Is that an old carb/tbi air cleaner? If so what they are doing is wedging open the thermac air valve- maybe the vacuum motor failed (if it’s vacuum operated) or temp sensor or whatever. I’d test it out, if it works I’d hook it back up. If it doesn’t work and you can’t find part to fix it then I’d look for a less obstructive way to hold it open, or remove it completely. They run a lot better in the winter with this functioning btw.