I'll add pics later, but somehow a tar-like substance has gotten in and around the air filter box. Could a motor mount have exploded (assuming that these are hydraulic? I don't know, perhaps someone can clarify)? I'm told that's exactly what's inside the hydraulic mounts.

 

the motor mounts arent hydraulic (or at least the ones on mine werent when i pulled the motor), so i dont think thats it. Plus, you could tell by inspection whether the motor mount on the pass side was gone. could it be some underbody protection junk that got oversprayed?

 

Motor mount is solid rubber, with a threaded stud protruding from either side. No liquid or other stuff involved. I can't think of (or have seen) any tar-like stuff in the car at all. Pics?

 

i have seen the rubber that is around the air filters get melted and old and form what your describing. Its a pain to get all out as well.

 

+1!

 

Here's a pic...

 

It is from the air filter. Thats how i got my first FC. The tar had run into the MAF and gummed it up. 5 cans of carb clean and an oil change and i was on my way.