I replaced my heater core yesterday after it blew up while I was driving down the freeway, I did drive about 5-10 miles after, but only in short spurts being careful not to overheat, but I am worried I might have broken something else, cause the engine hasn't made the sound before.
It seems to be near the spark plugs or under the top plastic piece on top of the engine (pointing at the area in my photo)but I cannot see anything leaking or find anything dripping underneath. I would just go extensivly test drive it, but we have a ton of snow right now and I would hate to break down.

Can this piece be removed and stay off while I start and run engine?

Thanks guys