Honda Repair: engine schematics of 88 accord, gas fuel system, engine schematics

Question
i have a strange question for you.  What is the large black tube that runs out of the engine from the left in an 88 Honda Accord? (by the left I mean when you are looking under the hood from the front of the car.) The tube itself is probably about 2 inches in diameter, and was coming from about the top to the middle of the side of the engine.  The reason I am wondering is because I own an 88, and just last night that tube caught on fire.  I put it out, but am curious to know what the problem might have been before I attempt repairs. I can also tell you that the starter was malfunctioning before the fire started.  Thank you in advance.

Answer
I believe what you are looking at is the air intake that connects to the air filter housing. I would suspect that somehow gas fuel system pushed its way out, probably due to the starter problem and you received a spark from the engine that ignited it. You would not need a lot of fuel to spark a fire and plastic will burn easily. I would fix the starter problem and check the fuel lines and filter to make sure you do not have a fuel leak.
Hope this helps.