants from getting into the engine, though the charcoal filter is not replaceable: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-secondary-air-filter-removal.2012/ Long term, finding a replacement airbox lid on eBay, Craigslist, Buy & Sell section of TacomaWorld, etc. is your best bet.

 

In the short term I'd put a little grease on the top and bottom of the rubber on that air filter in that spot. That will help it seal, and if any air slips by it should be sticky enough to help catch any dirt it's trying to take with it. Then, apply duct tape to cover up the hole as best you can.

And I'd echo that in the long term you should be able to find a reasonably priced stock replacement somewhere.

That's my two cents.

 

Duct tape

 

I’d drive it. Then in a few Thousand miles, check that area of the filter for bypass contamination.
If it looks good, drive on. If it looks pretty dirty. Maybe replace the box or lid.

 

Actually a good suggestion. Lol.

 

Tape the mother fuck out of it. Mine did the same thing, just not as bad, and it was determined it was a contributing factor to my piston rings commiting suicide. Intake was caked full of dust, I had it all steam cleaned when the engine was rebuilt and got a new box from a wrecker. Seriously if you do any kind of off road at all get that thing replaced asafp

 

Flex seal !!!!

 

Thanks for all of your responses. For now I have just duct taped it up and am gonna try to find a replacement lid soon.

 

Gorilla glue it back together, then once it’s dried a little epoxy glue on the outside it will stay together just fine.

 

If you still have the broken piece I would use the JB weld to glue it together.

 

The tab that broke off is just to align the top lid to the bottom.
Has nothing to do with sealing the air filter to the air box lid.

 

Good answers here,

Mine snapped off this past weekend and I was pretty pissed b/c up till 60K all my services were free at the dealer. So only a lube tech I assumed ever took it apart and replaced it from time to time.

It was hanging off before I touched it.

 

Still have the piece?

 

Clean engine bay btw!

 

What did you need up doing @AME219? I just my did this on my 2.7 as well... mines a 2017. I tried to super glue it. And tape