IDENTIFYING AN AREA IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT 08 CONTESSA

[LEAH DRAPER]

In the engine compartment area ABOVE the engine is a black colored cardboard
 looking piece that extends clear across the area side to side.  It has been secured with some screws that have torn loose.  I think this could or maybe an entry point for mice. I want to better secure this area to prevent an entry point.

Does anyone know what is behind this area?  INSIDE my coach, the only thing that would be behind this area is the washer/dryer combo and the closet THAT I KNOW OF.

If I secure this area is the engine compartment with a caulk will I be causing a problem at a later date if an access were necessary?

I hope I have made sense with what I am trying to describe and ask.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Leah,
If its' the area I think, it backs either the closet floor or, if closer the rear of the coach, it is below the area between the closet back wall and the rear cap. The hardboard material that Monaco used tends to curl with time and heat, either tearing loose from the screws or tearing the screws out. I repaired mine by adding metal strips to hold the hardboard flat and then screwing them to the floor or support braces. You can determine screw length  by removing an existing screw and locate support braces by tapping on the hard board. There should be one across the front and one across the rear.
While I was at it, I added foil backed insulation https://www.amazon.com/Thermo-Tec-14130-Sided-Thermo-Retardant/dp/B001GFW5Q0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476992625&sr=8-1&keywords=thermo+tec+14130 (attached with high temp adhesive http://www.speedwaymotors.com/DEi-010490-Hi-Temp-Spray-Adhesive,71038.html?sku=35610490&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CjwKEAjw1qHABRDU9qaXs4rtiS0SJADNzJis4oVnZCCp5pGpLqAYQ1F1JTzvei5olubetsQvBUTRjxoCO1bw_wcB ) to the hardboard and then applied the metal strips.
Steve

[Jim Nichols]

Try using spray foam. If you can find it in black better yet.